Plans Underway to Establish UNWTO Academy in Tbilisi, Announces Zurab Pololikashvili

The "Silk Road Forum" commenced its panel discussion on "Tourism Beyond Borders: Navigating the Changes" today, led by a keynote address from Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, also contributed to the panel.

Pololikashvili, in his address, underscored Georgia's prime position and advantageous conditions for both investment and the flourishing of tourism.

"It's heartening to see the 'Silk Road Forum' taking place in Georgia. The global landscape, especially the tourism sector, has undergone significant transformations post-pandemic. Presently, Georgia stands out as an attractive hub for investments, particularly in the hospitality and tourism infrastructure. However, infrastructure alone isn't enough; it's the people that truly drive it. We recently inaugurated the Silk Road University in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, focusing on tourism. In collaboration with the Georgian government, we're now looking forward to establishing the UNWTO Academy in Tbilisi. The appetite for tourism education is palpable in Georgia, making it an ideal locale for such ventures," articulated Pololikashvili.

He went on to highlight the transformative impact of tourism on Georgia, noting, "Tourism significantly bolsters Georgia's economy, positioning it as both an investment hotspot and a must-visit relaxation destination. Despite its compact size, Georgia offers a diverse range of activities and experiences. And while Georgian wine and cuisine are legendary in their own right, there's more on the horizon. I'm thrilled to announce that Georgia will play host to a milestone event next year as we jointly commemorate World Tourism Day."