‘Threefold rise in Qatar tourists visiting Georgia’
Georgia obtained the status of one of the most popular postpandemic destinations for Qatari citizens and residents, according to ambassador Nikoloz Revazishvili
The number of visitors from Qatar to Georgia has increased threefold in the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2020, Georgian ambassador Nikoloz Revazishvili has said.
“The growing dynamics observed allows us to say that Georgia obtained the status of one of the most popular post-pandemic destinations for Qatari citizens and residents,” the envoy told Gulf Times.
“The interest is indeed high,” he said, adding that the embassy’s phone continues to receive numerous calls daily from people seeking information about travel from Qatar to Georgia.
Due to the global health crisis, Revazishvili noted that travel was restricted in 2020 but the amplified number of visitors from Qatar is promising and welcoming development for tourism revival.
Currently, he said there are daily direct flights from Doha to Tbilisi operated by Qatar Airways. He expects the frequency to increase this month and in August.
“It is noteworthy that Georgia and its capital Tbilisi was named by “European Best Destinations” (Brussels-based travel advisory), among the Best Destinations for Vaccinated Travelers in 2021.
The envoy added that they are working with Qatar Airways to have seasonal direct flights from Doha to Batumi – one of the most touristic seaside cities in Georgia located on the Black Sea.
According to the embassy, Georgia is open for fully vaccinated citizens and residence permit (QID) holders of Qatar.
Qatar citizens and residence permit (QID) holders may also enter Georgia without additional quarantine requirements if they have not been vaccinated yet.
In this case, they must comply with the following conditions: passengers must present a negative PCR test result certificate conducted during 72 hours prior to travel to Georgia and on the third day of their stay, travellers are obliged to undergo another PCR test at their own expense.
“If you have a vaccination certificate, which indicates that you received two doses of vaccine, then it will be a quarantine-free destination for you. Vaccinated parents need only to show PCR negative tests for their accompanying children (non-vaccinated) whose age is 10 and above.
“Children under the age of 10 are exempted from the obligation to submit a negative PCR test before travel. There is no visa requirement as well, it’s visa free destination for citizens and residents of the State of Qatar,” Revazishvili said.
He stressed that the Government of Georgia is implementing measures in line with World Health Organisation regulations to maintain a safe environment for all.
Restrictions such as wearing of masks in closed places and public transport, as well as social distancing practices, continue to be enforced in Georgia. In this regard, it is of crucial importance for Georgia to preserve the country as a safe tourism destination.
About Georgian destinations, Tbilisi is one of its popular tourist spots – a city that captivated many travellers from various part of the world, including Qatar and other GCC countries – while Batumi offers a relaxing beach holiday.