“This year’s theme for World Tourism Day is tourism and peace, and these two concepts are closely related. I am glad that today Georgia is a meeting place for outstanding representatives of the tourism sector,” said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, during his speech at the event celebrating World Tourism Day.

According to the PM, peace is essential for the development of tourism globally, and it facilitates cultural exchange and fosters friendly relations among nations, making it a key factor in ensuring worldwide stability.

“Peace is essential for the global development of tourism and travel promotion, as well as for the effective and dynamic growth of the industry. Conversely, tourism fosters friendly relations between people, encourages cultural exchange, and facilitates the sharing of ideas and new initiatives. This is why it plays a critical role in ensuring peace worldwide,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.

He emphasized that a peace policy is a top priority for the ruling party, essential for reconciling with the Abkhazian and Ossetian communities, rebuilding trust, and fostering national unity.

“We are the only government that has maintained peace in Georgia for over a decade, and we are committed to preserving it,” he said.

“Today marks 31 years since the fall of Sokhumi, underscoring that peace is crucial for reconciliation with our Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and sisters. We hope this policy will soon yield benefits for all citizens of Georgia, particularly those in the beautiful regions impacted by tourism,” the PM concluded.