CHALLENGES OF COVID PANDEMIC AND TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES  OF GEORGIA

David Tchiotashvili; Tsiuri Duruli; Khaliana Chitadze

David Tchiotashvili Doctor of Economics, Professor of Gori State Teaching University, Gori, Chavchavadze st., №53, 1400, Georgia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2500-6252
Tsiuri Duruli Doctor of Economics, Professor of Gori State Teaching University, Gori, Chavchavadze st., №53, 1400, Georgia http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6915-9771
Khaliana Chitadze Doctor of Economics, Assoc. Professor of Gori State Teaching University, Gori, Chavchavadze st., №53, 1400, Georgia http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6795-9484

Keywords: Tourism in Georgia; Tourist potential; Tourism opportunites; COVID19 pandemic; Tourism and Economics.

Abstract

Today's reality is that both the whole world and Georgia are struggling with the spread of the COVID19 infection and the catastrophic consequences caused by it. With a complete economic recession and economic collapse, which primarily concerns the tourism sector, all the economic entities involved in it.

Georgia is not famous for its energy resources, but it is one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world for visitors and new discovery with its great tourism potential and diversity. The development of sustainable tourism and the position of Georgia as a unique tourist country in the international tourism market is directly proportional to the development of the country's economy.

The main goal of the research paper is to study and analyze the growing opportunities for tourism development in Georgia and to analyze the catastrophic results caused and revealed by the invisible enemy, the recently identified enemy, COVID19 Pandemia, and to set further prospects. There are analyzed: The statistics of tourism growth and financial income in Georgia, the perspective of tourism development in Georgia, and the relevance and impact of the COVID19 pandemic, which can cause irreparable damage, or at best, to the viability of tourism in the long run, as well as the opportunity for vital economic development for the development of the country.