THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE ADMINISTRATION

State Representative in Imereti Zviad Shalamberidze met with the head of the World Bank working group, Tuo Shi, and discussed the challenges and potential in Kutaisi's tourism sector.

The World Bank project aims to evaluate the tourism potential of Kutaisi using the 5A methodology.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the strategy of tourism development in Imereti.

"Tourism is important for Kutaisi and Imereti in general. Our priority is to develop tourism in the region not chaotically, but in accordance with the strategy. At this stage, Kutaisi cannot fully respond to all the challenges and demands that are needed to receive the increased flow of tourists. I mean the infrastructure as well as the number of hotels and the high standard of service.
The government is doing everything to develop the tourist infrastructure. In addition to the central budget, projects in Imereti in this direction are financed from various funds, including the pilot projects funded by the European Union. One of the priorities is also to build a branded hotel in Kutaisi, which we are actively working on and are in negotiation mode. As for the high standard of service, there are vocational schools operating in the region, whose training courses are focused on training personnel in various directions, including in the field of service.

"Imereti is ready to participate in the World Bank program, to evaluate the tourist potential, take into account the recommendations and then carry out appropriate measures" - Zviad Shalamberidze.

The World Bank project is implemented in two cities of Georgia, Kutaisi and Rustavi.