Vice Prime Minister of Georgia and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili, opened the first international conference, Trends and Challenges of Sustainable Development of Resorts in Tbilisi.

In his address, Davitashvili emphasized the importance of fostering the development of Georgian resorts, underscoring the need to use the sector’s potential optimally and in the state’s pivotal role in this process.

The conference brought together representatives and experts from state, private, international, and local organizations. Aleksandre Onoprishvili, the director of the Resorts Development Agency, provided insights into the current state of the industry in Georgia, outlining the key aspects and plans of the agency.

The conference encompassed two thematic sessions: sustainable development of resorts, focusing on trends, challenges, and perspectives; and the social and economic consequences of resort development.

“To ensure a well-planned, consistent, and sustainable development of the sector, the government established the Resorts Development Agency in 2022. The agency’s specific mandate is to oversee the existing and new development of resorts based on appropriate spatial plans, considering various aspects such as social and cultural elements,” stated the Economy Minister.

According to the Ministry of Economy, over a year, the agency assessed the current condition of over 200 resorts and resort locations, identifying 60 locations with considerable potential. Internationally recognized consulting firms conducted technical and economic feasibility studies in these areas.

The Minister highlighted the active role of the state, emphasizing coordinated efforts among various structures and sub-agencies of the Ministry of Economy.

“The government has already started taking complex steps. It has initiated comprehensive projects for regional rehabilitation, allocating one billion GEL over five years for the enhancement of resorts and the implementation of infrastructural projects, including those in Borjomi and Tskaltubo,” he added.