Government Launches $13 Million Check-in-Georgia Promotional Project

TBILISI - Georgia has launched its 29 million GEL (USD 13 million) Check -in -Georgia project aimed at promoting the country’s tourism potential.

The project will include a series of high profile events beginning in April and continuing until the end of the year. Well known local and international artists – including Italian pop singer Eros Ramazzotti and Britain’s Robbie Williams, as well as world renowned Spanish opera tenor Jose Carreras and US pop rock band Maroon 5 - will hold live concerts in cities across the country.

“Check in Georgia promotes Georgia’s popularity abroad and will make it an attractive destination for tourists…this will also enhance our image on the international market. Georgia should occupy its deserved place on the international cultural calendar,” Culture and Monument Protection Minister Mikheil Giorgadze said.

Giorgadze also said that the project plans to create modern open-air concert venues on Georgia’s Black Sea coast.

“This will be unique chance for local producers and artists to use this facilities for free during the summer season,” Giorgadze said.

The project will also include the promotion of Georgia’s locally produced food products.

“We are going to arrange wine, cheese, and other festivals to promote Georgian agro-products. We also want to promote eco-tourism in the country, because of its potential to develop,” said Giorgadze.

According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, tourism is on the rise in Georgia.

More than 1 million foreign nationals have been registered as having entered into Georgia since January, a 14.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

By Tamar Svanidze
Edited by Nicholas Waller