Tourism is one of Georgia’s fastest growing industries, contributing to both the promotion of the country internationally and benefiting the economy and enhancing the quality of life of its citizens. In order to mark the achievements in the tourism sector, the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards was held for the fourth time this year.
On December 17, the official ceremony of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards took place at Tbilisi’s historic Rustaveli Theater, where 23 best companies among different nominations were named. Representatives of all nominees, project partners, the government sector, private business, and international and local media attended this highly important event.
The winners were revealed in following nominations:
CONCEPT ACCOMMODATION AWARD: Quadrum Ski & Yoga Resort;
THE BEST WELLNESS & SPA RESORT AWARD: Crowne Plaza Borjomi;
THE BEST MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION AWARD: Borjomi Likani;
THE BEST SEA ACCOMMODATION AWARD: Sheraton Batumi Hotel;
THE BEST VALUE LOW BUDGET ACCOMMODATION: Hostel Pushkin 10;
THE BEST VALUE STANDARD ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Encore Tbilisi;
THE BEST VALUE PREMIUM ACCOMMODATION: Radisson Blu Iveria Tbilisi;
THE BEST FESTIVAL OR EVENT AWARD: Tbilisi Open Air;
THE BEST MICE TOURISM AWARD: Calypso Travel & Event;
THE BEST WINE TOURISM AWARD: Château Mukhrani;
THE BEST E-TOURISM AWARD: Travel Guide App;
THE BEST TRADITIONAL GEORGIAN RESTAURANT AWARD: ETHNO TSISKVILI;
THE BEST HOTEL OF INTERNATIONAL CHAIN IN GEORGIA AWARD: Tbilisi Marriott Hotel;
CONCEPT CAFÉ/RESTAURANT AWARD: Barbarestan;
THE BEST INCOMING TOUR OPERATOR AWARD: Caucasus Travel;
THE BEST COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM AWARD: Nazy's Guest House;
THE BEST ADVENTURE TOURISM AWARD: Altihut 3.014;
THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN THE SME SEGMENT AWARD: Wehost;
ICREATE, THE MOST SUCCESSFUL GEORGIAN BRAND IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARD: Lopota Lake Resort & Spa;
THE BEST WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY AWARD: Tinatini Dugashvili;
AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT GNTA on behalf of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia: Giorgi Tavadze, GMT President;
THE BEST TOURISTIC START UP on behalf of the PARTNERSHIP FUND: Wehost; and
THE BEST YOUNG WINERY AWARD: Baia’s Wine.
350 different companies representing the tourism and hospitality market from all over Georgia, including hotels, travel agencies, festivals and events, restaurants, cafes and wineries were honorably given the status of Nominee of Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards 2018. Each nominee was assessed in accordance with internationally recognized methodology by a professional jury board.
The Award Ceremony was opened by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Giorgi Kobulia. He spoke about the importance of the tourism industry for Georgia’s economy, latest achievements in the field and significance of the Awards project. He personally awarded Giorgi Tavadze, President of GMT Group, for his contribution to tourism development, and thanked the organizers of the Awards for highlighting and celebrating the achievements of so many companies in the tourism industry.
“Georgia has many advantages and unique features to develop the tourism sector. We possess fascinating nature, cultural heritage, as well as distinguished culinary traditions that are cherished by tourists. The country offers numerous opportunities for holidays year-round in Georgia. This year we hosted around 8.5 million foreign visitors, twice the number of our population. As such, both the government and the private sector should do their best to advance service in the tourism sector and satisfy the needs of future visitors,” Kobulia said.
Giorgi Chogovadze, Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration, also greeted the audience and thanked the attendees for contributing to the general development of the country.
“Revenue from intentional visitors in 2018 will amount to $3,200 billion. It means that your hard work and success benefits not only the Georgian tourism sector but the development of economy and the country itself. So I want thank each of you for your substantial work,” he said.
The official Award Ceremony hosted more than 800 guests. At the reception, guests were treated to champagne, Georgian wine and sweets while the ceremony itself was held in the Grand Hall of the impressive Rustaveli Theater. The ceremony was followed by an after party at the Republic Event space.
“We are happy to host our guests at the Fourth Official Ceremony of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards,” Maryna Chayka, Welcome to Georgia! Co-founder of the National Tourism Awards Project told GEORGIA TODAY. “We can see how the market has expanded based on the number of guests and nominees. This year, we have up to 400 nominees: companies that are playing the main role in the development of Georgia. The aim of creating the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards was to motivate all those people who help to develop Georgia as a tourist destination.”
The Chairman of the Agency of Protected Areas, Valerian Mchedlidze, also made a speech highlighting the importance of Georgia’s natural environment and its role in attracting more tourists.
“This year, Georgia’s Protected Areas received a record-breaking number of tourists: we hosted around a million tourists in our protected territories and national parks. Now, we are developing new directions and trying to play our role in developing the tourism industry in Georgia,” he said.
For the fourth year already, the Georgian National Tourism Administration, on behalf of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, was Co-organizer of the Award project. Official Supporters were Tbilisi City Hall, Partnership Fund; Co-organizer - Bank of Georgia, General Sponsor - Alliance Group.
The main mission of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Awards is to encourage tourism and boost the hospitality industry in Georgia and raise awareness about the high-achieving tourism businesses and brands that create a positive image of the country worldwide.
By Lika Chigladze