China's leading online travel agency Ctrip expresses interest in Georgian tourism market

Representatives of China’s leading online travel agency, Ctrip met with the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Natia Turnava during her visit to China and presented their business plans to her. Ctrip is one of the largest providers of travel services in China. It can provide a platform for information on Georgia's tourism services to potential Chinese tourists.

At the meeting, Turnava positively assessed the fact that the growth of tourist flows from China to Georgia is characterized by positive dynamics. For example, in 2018, 75 percent more tourists came from China than in the previous year. Also, in the first eight months of 2019, more tourists arrived in Georgia than in the year of 2018. The minister said that the increase in tourist flows was positively affected by direct flights to China (currently China Southern Airlines operates 4 regular flights per week).

The representatives of the Chinese Travel Agency positively assessed the tourism potential of Georgia and noted that the country has every opportunity to attract more Chinese tourists. During the meeting, the sides discussed wine tourism, historical cities of Georgia, culinary, Adjara seaside, etc.

It was noted that work with the Chinese company will continue in the future to plan joint activities.

Support mechanisms for foreign investors, including Chinese investors in Georgia was discussed while meeting with the representatives of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME).

It was noted that those companies that start producing their products on the territory of Georgia and employ Georgians, will be able to take advantage of the free trade agreements that Georgia has with other countries, including EU member states and export their products to those countries.

“At the meeting with the representatives of CCCME, readiness to establish at least 5 new enterprises was expressed. These companies will manufacture and assemble their products in Georgia and export it to the EU and other countries,” noted Turnava.

According to her, it is about investments that will be primarily focused on employment. As the Minister pointed out, “it is precisely the industrial sector, the heavy industry employs quite a lot of people.”

China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) was founded in July 1988. It is a non-profit organization composed of companies, which registered in China and are engaged in the foreign trade of machinery and electronic products. It has more than 8000 members up to now.