Batumi: Europe’s leading emerging tourist destination?

Batumi, the capital of the Georgian autonomous republic of Ajara is a city that has undergone an incredible metamorphosis in recent years, betting everything on tourism and becoming one of the emerging destinations in Europe.

Here the ancient and the modern coexist in perfect harmony. The streets and squares of the old city, where you can breathe its history, contrast with the huge, luxurious skyscrapers on the seafront.

The Pearl of the Black Sea is also the country’s number one business location, thanks to – among other reasons - its geographical position, its services, and its infrastructure.

And it is precisely on infrastructure that the local government is pushing hard. A strategy that attracts new investors, boosts the economy, and makes the city's international reputation soar.

An example is the new Batumi Stadium (Adjarabet Arena): a facility that cost more than 30 million euros and will host some of the European Under-21 football championship matches in 2023.

Another massive project that the government is very passionate about, is the Ambassadori Batumi Island: the creation of two artificial peninsulas and one island that will host modern resorts for wellness and recreation in the city’s seaside area.

Tornike Rijvadze, is the chairman of the government of Ajara.

"Our primary goal is to attract private investments as well as making Batumi one of the popular and emerging Europe's holiday destinations. Our idea is basically to cup (group) business, investments as well as new infrastructures, core infrastructures which will lead the foundation for sustainable growth of the city and for the autonomous region".

Luxury hotels, casinos, beaches, and all kinds of activities attract 2 million tourists every year. The Ajara