Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017- Tourism Conference

Press Release

On June 14 2017, the Second Tourism and Hospitality Conference within the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017 was held at the exhibition center Expo Georgia in Conference Hall of Pavilion ІІІ.

The Conference was co-organized with the Georgian National Tourism Administration and was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and Tbilisi City Hall.

The Conference was opened with a press conference where the organizer and government representatives - Ms. Maryna Chayka – Co-Founder/CEO of Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards; Mr. George Chogovadze - Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration; Mr. Irakli Lekvinadze - Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi, Mr. Ivane Zhuzhunashvili – Partner at BDO Georgia; Mr. Giorgi Arveladze - Deputy Director of Small and Medium Business Department at the Bank of Georgia spoke about the importance of the Awards project within this field and also the development of the tourism industry in Georgia.

The latest data of January-May 2017 illustrates that the number of international travelers equaled to 2 329 677 persons which is by 9.7% higher number compared to the same period in 2016. Following the increase of demand, relevant sectors are also developing in Georgia. More specifically, over 170 new hotels opened during the past two years (which is additional 3 223 beds).

It should be noted that in 2017-2019, over 160 new tourist facilities are scheduled to be opened with more than 18000 beds. After a press conference, participants had an opportunity to listen to presentations of the best service providers within the tourism and hospitality sector, found out the latest news of the industry also well as the Awards projects’ current news.

During the Conference the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards’ organizers introduced a new Jury Expert Board to the attendees, with new Categories and went on to officially declare the opening of the registration process for participants.

From June 14 through September 20, all Tourism and Hospitality Industry players from all regions of Georgia can register on the Awards official web site (www.awardstourism.com), and are able to choose a maximum of two categories that best reflect their business and participate in the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2017.

Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards project has been held since 2015, with the main mission of the project being to encourage the tourism and hospitality industry in Georgia and promote the awareness of the high-achieving tourism business and brands that create a positive image of the country worldwide.

Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards Categories 2017:

1. THE BEST BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION AWARD

2. THE BEST STANDARD ACCOMMODATION AWARD

3. THE BEST DELUXE ACCOMMODATION AWARD

4. THE BEST WELLNESS & SPA RESORT AWARD

5. THE BEST MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION AWARD

6. THE BEST SEA ACCOMMODATION AWARD

7. THE BEST LOW BUDGET ACCOMMODATION AWARD

8. THE BEST MICE TOURISM AWARD

9. THE BEST WINE TOURISM AWARD

10.THE BEST ADVENTURE TOURISM AWARD

11.THE BEST GEORGIAN TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT AWARD

12.THE BEST FESTIVAL OR EVENT AWARD

13.THE BEST TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD

14.CONCEPT CAFÉ/RESTAURANT AWARD

15.THE BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD

16.THE BEST SPESIALISED TOURISM SERVICES AWARD

17.THE BEST TOURISM EDUCATION AWARD

18.THE BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL CHAIN IN GEORGIA AWARD

19.THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN THE SME SEGMENT AWARD

20.THE BEST WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR IN TOURISM INDUSTRY