Turkey has long been a popular summer holiday destination for Brits – but some are now turning their attention to a nearby neighbour instead. Tourism levels are reported to be dropping in Turkey, with a country next door reaping the benefits.
Georgia has seen a recent boost in tourism levels and is embarking on a major investment drive to convince more tourists to choose it. The eastern European nation, which also borders Russia and Azerbaijan, plans to accelerate growth through improved public transport infrastructure, cruise ports and international signage, the Express reports.
Sarah Donaldson, senior travel claims analyst at Fast Cover Travel Insurance, claimed “hyperinflation” was the main reasons for the dip in Turkey’s tourist trade, as dining and accommodation costs have surged.
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While some have opted for Greece instead, others have looked towards Georgia. Its tourism industry has been its fastest-growing economic sector in the last quarter century, following major investment in transport, green spaces and museums in a bid to make it more attractive to visitors.
Tour guide Tariel Tabashidze, who lives in the capital of Tbilisi, said the country’s political turmoil and its proximity in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict had dented tourism levels, but expects numbers to keep rising when things settle down.
“Georgia is becoming more popular now with people from around the world,” said Mr Tabashidze. “I’m taking people on tours who have got direct flights from India, and they are visiting too from Europe, the US, Australia and Switzerland. I’m not surprised – it’s a very interesting country.”
He added: “The pro-EU protests have also put some people off – I had four or five clients cancel their trips because of them, but I hope things are slowly going back to normal.”
The tour guide describes his home country as “one of the most beautiful in the world”. Among the country’s underrated attractions are the labyrinthine cobblestone streets of Tbilisi, the medieval villages and towns of the Upper Svaneti region and the beautiful Lake Rita in the Caucasus mountains.