Tbilisi Mayor: Anyone wishing to visit Georgia is welcome at any time, regardless of origin

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze sees no issue with having granted an interview to a Russian-speaking blogger, he told members of the press.

According to Kakha Kaladze, he ran into the blogger entirely by chance a few days ago. Kaladze explained that the blogger informed him she was creating content about Tbilisi, whereupon he answered her questions and highlighted the capital’s key attractions.

“I don’t know whether this particular individual is a blogger or a journalist. A few days ago, I was out inspecting municipal works, after which I popped into a café to grab a coffee. I bumped into this lady completely by chance. She told me she was making a feature on Tbilisi and asked me a few questions. I see no issue with that whatsoever.

I will say it again now: anyone who wishes to visit our country is welcome to come at any time, regardless of their origin. Be they Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, American, or from any other nation, everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy their stay. They spend money here, which benefits our economy and supports those working in the tourism sector,” stated the Mayor of Tbilisi.

When asked by a journalist why he spoke about Georgian cuisine during the interview with the blogger, Kakha Kaladze replied:

“The question was about hospitality, and I answered accordingly. Of course, alongside our traditional dishes, we have so many sights to offer. That is precisely what makes our country so fascinating and why visitors from all corners of the globe take such an interest in it. Our cuisine and Georgian wine are immensely popular because they are an integral part of our culture and traditions,” Kaladze noted.