კონფერენცია

∘ Sofiko Tevdoradze ∘
COVID 19 CHALLENGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM BUSINESS – PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES

Summary

Tourism is an important part of country economics, international relations, or business activities. Tourism can support peace and sustainable development of the country via increase of income, diversification of the economics, protection of the environment and by drawing together different cultures. This branch was established at modern stage as the most rapidly developing branch of economics. It considerably enhances the level of foreign currency flow to the country, creation of workplaces, overcoming the poverty, social and economic welfare of the population and, consequently, accelerated development of economics. Tourism creates workplaces much quicker than other branches of economics. It gives the possibility to balance the growth of economic potential.

Tourism is one of the most significant sectors of the economics of Georgia, which generates almost 11% of GDP. In 2019 the overall number of the visitors reached 9357964, which is in 7.8 % more than that of previous year. However, the fear of traveling caused by world pandemic COVID-19 and closed boarders had the most negative influence on tourism industry. Nevertheless, it is also noteworthy that Georgia is positioned as a safe destination this year. Due to timely prevention measures taken against the virus, the situation in the country is under control.

By government decision, the inner tourism was restored on 15^th of June. Georgia will host first international tourist on July 1^st. Tourism actors must analyze right now the challenges facing them because of the world pandemic COVID-19 and duly adapt to the existing environment. During pandemic COVID –19, tourism companies should take the following steps:

Mobilize on online tourism.
Completely integrate into internet space.
Adopt the tools of internet marketing, channels of effective presentation and realization of tourism products.

At this stage, the attention should be focused on such companies, which offer ecotourism products based on local natural and cultural heritage and what is most important, which will not cause overload. Besides, tourist companies should make their products more sensitive to future pandemics. Their main task from demand and supply viewpoint should be directed to really sustainable profile that would easily adapt to the changes emerging as a result of new challenges.

Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Paata Gugushvili Institute of Economics International Scientific C O N F E R E N C E S "ECONOMY – XXI CENTURY"

E ISSN 2587 - 4691	∘ Sofiko Tevdoradze ∘ COVID 19 CHALLENGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM BUSINESS – PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES Summary Tourism is an important part of country economics, international relations, or business activities. Tourism can support peace and sustainable development of the country via increase of income, diversification of the economics, protection of the environment and by drawing together different cultures. This branch was established at modern stage as the most rapidly developing branch of economics. It considerably enhances the level of foreign currency flow to the country, creation of workplaces, overcoming the poverty, social and economic welfare of the population and, consequently, accelerated development of economics. Tourism creates workplaces much quicker than other branches of economics. It gives the possibility to balance the growth of economic potential. Tourism is one of the most significant sectors of the economics of Georgia, which generates almost 11% of GDP. In 2019 the overall number of the visitors reached 9357964, which is in 7.8 % more than that of previous year. However, the fear of traveling caused by world pandemic COVID-19 and closed boarders had the most negative influence on tourism industry. Nevertheless, it is also noteworthy that Georgia is positioned as a safe destination this year. Due to timely prevention measures taken against the virus, the situation in the country is under control. By government decision, the inner tourism was restored on 15^th of June. Georgia will host first international tourist on July 1^st. Tourism actors must analyze right now the challenges facing them because of the world pandemic COVID-19 and duly adapt to the existing environment. During pandemic COVID –19, tourism companies should take the following steps: Mobilize on online tourism. Completely integrate into internet space. Adopt the tools of internet marketing, channels of effective presentation and realization of tourism products. At this stage, the attention should be focused on such companies, which offer ecotourism products based on local natural and cultural heritage and what is most important, which will not cause overload. Besides, tourist companies should make their products more sensitive to future pandemics. Their main task from demand and supply viewpoint should be directed to really sustainable profile that would easily adapt to the changes emerging as a result of new challenges.