More Qatari tourists visiting Georgia: envoy

By Salman Siddiqui/Staff Reporter

The envoy said that more and more Qataris were going to Georgia for tourism.

“Georgia offers lots of different tourism tracks, from the mountain to the sea, from cultural to adventure tourism. Also, in terms of pricing, Georgia is very competitive. And people from the GCC in general like the long moderate summer in Georgia that offers escape from the heat of the Gulf,” she explained.

One reason for this was the exemption from visa requirements for Qataris and residence permit holders. “They do not need a visa to visit Georgia but get an entry stamp to Georgia upon arrival. Qatar Airways is flying to Tbilisi on a daily basis,” she said.

About the number of Georgians in Qatar, she said the embassy had around 100 on file, who were mostly working in the hospitality sector, health institutions and other service related professions. “But the actual number of Georgians in Qatar is higher. Many come to explore opportunities before establishing themselves here,” she added.

She termed the relations between Georgia and Qatar ‘strong’ in all areas. “We have very good co-operation with different branches of Qatari authorities. We have constant consultations on most international issues and we are co-ordinating closely our positions. Our relationship is based on common values. The legal basis for co-operation between the two countries is very well advanced,” she said.

In the cultural sphere, there is a plan in the works to bring world-class Georgian artists to Doha. “Much has been done, but more can be done. I am particularly referring to Qatari investments in Georgia,” she added.

When asked why Georgia felt the need to open an embassy in Doha, given it had very few of its nationals in Qatar, the ambassador said that the task of an embassy was not only to provide consular services to citizens. It also represented the country as a whole and was the main channel to communicate between the governments.

“The embassy of Georgia is also the address for Qatari companies and individuals interested in doing business in Georgia. Qatar has become increasingly important in the fields of media, energy, logistics, and as a diplomatic platform as well as a venue for international events. This is another reason why we are here,” she said.

She said that Georgia attached particular importance to developing ties with the Middle East in general and the GCC in particular. Growing interaction between Georgia and Qatar during recent years, and the need to co-ordinate actions at the international and bilateral levels, prompted the Georgian government’s decision to establish the embassy in Qatar. “Qatar (too) has reciprocated and established its embassy in Tbilisi, with which we are maintaining excellent working relations,” she added.