Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili led the Economic Council Meeting at the Government Administration on Saturday.

The meeting focused on the positive economic trends witnessed in the country and discussion of plans for the future.

Council Members reviewed the development of new travel destinations, which is actively pursued by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia under the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia.

It was noted that increased volume of international visitors is essential for the economic advancement and stimulation of growth in the country. Development of travel destinations, including the spa resorts becomes particularly important towards this end. Funds in the value of 200 MLN GEL have been allocated from the State Budget for the development of infrastructure for new travel destinations in the country.

It was stressed that the Government of Georgia is working on the full rehabilitation and reconstruction of 10 new resort cities and hamlets. Projects will be implemented in various directions and they cover the development of tourist attractions as well as the creation of investment opportunities for businesses inter alia resulting in new employment opportunities.

Discussion was also related to the development of spatial planning in the country. It was noted that work is actively pursued on the Terms of Reference (TOR) and a consortium will be selected through competitive selection in the nearest future comprising both domestic and leading foreign companies. Referred consortium will come up with a concept paper for the design and development of the plan within a year.