Reopening Tbilisi
The government decided to lift lockdown in the capital Tbilisi from May 11 as part of a gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions. Tbilisi was locked down on April 15, few days ahead of Easter holiday, with bans on vehicles entering or leaving. The production activities, as well as some retail and wholesale shops with entrances from the street will also be resumed from May 11 across country. Georgia still has a state of emergency through May 22, which includes nationwide curfew. The number of new cases of pandemic began to shrink this week and reduced to 5 in the last 24 hours while testing increased from c.500 to 1,800 in last 2 weeks. As epidemiological situation is better than expected a few weeks ago, government accelerates economic reopening timeline presented on 24 April.

Resuming tourism
Georgia sets goal to open its doors to foreign tourists after months of lockdown due to the pandemic and to welcome international travelers with a new image – Georgia – Safe Destination! “Georgia looks forward to welcoming international tourists starting July 1. Health and safety of our citizens and visitors will remain our top priority” Georgian Prime Minister Gakharia tweeted on May 7. Earlier, the country plans to resume domestic tourism from June 15. 

Government’s latest Tourism Recovery & Anti-Crisis Plan presented on May 7, includes recovery as well as safety measures:

Tax exemptions and other support (budget of GEL 200mn):  

  • Tourism sector will be fully exempted from property taxes in 2020 (GEL 45mn savings)
  • Personal income tax for companies operating in the tourism sector will be postponed until end-2020 (GEL 90mn)
  • Bank loan subsidies for hotels (GEL 60mn for 3,000 hotels)
  • Support to travel agencies and guides (GEL 5mn)

Georgia to be promoted as a safe destination:

  • Introduction of international safety standards at border crossings and airports (IATA/ ICAO/EC), at guest accommodation/guides/F&B (WHO & UNWTO) and at transportation companies 
  • Support to the private sector in the introduction of standards and conducting trainings 
  • Negotiations with air carriers on the resumption of operation
  • Creation of safe corridors between countries
  • Integration of Georgia in the cooperation with EU Members States
  • International marketing campaign Georgia – Safe Destination!

Support to other industries
Prime Minister announced that tourism is the first in terms of post-crisis opening and support. This will be followed by support schemes for agriculture, construction and development, and anti-crisis actions in education.