Expanded Kutaisi airport opens in Georgia’s west, now capable of serving 2.5 mln passengers
A new terminal of Kutaisi International Airport has opened today, now allowing the airport capable of serving 2.5 million passengers annually, announces United Airports of Georgia.
Now the airport is six times larger than it was before. We are now able to serve 2.5 million passengers annually and 1,200 passengers at the same time. Passengers will enjoy improved services and improved infrastructure. They will be able to use self check-in and baggage drop services…[they will be able to enjoy] international food outlets”, said Director of the United Airports of Georgia Tamar Archuadze.
Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava said that the number of airlines that operated at Kutaisi International Airport before the pandemic has almost been restored.
Before the pandemic, four airlines flew to 33 destinations from Kutaisi Airport, and this year, as of May, three airlines are already flying to 25 destinations, and this process continues following the opening of the market and overcoming the pandemic” Turnava said.
Following the expansion, the area of the Kutaisi International Airport has increased from 4,800 sq.m. to 30,000 sq.m.
The number of registration counters has increased from 10 to 18, of which two are baggage drop off, where passengers will be able to hand over their luggage after having registered online.
The number of border checkpoints has increased from six to 11 in the take-off zone, and from eight to 14 on the take-off side.
The airport now has seven gates, a green roof and a terrace.
Dutch firm UNStudio, which completed the terminal building of Kutaisi Airport in 2013, was responsible for the extension works together with Georgian architect and designer of United Airports of Georgia Mariam Karkarashvili.
The expansion of the airport started in 2017 and about 110 million GEL was invested.
The airport will employ about 1,200 people.
Georgia Elected as a Member of UNWTO Executive Council for 2021-2025
“Historical day for Georgia and our Tourism industry – Georgia has been elected as a member of the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2021-2025 period,” – Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili
Georgia has been elected as a member of the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2021-2025 period, the Deputy Minister of Economy of Georgia Mariam Kvrivishvili announced today, June 3, calling it a “historical day for Georgia and its tourism industry.”
“Through elections – against the background of tense competition with other countries, by a majority of votes, we were elected a member of the Executive Board of the UN World Tourism Organization.
“While a member of this important platform, Georgia will be granted the opportunity to be engaged in the implementation of UNWTO initiatives and projects, and most importantly will contribute to the global process of tourism recovery.
“We are grateful to our European partners for their declared support and showcased trust in Georgia,” Kvrivishvili stated.
By Ana Dumbadze
Travel After Coronavirus: The Lesser-Known European Cities To Visit First
Being confined in mandatory isolation does different things to different people, but we all surf the same emotions of reflecting, reassessing and anticipating life on the other side. A new normal. For us at Culture Trip, part of that new normal will be centred on getting out and seeing places we’ve long been curious about – starting with lesser-known European cities.
Tbilisi
Tbilisi is uniquely positioned, both geographically and culturally. Its culture intersects at the historical and progressive – with history in its Soviet Modernist structures, Eastern Orthodox churches and centuries-old forts, and innovation in its art and fashion scenes. The latter has influenced the global stage over the past couple of years, with many fashion designers and buyers showing interest in this city of 1.1 million that borders both Asia and Europe. Head to galleries like the Dmitri Shevardnadze National Gallery and The Georgian Museum of Fine Arts to scope out art that has inspired creativity in the city’s young designers, before trying a traditional dish – khachapuri with salty sulguni cheese – and taking cues from the locals by dipping in a sulphur bath.
First Charter Flight Vilnius-Batumi Carried Out
The first charter flight from Vilnius to Georgia’s seaside city of Batumi was carried out yesterday afternoon.
A solemn ceremony headed by the Chair of Ajara Tourism Department Tinatin Zoidze was held at the airport to host the guests from Lithuania.
A folk show and Georgian wine tasting were also held for the passengers at the airport.
180 tourists from Lithuania visited Batumi by the charter flight. The majority of them are planning a vacation in Batumi and Kobuleti.
Get Jet Airlines will be implementing Vilnius-Batumi charter flight on Mondays till the end of September.
Source: www.Georgiatoday.ge, By Ana Dumbadze. Photo source: www.Georgiatoday.ge
‘Discover Georgia’ Page Launched on CNN
Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, has been actively promoting Georgia as one of the most beautiful and distinguished year-round destinations for spending holidays.
This time, the GNTA has started yet another campaign on one of the world’s leading American media platforms CNN, within the scope of which, CNN has launched ‘Discover Georgia’, a special webpage introducing Georgia’s history, nature and cuisine in the very best way.
‘Discover Georgia’ presents the country to wide audiences through articles, backing them up with the stunning images of the amazing views, historical sightseeing and gourmet pleasures found in Georgia.
“The best way to experience Georgian food is at a supra, a traditional Georgian feast with an endless stream of dishes usually held as a celebration of a special occasion. Being invited is an esteemed honour, and an opportunity not to be missed,” reads the article of the Cuisine section of ‘Discover Georgia’.
The webpage is not the end of the GNTA’s campaign, though. Within the framework of the initiative of the Tourism Administration, the media platform also broadcasts promotional videos about Georgia, and prepares reports and articles on the country’s high tourism potential.
Source: www.georgiatoday.ge; By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya
Photo source: www.georgiatoday.ge
American diplomat about Georgia: “Every single city has left me wanting more”
Kristen Crocker, American Diplomat has recently visited Georgia. She has traveled around the country joining the campaign ‘Spend Your Summer In Georgia”. US Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia has uploaded photos of the diplomat’s trip around Georgia.
“As a photography enthusiast and outdoor adventurer, Georgia is the perfect playground. I’ve spent my summer in Georgia exploring as much of this beautiful country as I can, and every single city has left me wanting more. Between the stunning mountain scenery of Stepantsminda, the calm serenity of Borjomi, and the incredible glimpse into the past in Dmanisi, it’s hard to pick a favorite. So, I won’t. I can’t wait to see where my next adventure brings me, but I know it will be full of excitement, beauty, and the welcoming hospitality Georgia does so well,” says Kristen Crockera about Georgia.
#visitgeorgia #spendyoursummeringeorgia
In response to the ban (Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree prohibiting Russian airlines from carrying Russian citizens to Georgia from July 8.) and the possible threats to the Georgian tourism industry, Georgian activists together with businessmen and international society have launched the campaign ‘Spend Your Summer in Georgia’. The campaign aims at popularizing Georgia as a travel destination to tackle the possible difficulties due to the decreased number of incoming Russian tourists. Besides, Russian tourists have encouraged their Georgian friends by saying that they will find other ways to reach Georgia.
Source: www.Georgianjournal.ge, Photo source: www.georgianjournal.ge
Tbilisi at night seems so romantic and attractive
Every city changes its appearance at night. One may not even recognize the same city at night. Light, torches, flashing buildings and cars with their lights on – all these give special beauty to the city at night. Tbilisi is a perfect destination for those who are interested in night life.
Photos are taken in different time of the year and reflect all the beauty of night Tbilisi.
Story behind Tbilisi
What to see in Tbilisi
Annual festival Tbilisoba
Jessie J Takes Over Black Sea Arena
From Elton John to Christina Aguillera, Check in Georgia has brought a lot of stars to the stage of the Black Sea Arena in the past three years since it opened. The venue opened the 2019 season with a successful Black Eyed Peas’ concert on June 16 this year, meaning on August 6, Jessie J had a lot of pressure to keep up the audience’s expectations. However, with her astounding voice, fantastic band, and high level of organizational management from the staff of the Black Sea Arena, Jessie J’s show gave a new meaning to the combination of words ‘tremendous success’.
The gates opened at around 18:00, but devoted fans of the British Pop star had been gathering around the Black Sea Arena hours prior, some had even spent the night there to grab the chance to see their favorite performer up close from the Golden Ring. When the doors opened, they poured into the Ring, many of them humming Jessie J’s hits, from ‘Queen’ to ‘Domino.’
Jessie J appeared on the main stage a little later than scheduled, opening the show with a 2015 single ‘Masterpiece’, meriting endless rounds of applause from the cheering audience. After a couple of songs, the performer saluted the audience and explained her choice of outfit and hairstyle – so different to her look at her Amsterdam show just a few days before the one in Shekvetili.
“I decided to dress up as myself from 2010, because that’s where it all started, and I’ve never been to Georgia. So to make up for it, I decided to take you all nine years back and sing the songs that I think you might want to hear,” said the British singer-songwriter over loud screams from the audience.
Jessie J did not forget to mention her gratitude for the sold-out show, admitting that the love she gets from people never ceases to amaze her and that fame has never becomes normal for her. The pop star united the audience, engaging them all with her hilarious self-depreciating humor. The latter combined with her own words: “You came to see me, I came to see you.” She asked the audience not to record her performance of ‘Domino,’ just so she could see everyone’s faces and the blissful moment could be caught and enjoyed by all – making the public feel that Jessie J, the incredibly talented famous pop star, was just a regular person, equal to them. This integrity shone from the star’s personality throughout the two-hour show in many ways – adding a song to her playlist at the fans’ request, conversing with the audience and taking videos with their phones, reading a fan’s letter on stage, warming up the listeners by having them sing along to an improvised ‘Jessie J and Georgia’ bit – all these and much more made the Shekvetili show unique for Georgian and foreign music lovers.
The winner of the 2011 BRIT Awards expressed her desire to come back to Georgia and as her Instagram post post-concert reads: “…THE ENERGY WAS MAD!!! My 1st show in Georgia and it was SOLD OUT! YOU WERE SO LOUD AND FULL OF LOVE. Thank you, thank you…”. The singer also posted a photo on her page that shows her having a blast on Shekvetili beach.
When asked about Jessie J’s thoughts and satisfaction with the concert, Executive Director of Black Sea Arena, Tato Kharchilava, told the press: “I haven’t talked to her yet, but I don’t think we need any further confirmation – seeing her face and emotions on the stage spoke well of her satisfaction and happiness about today’s show.”
An excited fan, 20-year-old Katerina, shared her impressions with GEORGIA TODAY: “I’ve been to quite a few shows, but this one is particularly memorable for me. Because I’m such a huge fan. She’s such a modest person and an amazing performer – delivering 100% in every show. I can’t describe the feeling with words: it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
While the Black Sea Arena cleaned up after the show and started preparation for Thirty Seconds to Mars’ arrival on August 13, the music lovers left slowly, some of them admitting that they hadn’t known much about Jessie J before this concert but were completely in love with her from there on in.
Source: www.georgiatoday.ge; By Nini Dakhundaridze
Photo source: https://sputnik-georgia.com/culture/20190507/245151330/Jessie-J-saqartveloshi-koncerts-gamartavs.html
The International Folk Festival
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The International Folk Festival is set to kick off for the third time in Georgia. Under the scope of the government’s Check in Georgia program, the Black Sea Arena is to host the annual cultural event on September 7-9. The music celebration will be opened on the 7th with united concerts of Georgian and European ensembles.
Folk singers and dance ensembles from Georgia and abroad will be presented to listeners in Shekvetili. The festival follows perfectly Georgia’s reputation for preserving cultural heritage. This time round, the International Folk Festival features representatives of even more countries: France (Corsica) will be presented by Spartimu and Italy (Sardinia) by the Castelsardo ensemble.
Georgia will be introduced to the Black Sea audience by the following performers: Bermukha (Ajara); Shilda (Kakheti); Trio ‘Shalva Chemo’ (Guria); Riho (Svaneti); Basiani and Kartuli Khmebi (Tbilisi); The State Song and Dance Ensemble of Kutaisi; Enver Khabadze State Choreographic Ensemble ‘Batumi.’
On July 30, a press conference was held in the garden of the Folklore Center, attended by the Executive Director of the Folklore Center, Giorgi Donadze, Head of Black Sea Arena, Tato Kharchilava and Director Nikoloz Heine-Shvelidze.
The festival aims to support the popularization and preservation of Georgian folklore. Georgia, the homeland of polyphony and ever better-known for its extraordinary traditions and its people’s outstanding ability to sing and dance, in September is grabbing the opportunity to host other nations with equally important traditions of different styles of folk music. With numerous emerging musical genres, it is important to remember where it all started. That is why Georgia is ambitious to make its own land the location of an annual meet up for Georgian and worldwide folk music.
When done at the Black Sea Arena, the festival will carry on, traveling to the mountainous region of Racha, where united concerts of Georgian and European ensembles will be performed in Oni and Ambrolauri. This time, Georgia will be presented by ensembles Pesvebi from Adjara, Shilda from Kakheti, Shalva Chemo from Guria, Iavnana, Sagalobeli, Racha, Salaghobo from Lechkhumi, Lile, Lagusheda from Kvemo Svaneti, Dziriani, and Basiani from Tbilisi. The closing performance of the festival will be given by Georgian Ethno Jazz group ‘Egari’.
The continuation of the International Folk Festival scheduled in Racha will also feature four foreign ensembles. “Spartimu” from France, “Castelsardo” from Italy, “Koniakow” from Poland, and “Ackups” from Latvia. Seminars will be led by famous ethnomusicologists Polo Vallejo and Renato Morelli. For foreign and local guests, masterclasses will be given by Giorgi Donadze, Levan Berelidze and Professor Natalia Zumbadze.
Tickets will be available on tkt.ge.
Source: www.georgiatoday.ge; By Nini Dakhundaridze
Photo source: www.Georgiatoday.ge
Easy summer destinations for Tbilisi travellers
Summer is the busiest period in terms of tourism. Here are 4 places a foreign visitor should see in Georgia, Tbilisi to experience city’s modern and traditional mix.
Narikala Fortress
Sameba or Holy Trinity Cathedral
Dry Bridge
So called Dry Bridge and everyday exhibition there reflects Georgia’s past and present. There one can see antique items dating back to centuries that will definitely attract attention. One can find there old items like a copper vase or an old dagger, or paintings reflecting contemporary Tbilisi views. If one is interested in collecting antique items, Dry Bridge is a great destination.