Prime Minister Delivers a Speech at the Inauguration of International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Georgia, as a European country of 3.7 million that hosts 6.4 million visitors a year, with an annual growth of tourist flow as high as 20%, has decided to nominate Zurab Pololikashvili, Georgia’s representative in WTO and Ambassador to Spain, to the position of Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization. If elected, Ambassador Pololikashvili will be a worthy successor to assume these responsibilities, the Prime Minister of Georgia stated in his speech delivered at the inauguration of 2017 as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili is confident that Zurab Pololikashvili will support each nation andenhance contribute mutual goals on the global level.

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the great contribution of the acting WTO Secretary General to the strengthening of tourism and thanked Taleb Rifai for his invitation.

According to Kvirikashvili, 2016 marked manifold challenges and much success alike.

“The challenges include the unsettling threat of terrorism, to the tragic natural disasters, and governments around the globe facing numerous barriers throughout the year. However, 2016 has also been a year of success, a year when the world came together to express its unwavering support for free, safe and accessible travel as a right of all human beings. A year, to mark the unity of our nations and our people. A landmark time for innovation, entrepreneurship, and development. Today, we reach another milestone. With the launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, we once again emphasize that our nations all face common global challenges, which can only be resolved through advancing relations and furthering partnerships. By introducing this initiative, we have highlighted that Sustainable Development Goals are the focal point for future development, and will guide us to create long-term assets, and prevent relevant liabilities,” the Prime Minister stated.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked Secretary General Rifai of his initiative to inaugurate 2017 as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development and his tireless efforts to strengthen the global tourism industry throughout his eight-year tenure. 

“You truly are an exemplary leader, which has brought the sector and the UNWTO, to a new level of success and prosperity, and I know that every individual here, and across the industry, will agree with me; in saying that you are a great friend to each and every one of us. You have set a new benchmark for every Secretary-General that will follow in your footsteps,” the Prime Minister addressed Taleb Rifai.

Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked everyone who worked tirelessly for the inauguration of International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, also emphasizing that Georgia, together with other nations, will stand to uphold the values and principals of sustainable development.