Prospects of ecotourism development in recreation areas of South Georgia

Abstract

This paper reviews the opportunities of ecotourism development in South Georgia, in particular, in the Gujareti valley located in Samtskhe-Javakheti region which has a rich tourism and recreation potential. Recreation areas with unused potential are strengthening the tourism and recreation cluster of Samtskhe-Javakheti with new capabilities. For this purpose the example and experience of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, natural conditions, balnelogy resources and medieval cultural heritage of the Gujareti valley have been studied. In the SWOT-table the supporting and obstructing factors of the development were analyzed. The general concept for landscape planning of spatial zoning were worked out, which envisages the protection of natural diversity, prospects of cultural, educational, healthcare tourism and supports interests of local communities, in terms of ecotourism promotion and creates a positive environment for organic agriculture.