Georgia hosted a tour of some of Europe’s leading media outlets from March 1 to March 5, 2024. The tour was organized by the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) and the Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters (GARB) with the support of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The aim of the tour was to promote Georgia as a safe and attractive destination for European travelers and journalists.
The Participants and the Itinerary
The tour included representatives from 12 media outlets from 10 European countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta. The participants were selected based on their interest and experience in covering topics related to tourism, culture, history, and social issues.
The itinerary of the tour covered various regions and attractions of Georgia, such as Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Kakheti, Kazbegi, Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe, and Batumi. The participants had the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites, taste local cuisine and wine, experience rural and urban life, and interact with local people and authorities.
The Outcomes and the Benefits
The tour resulted in producing and publishing over 40 articles, reports, videos, podcasts, and social media posts about Georgia and its tourism potential. The media coverage reached an estimated audience of over 10 million people across Europe. The tour also established contacts and cooperation between Georgian and European media outlets, which could lead to further collaboration and exchange of information in the future.
The tour was beneficial for both Georgia and the EU, as it showcased the diversity and richness of Georgian culture and nature, as well as the progress and challenges of the country’s democratic development and European integration. The tour also demonstrated the strong partnership and support that the EU and the UNDP provide to Georgia in various fields, such as tourism, regional development, human rights, and media freedom.
The Feedback and the Future Plans
The participants of the tour expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for the organization and the hospitality of the tour. They praised the beauty and uniqueness of Georgia, as well as the friendliness and openness of its people. They also shared their impressions and recommendations for improving the tourism sector and the media environment in Georgia.
The organizers of the tour stated that they plan to continue and expand this initiative in the future, by inviting more media outlets from different European countries and regions, and by covering more aspects and stories of Georgia. They also expressed their hope that the tour would contribute to increasing the awareness and the interest of European travelers and journalists in visiting and exploring Georgia.
