GNTA Head to CNN: Georgia a Success Story of How to Fight the Pandemic

In an interview with CNN, the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration Mariam Kvrivishvili said the country is a success story of how to fight coronavirus, and that it has actively implemented safety regulations and health protocols as it welcomes visitors.

"Georgia has shown everyone a successful example of how to fight the pandemic, it must be a proof, a guarantee for all travelers and our citizens. We will still be very vigilant to protect everyone equally," she noted.

Kvrivishvili pointed out that tourism is an important part of the Georgian economy.

“In 2019 alone, with our own population of 3.7 million, we were able to host more than 9 million international travelers.

"Georgia aims to remain safe and, of course, we will do everything with our power to remain safe today and tomorrow and that includes the decision on opening up gradually and carefully and reopening the border with those countries where the epidemiological situation is under control.

"We hope farther expand of the list of those countries as situation worldwide stabilizes,” she stressed. 

The Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration pointed out that the local government has implemented actively safety regulations and public health protocols.

“We have been quite successful to increase testing capacity for everyone who needs it.

"Our international airports are fully equipped with international standards.

"Our private sector is fully prepared to greet international travelers,” she noted.

By Ana Dumbadze

Watch the video here