Georgia is striving to become the first European country to open its doors to foreign tourists, writes Travel Times in the article about tourism.

“Georgia, tipped by international travel media as a fascinating destination, is striving to become the first European country to open its doors to foreign tourists after months of ongoing strict lockdown. The ancient country, stretching from the sub-tropical Black sea to the wildlife rich Carpathian alpine highlands has reported only nine deaths from COVID-19 which are, among the lowest in Europe.

The country’s success in combatting the pandemic has fuelled hopes of an early comeback. Known as the cradle of wine making, the capital Tbilisi was an important stop off on the famous Silk Road, reflected in bazaars, museums and monuments. Georgia is also renowned for good food, ‘off the beaten track ’adventures and eco- friendly tourism.

Most shops in the capital have re-opened as part of a gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions. The Georgian Prime-Minister Giorgi Gakharia has promised to free businesses in the tourism sector from paying property taxes in 2020 and to grant loan aid to hotels who have invested heavily in building up tourism. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has acknowledged that Georgia has taken “very prudent and successful steps” aimed at becoming the first country in the world to re-open its tourism industry internationally”, - writes the author.