Uncertainty in opening Georgia for tourists scares Adjara entrepreneurs

The promises by Georgian authorities to open the country on July 1 have pleased the entrepreneurs working in the tourism industry. However, so far, many issues of the tourist sector amid the threat of coronavirus spread have not been resolved, the owners of hotels and hostels in Adjara interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" assert.

Since June 15, 2020, Georgia resumes its domestic tourism; and from July 1 – the international tourism. However, serious restrictions will be introduced, Giorgi Gakhariya, the Georgian Prime Minister stated on May 28.

According to his story, tourists will be able to enter only in organized groups. "These groups will be accommodated in certain hotel complexes, which will be licensed after examination by the Ministry of Public Health," he said.

Owners of small hotels are worried about licensing issues, the owner of the "Old Batumi" hotel told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Most likely, the season will be disrupted," said the owner of the "Burevestnik" (Petrel) hotel.

Niko Chichinava, the owner of the "Raskladushka" (Folding-Bed) hostel, told the "Caucasian Knot" that he already had some pre-orders, but he doesn't know what conditions the government will offer for the entrance to the country.

"Hostels have their own specifics – our clients are mainly travelling spontaneously; they seldom draw up documents in advance and plan something," Mr Chichinava has explained.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 30, 2020 at 05:30 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.