Tbilisi Mayor: No one in Georgia treats tourists badly – don’t believe lies, come and see for yourself

“Unfortunately, recently, foreign forces, under the influence of others, have launched a new propaganda campaign against our people and our interests. They claim that Georgians allegedly treat tourists of certain nationalities badly and are urging them not to come here,” Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said during a podcast with sports journalist and blogger Nobel Arustamyan.

According to Kaladze, tourists in Georgia are not mistreated regardless of their nationality.

He alleged that fake social media accounts and bots were spreading false claims, including allegations that Georgian citizens leave Russian tourists alone in forests or deliberately spoil food ordered by Russian tourists at restaurants.

“These are only some of the lies. This false information is then regularly published by major foreign websites with audiences of several million people. Bloggers also actively spread this information, most likely under the control of those behind the disinformation,” Kaladze said.

Kaladze also said that Georgia’s State Security Service had launched an investigation into alleged acts of sabotage against the country.

“If I am not mistaken, two or three days ago, the State Security Service of Georgia launched an investigation into an act of sabotage against the country. This campaign is organized from abroad and supported from within the country in an attempt to harm our economy and state,” he said.

Kaladze said the investigation was being conducted under Article 318 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns damage to enterprises or other important facilities with the aim of harming Georgia as a whole.

“I want to state sincerely and officially that all this information circulating on social media is an absolute lie. No one in our country mistreats tourists, regardless of their nationality — neither Russians nor Ukrainians, nor citizens of European, Asian or other countries,” Kaladze said.

He emphasized Georgia’s reputation for hospitality and encouraged foreign visitors not to believe what he described as disinformation.

“Our people consider a guest to be a gift from God. We cannot mistreat those who come to our country for a vacation. Anyone who has visited Georgia even once will agree with me,” Kaladze said.

“Do not believe these lies. Come to Georgia and see for yourselves that in our beautiful country, with its great history and culture, unforgettable days await you. You will never forget the happy moments you spend in Georgia. You are always welcome — come and visit us,” he added.