Deputy Economy Minister highlights naming Kutaisi among TIME's 100 greatest places to explore in 2024 as “great” international recognition of Imereti region, its tourism industry
Mariam Kvrivishvili
Photo: Tourism Administration
Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, on Monday said naming the western Georgian city of Kutaisi among the 100 greatest places to explore in 2024 by TIME magazine was a “great” international recognition of the Imereti region and its tourism industry.
In her remarks, Kvrivishvili noted that this recognition was the result of the marketing campaigns carried out by the Georgian Government in promoting Kutaisi as one of the most “sought-after” tourist destinations in Georgia.
“It is important for us to promote the tourism opportunities of the regions along with the awareness of Georgia, and in this regard, Imereti [region] is a truly outstanding area with its history, cultural monuments, protected areas, gastronomy, wine industry, etc. Therefore, we are constantly promoting Imereti [region]”, Kvrivishvili said.
“In addition, the proximity of the country's fastest growing [Kutaisi International] airport also has a positive impact on the increase in the number of international visitors to this ancient city of Georgia. We are actively working to make more flights to more destinations from Kutaisi airport. The increase in passenger flow naturally increases the interest in Kutaisi and Imereti tourist facilities and services in general. TIME has well noticed this trend towards Kutaisi in terms of increasing international visits, however, the potential is much greater”, she concluded.
All News
24 August 2026, 21:54
Politics
Georgian Maritime Agency denies reported port call by Indonesian-flagged vessel in Russian-occupied Abkhazia
The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency on Monday dismissed a report by opposition-leaning TV Formula alleging that the Indonesian-flagged vessel SAVIR TIGER (IMO 9388730) had entered a port in the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia, saying the claim was not supported by available navigational and technical data.
24 August 2026, 17:55
Politics
Georgia’s First Lady reaffirms support for Ukraine at Kyiv Summit
The First Lady of Georgia, Tamar Bagrationi, participated in the sixth annual summit of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen (SFLG) Global Platform, an international initiative that has brought together spouses of world leaders since 2021.
24 August 2026, 15:38
Foreign policy
Georgian President wishes Ukraine ‘peace, strength, dignified future’ on Independence Day
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Monday extended his best wishes to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people on the 35th anniversary of independence, wishing them “peace, strength and a dignified future”.
24 August 2026, 14:10
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official says Garibashvili’s public letter sought to politicise corruption charges
Levan Machavariani, the First Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party parliamentary faction, on Monday said it was “logical” to link imprisoned former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s public letter to the corruption-related allegations against him, adding that he had sought to “artificially politicise” the issue.
24 August 2026, 12:38
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen says domestic opposition figures part of “agent network” taking orders from foreign patrons
Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday said there is no opposition in Georgia, but rather individuals who are part of an “agent network” operating inside the country and receiving instructions from foreign patrons.
24 August 2026, 12:10
Justice
Imprisoned ex-PM Garibashvili charged with accepting especially large bribe
Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office on Monday charged imprisoned former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili with accepting an especially large bribe as part of a group acting under a prior agreement.
24 August 2026, 11:17
Foreign policy
“Long live Ukraine” - Georgian PM congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day, highlights historic friendship
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day, emphasising the strong bonds between the two countries and their peoples.
24 August 2026, 10:49
Society
Georgia marks Constitution Day
Georgia marks Constitution Day on August 24, commemorating the adoption of the country’s supreme law in 1995.
23 August 2026, 16:17
Politics
Georgian Central Election Commission Chair: Kazakhstan’s election process characterized by high-quality administration, voter awareness
Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chair of Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), who is currently observing Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections, said on Sunday that the voting process has been orderly, well-administered, and marked by a high level of voter awareness, with services provided to voters at a notably high standard.
23 August 2026, 11:21
Economy
Digital permit system for Georgia-Uzbekistan international freight transport launched
The Land Transport Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia on Saturday launched a digital system for issuing and exchanging permit documents for international road freight transportation between Georgia and Uzbekistan, enabling carriers to use fully electronic permits.
21 August 2026, 21:40
Politics
Georgian Parliament official accuses domestic opposition of prioritising international agendas over national interests
Irakli Kadagishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee, on Friday accused the opposition of putting international political agendas ahead of Georgia’s national interests, recalling statements made after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
21 August 2026, 18:40
Foreign policy
Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires praises Georgia’s nationwide support for war-displaced families
Dmytro Berezhnyi, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Georgia, said on Friday that during the first and most challenging months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian families who sought refuge in Georgia received free accommodation, material assistance, and, above all, compassion and support. He added that, for many Ukrainians, Georgia has become a country they regard as a second home.
21 August 2026, 14:56
Foreign policy
Georgian State Security Service Chief, Armenian Foreign Intelligence Service Head discuss cooperation
Strong and friendly relations between Georgia and Armenia, as well as prospects for further deepening ties were discussed on Friday in a meeting between Georgian State Security Service Head Geka Geladze and Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia, Kristinne Grigoryan.
21 August 2026, 14:00
Justice
Police foil attempt to distribute nearly 4 kilograms of Alpha-PVP in Georgia
Officers of the Tbilisi Police Department on Friday prevented the distribution of a particularly large quantity of narcotics - nearly four kilograms of Alpha-PVP - following a complex anti-drug police operation.
21 August 2026, 13:55
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official says opposition, NGOs owe public apology over ‘Russian Law’ campaign, psychological terror
Levan Machavariani, the First Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party parliamentary faction, said on Friday that the “proxy opposition”, affiliated non-governmental organisations, and activists owe an apology to the Georgian public for their campaigns surrounding the so-called “Russian law”, as well as for protests held after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war and what he called psychological pressure exerted on society.
21 August 2026, 11:50
Politics
Georgia’s opposition feud deepens as UNM’s Ana Tsitlidze launches attack on Nika Gvaramia
Opposition United National Movement party (UNM) member Ana Tsitlidze has sharply criticised opposition leader Nika Gvaramia following his social media post in which he claimed that if he had 40 million, there would no longer be 40 people remaining in former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s party.
21 August 2026, 11:39
Foreign policy
UN Security Council members urge Russia to withdraw troops from Georgia and fulfill 2008 ceasefire commitments
The United Nations Security Council held a closed meeting on Thursday to discuss the situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories and the Russia-Georgia conflict on the 18th anniversary of the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.
20 August 2026, 21:49
Politics
Georgian Parliament official: opposition, NGOs will not admit their warnings about Transparency Law were unfounded
Davit Matikashvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Thursday said that the domestic opposition and parts of the non-governmental sector would not acknowledge that their previous warnings about the consequences of Georgia’s transparency law had been unfounded.
20 August 2026, 21:20
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official: opposition and NGOs’ warnings over Transparency Law never materialised
Levan Machavariani, First Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream parliamentary faction, said on Thursday that “absolutely none” of the predictions made by the domestic radical opposition and non-governmental organisations regarding the transparency law had come to pass, dismissing their warnings as “fraud and deception”.
20 August 2026, 19:53
Foreign policy
Georgian Parliament official says Macron’s invitation to PM Kobakhidze opens new platform for Georgia’s voice
Archil Gorduladze, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, on Thursday said French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to attend an international summit in Paris would provide “yet another opportunity” for Georgia’s voice to be heard “in every format and on every platform”.