Press releases

MINSK, 4 December (BelTA) – The number of Belarusian tourists in Adjara rises every year, BelTA learned from Archil Khabadze, Chairman of the Government of Georgia's Autonomous Republic of Adjara, at a meeting with representatives of Belarusian mass media in Batumi.

In his words, Belarus is one of the countries that Adjara expects to welcome more tourists from in the next few years. At present the number of tourists from Belarus is rather modest. In 2014 Adjara attracted about 4,500 Belarusian tourists. This year the number is likely to reach 6,000 people. The most beautiful region in Georgia’s southwest welcomes about 500,000 tourists from various countries every year, including from Poland, Lithuania, and Armenia. Russian tourists are also rediscovering the country, with the number of guests from Russia rising by about 15% per annum. “We hope that every year the number of foreign guests that visit Adjara will rise by 100,000-150,000 people,” said Archil Khabadze.

As a strategic task in the area of tourism the Adjara government prioritizes promoting the brand of the country as a place where all the opportunities for comfortable and interesting recreation are available all the year round. “At present Adjara is associated as primarily a resort area where you can bring your family to spend summer at the seaside. But it is not all the things Adjara has to offer. The region boasts soft climate, huge historical legacy, picturesque environment, national traditions and cuisine, and a good infrastructure that allow organizing all kinds of itineraries,” said the Adjara head of government.

A new skiing resort has been opened to work from December through May. Apart from that, a wide network of gambling establishments is available in Batumi, Adjara’s capital. This year a large number of travel agencies offer Christmas and New Year tours to Adjara. In spring 2016 Adjara will start offering mountain bike tourism to attract cycling tourism fans. Rural tourism is gaining popularity. Weekend recreation is a new offer. Plans have been made to allow tourists to participate in the harvesting of citrus cultures. They will be allowed to take away the harvest.

Apart from that, Adjara is interested in Belarusian investments in tourism industry and is ready to offer land plots to Belarusian companies for the sake of building resorts for Belarusians.

Archil Khabadze noted that Adjara and Belarus also have contact points in economy. In particular, a number of joint projects are being implemented. Adjara buys Belarusian agricultural machines and road construction ones. There is a large potential in developing cooperation in agriculture. Adjara is interested in buying Belarusian dairy products, which quality was praised by Archil Khabadze.