28 REGION EUROPE Georgia
28 REGION EUROPE Georgia – Variety is Tourism Draw Card Tourism continues on the rise in this fascinating nation Georgia is growing in interest from all sides when it comes to tourism, with double-digit growth from a number of feeder markets. We asked Daria Kholodilina, Coordinator of Brand Development Department – Georgia for the key statistics … Historically, Georgia was a very popular attractive destination for its geographical neighbours: Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine. Those countries are in our top-5 visitors list. Despite of the critical situations that have emerged in those regions recently, the flow of tourists has not reduced. To the contrary, in 2014 we had even better numbers: 5.3 million visitors to the country, and we find it very positive that there are a lot of EU citizens among them. By the way, Georgia welcomed around 33,000 German visitors in 2014, which was 8% more than in 2013. The number of Polish visitors grew on 25%, and the British 11%, which is also a very good tendency. We are also sure that recently launched lowcost flights between Budapest and Kutaisi will increase the number of visitors from Hungary. What are the main messages this year at ITB Berlin concerning your destination or those of your key subexhibitors? The most important message we want to send to our potential visitors is that there are plenty of activities available in Georgia yearround: one can admire very diverse landscapes, taste a variety of delicious natural dishes and wine varieties, see very unusual ancient cultural sights, go in for adventures with 4x4 vehicles, hike, try rafting, paragliding or horse riding, relax in mineral springs, ski, snowboard or heli-ski in winter… It is so much more than summer leisure only, more than people used to think before! And all of the aforementioned activities are affordable for many categories of travellers. Raising awareness about this diversity is the main aim of our presence here. Hall 3.2 Stand 112 Daria Kholodilina Coordinator of Brand Development Department, Georgia Guiding Travellers to the Italian Regions A new “Guide of the Italian Regions” has been designed and written to support local and international operators in the promotion of Italian travel offerings. The Guide includes complete and updated information about key Italian touristic attractions that can be matched with each visitor’s specific interests and desires. Cristiano Radaelli, the new Special Commissioner of the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), launching the guide, said, “Operators now have a powerful and handy tool to drive potential visitors to the right destination.” ENIT also recently outlined its participation in a bold new Europe-wide sporting tourism initiative, the Eurovelo8, a bike tour across the Continent. “Eurovelo8 is a great opportunity for Italy to inspire new cycling visitors with major artistic and historical attractions,” said Radaelli. “We believe cyclers will come with high expectations, with Turin and Venice among some of the marvelous cities crossed on the EuroVelo8 tour.” Hall 1.2 Stand 101 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Saturday 7 th March 2015 www.itb-berlin-news.com
29 HOSPITALITY / RESTAURANTS / BARS WHERE TO GOIN BERLIN WWW.WHERETOGOINBERLIN.COM CLUBS / EVENTS / SHOPPING / CULTURE Why Not Stay For Good? Berlin is a great place to visit, but Berlin Partner’s job is to make it a lasting affair Dr Stefan Franzke Managing Director Berlin Partner for Business and Technology Berlin boasts many advantages. The capital has developed into a liveable metropolis having incredibly gained in quality of life and appeal. We asked Dr Franzke to tell us why it is also a great place for business to settle down. Apart from an excellent infrastructure, attractive real estate at moderate prices and a large variety of leisure, culture and education opportunities, Berlin has become a worldwide acknowledged business and technology location. Berlin has a unique research landscape: with 24 large research facilities and universities, Berlin has a well-developed science sector and provides a good cooperation network for entrepreneurs. In addition, there is a large pool of professionals and managers. Berlin’s start-up culture is also unique: a new company is founded every 12 minutes. Berlin Partner’s mission is to convince investors from all over the world of the potential in the German capital to create new jobs. People may not think of Berlin as a culinary capital, but your ‘master chefs’ awards highlight this aspect of the city. Please tell us more about this In the past years, Berlin's restaurant culture has become an important lifestyle and economic factor that consolidates the city's reputation as a leading global metropolis. Since 1997, the Berlin Master Chefs showcases the tremendous talent available on Berlin's creative scene. Each year, 5 chefs are nominated in several categories. The chefs represent the sheer quality and strength of restaurant culture in Berlin – and they are also an important image factor for the capital region. BERLIN’S RESTAURANT CULTURE HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT LIFESTYLE AND ECONOMIC FACTOR Outstanding culinary quality generates new visitors for Berlin and also inspires and enriches the entire economy. So just how important is it for visitors to Berlin to see its other aspects – as a target for eventual investment and / or to come and do business here? As I mentioned, Berlin visitors can be potential investors, entrepreneurs or young talents looking for the next job at the same time. They get an idea of Berlin and then carry it out into the world. If Berlin convinces them as a whole, for instance with high quality of life and excellent infrastructure, the business location will also benefit. Berlin Partner supports new Berliners and facilitates the start in Berlin with the newly created Talent Portal. Those who are interested can find information on Berlin’s labour market, housing or stay and work permits at www.talentberlin.de. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Saturday 7 th March 2015
