Georgia Aims to Be the First Country to Welcome Back Tourists

We are actively working to make Georgia one of the first countries to welcome back tourists. This was stated by the Minister of Economy Natia Turnava during an online meeting with representatives of the tourism sector, according to Aliq.ge.

The tourism sector has been the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with revenues dropping by 70% in March compared to the previous year. The Minister mentioned that Georgia is actively collaborating with the World Tourism Organization to ensure that the tourism market remains safe under restrictions and is one of the first to reopen its doors.

Turnava noted that this sector needs time to recover, and she reminded that the authorities have supported it from day one. The Georgian authorities are working on a special support program for tourism, which includes both crisis management measures and stimulus elements.

Organizations engaged in hotel and restaurant businesses, travel agencies, transport companies, and excursion organizations have been exempted from income tax until November 1, as well as from property tax for four months. This affects 18,000 organizations operating in Georgia. Additionally, several organizations have been relieved of land lease payments for one year.