EBRD and EU promote Georgia’s agritourism potential

In 2017 alone, international arrivals in Georgia reached 7.9 million – roughly double the country’s population. The tourism sector now accounts for 6.9 percent of GDP, opening up opportunities for entrepreneurial locals.

The free trade area between Georgia and the European Union (EU) further encourages local businesses to meet European standards when exporting and producing for local consumption.

The EBRD works together with the EU under its EU4Business initiative to help Georgian businesses align themselves with European regulations as well as quality and new food safety standards. In Mukhrani, the programme is empowering the local community with skills and knowledge to make the most of the agritourism potential of their village and its surroundings.

“Georgia has much to offer in terms of agritourism and the great tradition of winemaking. So it is a good decision for us to help foster this potential with innovative approaches to training and business. The European Union is committed to sustainable development and job creation in Georgia,” said Janos Herman, Ambassador of the European Union.

“This is our first project in Georgia that links agriculture and tourism and we look forward to seeing the results and replicating them in other countries with agritourism potential,” added Victoria Zinchuk, Head of EBRD Agribusiness Advisory.

Sophio Kubiashvili runs a small poultry production business in Mukhrani and is enthusiastic about her village’s future.

“Mukhrani has great untapped potential,” says Sophio who is planning to remodel her house to host up to six guests at a time. “Nobody here can provide a full range of services to tourists. That’s why it’s good that we’re learning to team up and help visitors discover and enjoy this beautiful rural area.”

The training courses Sophio participated in are based on a needs assessment conducted by Tourism Development International (TDI). They include agritourism-specific training on business development and food safety, technical visits to cultural heritage sites and guest lectures on destination management and funding.

“Supporting agribusiness and empowering rural communities is an integral part of the EBRD’s strategy in Georgia. With this project, we’re helping locals to become more self-sufficient, entrepreneurial and ready to fully enjoy the opportunities this beautiful area offers,” said Bruno Balvanera, EBRD Director for the Caucasus.

A small village, but one rich in history and attractions, Mukhrani is now starting to explore the full potential of agritourism. We hope this approach to develop the village as a tourism destination will spread to other regions of Georgia and beyond.

Original source: EBRD
Published on 3 July 2018