Tourism Potential of Imereti

Abstract

Georgia is a country with ancient history and original unique culture. The country historyis a long list of rises and downfalls of empires, intrusions of external enemies, violenceand wars. But, at the same time, this country has huge cultural heritage. Georgia is aunique country possessing enormous tourism potential. Extended along the Black Seacoast, it has about 300 mountains (Abastumani, Bakuriani, Bahmaro, Gudauri, etc.),seaside (Kobuleti, Ureki, Batumi, and etc.), balneotherapeutic and mud (Borzhomi,Sairme, Likani, and etc.) health resorts, over 10 thousand monuments of archeology,history, architecture and art, and also numerous nature sanctuaries. And all these areconcentrated within the small territory occupied by the hospitable and distinctive people.Since the Georgian government decided to move their parliament to Kutaisi, therehas been a lot of work on restoring streets, buildings, parks and monuments and thecity has become much safer. But a visit here is nonetheless near mandatory to see themagnificent Bagrati Cathedral, and Gelati Monastery, both of which are UNESCO WorldHeritage sites, and have commanding views from the mountain slopes over the city andthe Rioni river.