How Georgia managed to contain the spread of virus, why it is a perfect post-coronavirus destination and what travelers should do before the visit – in a 15min interview with the Ambassador of Georgia to Lithuania Levan Gvachliani.
– What is the current situation on COVID 19 in Georgia? What kind of measures were taken?
– Our country launched extensive measures to fight the spread of the virus from the very early stages, with a state of emergency declared and all available resources mobilized. With the strong solidarity of our society, successful engagement of state institutions and the unprecedented efforts of our health sector we managed to contain the virus.
Today, Georgia has one of the lowest numbers of affected people in the world. Currently we have 810 confirmed cases, while 85% (683 persons) have already recovered. I believe these figures speak for themselves and clearly show the success Georgia has achieved in fighting COVID 19.
– What is the current state of the tourism sector – after measures imposed by the Kremlin and the negative impact of the COVID 19?
– Tourism is the backbone of our economy and a rapidly growing sector. Millions of visitors from all over the world choose Georgia as their holiday destination. Georgia hosted more than 9 million visitors in 2019, which is the most vivid example of our success. Georgia strives for further development of this very important sector.
As for the impact of Russia`s decisions, I can tell you that many Russian tourists continued to visit our country despite calls to refrain. For Russian tourists Georgia remains a very popular destination. Moreover, our well-diversified tourism industry does not depend on a single source.
When it comes to COVID 19, as I already mentioned we took consistent and well-calculates steps. In order to tackle the challenges brought about by the global pandemic, we developed an anti-crisis strategy that envisages significant financial support to our tourism industry. I am confident, that these measures will facilitate quick recovery and will be instrumental in regaining the full capacities in tourism.
– Why should tourists choose Georgia now?
– Having successfully contained the spread of the virus, Georgia is rightly regarded as one of the safest tourism destinations in the world. Many prominent and respectable publications focus on our success. Apart from that, during the state of emergency period, Georgia`s tourism sector gained valuable experience and succeeded in adapting itself to the changing realities.
We also elaborated special guidelines for every segment of the tourism industry so that the safety of visitors is fully ensured and tourists feel particularly comfortable.
All three international airports in Georgia are fully adapting to international standards on a daily basis, which is important for prevention.
I think our sophisticated and at the same time, comfortable measures, in combination with our unique nature, excellent resorts, wonderful Georgian wine and distinctive cuisine, will be the main factors that will attract visitors to Georgia.
– When do you plan to reopen borders?
– As our Government has announced, from 1 July, Georgia plans to start receiving international tourists from countries, where COVID 19 is successfully contained. In this regard, we continue negotiations with our international partners, Lithuania being one of them. Obviously, we are particularly interested in receiving Lithuanian visitors as soon as possible.
Lithuania has been very successful in fighting the pandemic. Thus, I am sure that Lithuania will be one of the first countries whose citizens will start travelling to Georgia soon.
– The necessity to undergo COVID-19 tests before travelling has become a controversial issue. Why was this regulation introduced?
– At first glance, some of the regulations may seem uncomfortable; however, they ultimately serve our shared interest, which is health and safety for all. This measure is also an important regulation aimed at minimizing every possible risk.
– What charges should the visitors foresee, if they are tested upon arrival on the spot and how fast the test results will be available?
– This measure is also a part of our safety regulations. If need be, a visitor will be tested on the spot at the airport and moved to a comfortable quarantine area in one of hotels. The results of the tests will be available within 24 hours. Obviously, to avoid unforeseen circumstances, the travelers are required to have appropriate insurance.
– How has COVID-19 affected travel expenses in Georgia?
– Georgia`s tourism industry is very diverse and prices of service packages may vary, however, in general, we do not expect any price hike. Like previous years, Georgia will remain competitive and affordable for tourists, as we already launched support programs for the whole industry.
– To what extent have travel opportunities changed? Which services and entertainments will be limited?
– The challenges brought about by COVID-19 have affected consumer habits around the whole world and tourism will be no exception. However, I think our tourism industry has every capacity to adapt to our visitors' requirements.
– Georgia is introducing „Green zones“ for tourists. Can you elaborate a little bit on that?
– As you may know, Georgia has elaborated the concept of green tourist zones, which envisages provision of services with the highest safety standards.
There will be isolated recreation areas with many open-air events, highest safety requirements for hotels and restaurants. For instance, hotel infrastructure will be available for the hotel guests only. Apart from that, quick tests will be available for every guest. Medical personnel will be available at all sites.
– Are there any new tourist sites in Georgia?
– Although Georgia is a small country, it offers number of cultural and historical attractions. Our rapidly developing infrastructure, constantly sophisticated services and newly emerging tourist routes are the main assets for Georgia`s tourism sector. I can assure you that with every new visit to our country, tourists will find many novelties and rediscover Georgia.
– How can Lithuania benefit from the reopening of borders? Will Georgian visitors be interested in spending their holidays in Lithuania?
– Lithuanian-Georgian relations represent a genuine example of friendship that rests on mutual sympathy between our two peoples. Lithuania has always been a very special and interesting destination for Georgians. I am hopeful, that in the coming period we will fully restore the movement of our citizens in both directions.
– What would you recommend for travelers to Georgia? Can you name your favourite places?
– As I said, Georgia is small but very diverse in attractions, with each region having its very distinctive charm and attractiveness. Nevertheless, one thing is clear: visitors in Georgia will find many interesting things in every corner of our country, be it at the sea resorts or in the mountains. This diversity makes our country so unique and special.
