Global Hiking Enthusiasts Converge on Svaneti: A Spotlight on Sustainable Adventure Tourism in Georgia

In its second year, "Highlander Adventure Georgia" organized a trailblazing hiking festival in the breathtaking region of Svaneti.

Acting as the event's host for the second time, Svaneti's Destination Management Organization (DMO) welcomed 165 participants from a diverse array of 10 countries, including Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, the Dominican Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine, Jordan, and more.

On July 19, after undertaking mandatory master classes and completing registration, these global highlanders initiated their trek at the break of dawn. Highlander Adventure Georgia, an internationally licensed event, arranged for unique trails meticulously curated by local guides to ensure an unrivaled experience for the participants.

This hiking festival exemplifies sustainable, eco-friendly mountain tourism, intending to position Georgia as a premier destination on the international tourism map and foster the region's development. By promoting countryside adventure tourism, the event aims to broaden Georgia's tourism potential.

Furthermore, the festival endeavours to exhibit the rich diversity of Georgia to a global audience. It has set the ambitious goal of raising international awareness of Svaneti as a top-tier hiking destination, spotlighting its lush environment, unique culture, and local products and services.

In its pursuit of sustainability, the festival champions environmentally conscious practices. From the consumption of organic food and adopting a zero-waste approach, it supports local tourism along with small to medium-sized organic agricultural businesses. The festival is an excellent platform to foster a culture of hiking in the country.

The event is a collaborative effort led by "Highlander Adventure Georgia", in partnership with the National Tourism Administration of Georgia and the Mountain Tracks Agency. It receives robust support from the Economic Security Program of the European Union, Sweden, Austria, and USAID. Key partners also include Destination Management Organization Shan-Land, the International Foundation for Sports, Tourism and Youth, Puma, and Stepen. The collective effort illustrates a strong commitment to sustainable tourism and regional development.