Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Friday in his annual report to parliament that tourism and aviation are two of the “most important sectors” for the country’s development.
Kobakhidze told lawmakers that tourism revenues in the first quarter of this year were $808 million, a 40% increase compared to pre-pandemic figures.
He also called the arrival of 1.3 million international travellers, including 929,000 tourists, in the first quarter of this year a “historic record”, adding that “the positive trend must be sustained and strengthened”.
Over the summer, 13,600 flights were operated, also the highest figure ever. Currently, 50 airlines operate in Georgia, compared to 23 before 2012. In the last year alone, nine new airlines entered Georgia. [domestic] “We’re going to be entering the market and taking flights in different directions,” he told lawmakers.
“In Europe, 11 airlines are operating flights to 38 destinations, also the highest ever. More than 1.4 million passengers used the airport, also the highest ever. We expect tourism receipts of $4.5 billion this year, the highest ever. We expect 7.9 million international travelers and 5.2 million tourist arrivals this year, also the highest ever,” he said.
Kobakhidze also highlighted a project to build a new international airport near Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, capable of accommodating 18 million passengers. Kobakhidze told the legislature that the airport was of “great importance” to the development of the country’s transport capabilities.
He told lawmakers that Tbilisi airport’s current capacity was four million but the new airport would be able to handle far more passengers, adding that studies showed expanding the airport’s capacity was “vital” and that the goal would be achieved through “megaprojects”.
The Prime Minister also highlighted new projects at Telavi and Mestia airports in the east and northwest of the country.
