New Airport Planned for Georgia’s Mountainous Racha Region

TBILISI – Construction works for a new airport in Ambrolauri – a town located in western Georgia’s mountainous Racha region – are moving into their final stages, according to a statement released by the Government on Tuesday.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said the future airport would promote tourism in the region as well help boost Racha’s economy, which suffers from high unemployment and depopulation.

"This will give a significant boost to the development of tourism in Racha. We plan on completing the construction by the end of the year; the runways will be operational by this time and the terminal will be able to accommodate travellers," Kvirikashvili said.

According to the Government’s plans, additional infrastructure will also be constructed to link the future airport to the heavily trafficked Kutaisi International Airport.

Racha is widely regarded as a potential major tourist destination for Georgia. Its mountainous landscapes, vineyards, historical sites and natural environment have only recently been given full attention by the Tourism Ministry.

Mirroring many of Georgia’s more isolated regions, Racha’s poverty, unemployment and poor infrastructure have hindered its development.

By Nicholas Waller

Photo: Maia Chkhaidze

17 August 2016 17:07