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Georgia to Host more than 6 Million Tourists in 2014 The FINANCIAL

T

he number of international travellers in Georgia will exceed 6 million in 2014. This year Georgia has had 26% growth of tourism and was named the star performer by the

World Tourism Administration.

GEL 15 million is the minimum budget of the GNTA for 2014.

The booming prosperity of the sector is delivering a good message to investors; however Georgia is facing a lack of hotels.

Continued on p. 4

Russian Tourists the Largest Spenders in Georgia See on p. 8

Sponsors:

Stalin Museum the Main Attraction for Foreign Tourists The FINANCIAL

T

he number of visitors at the Georgian National Museum increased by almost 40,000 during the first ten months of 2013, com-

pared with the same period of last year. There are over 188 museums established in Georgia. Meanwhile the majority of foreigners’ interest appears to be in Stalin’s museum.

Continued on p. 13

Rooms Hotels expanding in April 2014

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Khachapuri Index is exclusively provided to The FINANCIAL by ISET

December 2013

KhachapuriIndex

TBILISI – SAME PICTURE – HIGH COSTS AND HIGH SAVINGS AGAIN

I

n November 2013, the average cost of preparing one standard Imeretian Khachapuri varied across Georgian cities from 3.52 GEL (the maximum measured in Tbilisi) to 3.32 GEL (the minimum measured in Batumi). The overall average price was 3.42 GEL, which

is 2.1% higher compared to the previous month (October 2013).

Cheese prices increased by 4.1% and continued to be the main driver of the Khachapuri price increase together with flour prices (increased by 1.9%). On the other hand, Milk and egg prices were pulling down the Khachpuri price

with -2.5% and -1% price declines, respectively.

In November 2013, preparing a Khachapuri in Tbilisi cost 3.52 GEL, the most expensive among all cities. However, a “frugal housewife” searching for the cheapest ingredients would pay only 2.90 GEL, not only saving a

solid 17.7% of the average price, but also paying significantly less compared to the “frugal housewives” in other Georgian cities.

A “frugal housewife” would save 10.7 % in Telavi, 9% in Kutaisi and 7.7% in Batumi, paying 3.04 GEL, 3.13 GEL, and 3.06 GEL, respectively.

The Need for Strategic Research

by Olga Azhgibetseva and Florian Biermann ISET

W

hen a country engages in scientific research, the fruits are harvested by the whole of humanity. Fundamental research, generating knowledge without direct applications but needed for developing applications, is published in international scientific journals open to everybody. A society can exploit this knowledge without having to pay royalties or patent fees, and, most importantly, without investing in its own research facilities.

Yet even the results of applied research can hardly be monopolized. The economic fortunes of some Asian countries, in particular China, are built on technology developed in Europe and North America. Through reversed engineering and industrial espionage, the Chinese copycats managed to get close to the heels of world’s most advanced producers of various commodities. For a couple of reasons that we will not discuss here, international patent laws are largely impotent to protect intellectual property when the delinquents are implicitly backed by their governments. Western research money was heavily subsidizing the Asian competitors.

Why should a society then allot resources to research at all?

There are at least three reasons.

Firstly, it is essential to have a well-educated population. Without smart people, it will be impossible to even copy what others have discovered. Yet university professors who do not engage in research themselves quickly lose touch with the research frontier in their fields, and they will not be capable anymore to participate in the worldwide scientific debate. At this point, they also cannot teach to their students the modern developments in their fields anymore. This insight was behind the concept of “unity of teaching and research”, propagated by Wilhelm von Humboldt in the 19th century.

Secondly, even though others can copy what you invent, you will be the first to have the knowledge available. By copying European and American technology, the Chinese could get close to the heels of Western companies, but they could not overtake them.

Copying gives you access to a new technology for free, but there is a delay. In particular with regard to

Wikimedia commons

high-tech products, a lag of one or two years can make a huge difference.

Thirdly, and this is what we want to discuss in some detail, there may be a need for strategic research. In order to understand this idea, let us turn to a Brazilian example.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS In the 50’s and 60’s of the last century, Brazil was suffering from rural poverty and frequent food supply crises. The country was the world’s main exporter of coffee, yet at the same time, Brazil needed to import huge amounts of other agricultural products in order to feed its population.

While coffee was produced at the state of the art of the time, other goods were produced highly inefficiently, as Brazilian agricultural practices were not adapted to the tropical climate and various unique geographical conditions of the country. The available arable land could not sustain the increasing demand for food, and allow for exports at the same time. Exports were deemed essential for the overall development of the Brazilian economy.

Brazil was in dire need of specific knowledge that would increase the amount of arable land, but those countries that faced similar

conditions were even poorer and lacked the capacities to come up with technological solutions. So, nobody else would generate this knowledge if Brazil would not do it on its own.

Understanding this dilemma, the Brazilian government founded Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria (EMBRAPA), Portuguese for Brazilian agricultural research corporation. EMBRAPA is a state-owned company affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. As stated on its website, the corporation’s mission is to “provide feasible solutions for the sustainable development

of Brazilian agribusiness through knowledge and technology generation and transfer”. EMBRAPA is an example for strategic national research, tailored for the specific economic needs of a country.

Many things changed with the establishing the EMBRAPA in 1973.The changes were not rapid, yet in the long run they were drastical. EMBRAPA introduced innovations to Brazilian agriculture that allowed to turn cerrado (the Brazilian savanna territory) into arable green land. EMBRAPA Continued on p. 8

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Georgia to Host more than 6 Million Tourists in 2014

By Madona Gasanova

T

Advertiser: EGO. Contact FINANCIAL Ad Dep at marketing@finchannel.com

he number of international travellers in Georgia will exceed 6 million in 2014. This year Georgia has had 26% growth of tourism and was named the star performer by the World Tourism Administration. GEL 15 million is the minimum budget of the GNTA for 2014. The booming prosperity of the sector is delivering a good message to investors; however Georgia is facing a lack of hotels.

“In March 2014 the hotel Rooms will open in Tbilisi. The hotel will have the same concept as it has in Kazbegi. Radisson Park Inn, Intercontinental, Rixos and Hilton are all upcoming projects. Hotel Ambassador is building another hotel in its neighbouring territory. Together with boutique and middle class hotels, more than 100 new hotels will be opened in Georgia in the next two years,” Giorgi Sigua, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA), told The FINANCIAL. “We already have a

Giorgi Sigua, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA)

shortage of facilities right now. We would not manage to supply all 5 million international visitors if they wanted spend a night here. These numbers are a very good message delivered to investors. They are starting to consider it a wonderful area for investment. Georgia offers perfect conditions to investors in regard to land allocation in different regions; in terms of tax policy, free tourist zones,

government programmes, as well as various funds for co-investment. There is huge support for investors in Georgia,” said Sigua.

According to Sigua, Georgia already has a shortage of 10,000 beds.

“There are over 36,000 hotels in Georgia. The figures guarantee that opening new hotels will be beneficial.”

“Tbilisi, Adjara and the mountainous regions are the areas that are most

lacking in terms of amount of accommodation,” Sigua added.

Q. How would you estimate the year 2013 for the tourism sector?

A. Georgia has been evaluated as a star performer in the annual report of the World Tourism Organization. With 2526% growth we have had the greatest increase in the tourism sector across Europe. Our achievement applies to not only an increased number of travellers from abroad. It refers to increased income for the country’s economy, jobs, hotel occupancy rate and all the parameters which assess the tourism sector.

Georgia has hosted 5 million international travellers. An additional 300,000 are expected by the end of 2013. 5 million international travellers is equivalent to GEL 3.2 billion in the country’s economy. The average expenditure of a traveller during a trip in Georgia is GEL 641. The additional 300,000 travellers will boost the figure to GEL 3.5 billion. Over 23-24% of this sum is transferred to the budget. Tourism makes up over 7.5% of the country’s GDP. Last year

the figure was 6.37%. Out of all the international travellers 57% are tourists, people who spend at least one night in the country.

Q. Which projects would you highlight as reasons for the success of your work?

A. GNTA launched a free multilingual informational hotline. There was a lack of information centres where tourists could receive useful information, or get maps or brochures. A few days ago, we placed a tourist information centre in Pushkin Square. In the summer we hired mobile guides.

Young people in uniforms were delivering useful information to tourists and even guided them around.

Rest-stops on highways of different cities are currently under construction.

Numerous toilets, wifi areas, fast food and souvenir shops will be located there in the future.

We have launched a web portal. Currently tourists can get all the useful information they might need regarding monuments, hotels, entertainment locations, attractions, ticket bookings and other things on our portal. Tourists have the opportunity to organize an independent tour for themselves. The

tour appears in the online market and travel companies send individual offers.

We carried out direct campaigns in Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Azerbaijan and an indirect campaign in Ukraine. We arranged a press tour for Russian journalists. With the increased budget we will have more opportunities. We will carry out campaigns on our target markets, which are mostly our neighbour countries and also Israel, the Czech Republic, Poland, Arab countries - the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Q. How much will the administration’s budget amount to in 2014?

A. In 2014 the GNTA will receive a record amount of financing from the budget. After a second reading GEL 15 million was approved for our budget, but it might increase still. This is logical for a sector that brings in from 3 to 3.5 billion of income.

GEL 6.5 million was the budget of 2013. Infrastructural arrangement, increasing the level of service and creating all kinds of comfort for people who are coming and spending money here will be our main priority for the up-

biznesis personaluri radio

marketing@commersant.ge +995 32 2505 955

coming year.

Q. What will be your exact priorities for the upcoming year?

A. Solving the infrastructural problems and increasing service level will be the main priorities.

Promoting campaigns on the target markets and stimulating domestic tourism will also be our dominant priorities. We have started a new project: English language teaching lessons for taxi drivers.

Those who pass the exam will receive a certificate with the inscription: English Speaking Taxi Driver.

It will be an additional stimulus for them and will distinguish them from the competition.

From next year we will implement a project with one of the TV companies that will promote the profession of waiters. Famous people will serve customers at restaurants. I am prepared to be the first to serve customers at restaurants. There is still a mentality that the profession of waiter is something embarrassing.

Working with this cliché means that service personnel often do not carry out their work properly.

However I personally Continued on p. 8

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Bringing Insurance Culture to Georgia Aldagi says travel insurance is their number one priority for 2014 The FINANCIAL

I

By Mariam Papidze

ncreasing demand for travel insurance and its development are one of the key tasks of Aldagi Insurance Company for the year 2014. Sales numbers of travel insurance packages increased by 40 percent in 2013, while just 20-25 percent of airplane passengers in general used travel insurance in Georgia, according to Aldagi.

Travel insurance is intended to cover unforeseen medical expenses, the financial default of travel suppliers as well as other losses that can be incurred whilst travelling. Aldagi not only caters for Georgian customers travelling abroad but also offers insurance to foreign travellers that are visiting Georgia. There was 100 percent growth in sales of their incoming travel insurance package in 2012 and 2011.

“We would very soon like to see all citizens of Georgia covered by travel insurance before leaving the country,” Nutsa Koguashvili, Deputy General Director at Aldagi Insurance Company, told The FINANCIAL. “Travel insurance is one of the priorities of Aldagi and we are paying a great deal of attention to the development of this direction of insurance in Georgia. Financial stability is very important while being abroad. Nowadays just 20-25 percent of airplane passengers use travel insurance and the rest of the passengers travel without insurance, which is unacceptable. Insurance is a relatively young industry in Georgia and people are not used to use its different products. People sometimes do not even remember how many useful insurance products there are that can be provided for them, including travel insurance.

Georgians do not like thinking in advance about potential negative outcomes. And lack of awareness of the product itself is the third reason why Georgian customers are so passive in purchasing travel insurance. Travelling abroad and going away in general is a big pleasure, and should not be spoiled by unpleasant surprises,” she added.

Any emergency medical service which might be needed by the insured customer when travelling abroad will be covered by the travel insurance. The limits of the liability are quite high - EUR 50,000 in many countries of Europe, USD 15,000 in Turkey and CIS countries. The travel insurance policy covers the cancellation of the trip as well as baggage delay. “If our insured passengers are forced to stay at an airport because of a trip’s cancellation then we pro-

Nutsa Koguashvili, Deputy General Director at Aldagi Insurance Company

vide for their hotel stay. In such an event the airport might take care of this issue, but for a more comfortable stay we recommend people use our travel insurance.

Aldagi’s travel insurance also includes baggage delay cover.

When passengers receive their baggage late they are forced to buy certain necessary items until their own ones arrive. This means that they have to spend money. We offer them travel insurance to prevent them from incurring such kinds of extra expenses,” she said.

Travel insurance policies can be purchased at a variety of locations. The procedure is quick and easy, one just has to present their passport and wait for 3 minutes until the policy is ready.

“Travel insurance is so cheap that people really should always choose to use it. For a 1 week journey passengers can buy a travel insurance product for just GEL 7. The price is so low that there really is no reason to travel abroad without travel insurance,” said Koguashvili.

Aldagi is providing organizational assistance within the

help of its partner Europe Assistance.

Nowadays, ambulatory emergency care is the most frequently-used service within the framework of travel insurance.

The consulates of many EU countries require people traveling to their countries to get travel insurance first. Due to this reason demand for travel insurance has been increasing in Georgia, said Koguashvili. But the fact that travel insurance is not obligatory in Georgia and several consulates do not require it, means that in many cases people are lazy about using this product. As Koguashvili says, this is slightly hampering the development of travel insurance in Georgia.

“Many consulates still do not require travel insurance. However, Aldagi is growing stably.

The sales of travel insurance are increasing by 35-40 percent every year. This is linked to the economic growth in the country.

If the income per capita is not increasing then the number of passengers will not increase. The economic development of the country of course affects travel

insurance positively,” she said.

Q. Aldagi also provides travel insurance for incoming tourists. As they already have their own countries’ travel insurance, why would it be necessary for them to purchase Aldagi’s travel insurance in addition?

A. When discussing travel insurance products it is very important to highlight incoming travellers’ insurance. Of course the majority of tourists in Georgia are already insured and are covered by the policies of insurance companies from their own countries, but problems regarding organizational issues often arise while travelling in Georgia. Tourists do not know where to call, whom to apply to with a request for help. As opposed to other countries Georgia is still not integrated with insurance systems and foreign insurance companies are not experienced in how to manage medical cases in Georgia. We provide such organizational assistance.

Q. How has the company contributed to the develop-

ment of not only its own products but the entire market as well?

A. As Aladgi is the leading insurance company on the Georgian market we feel a responsibility to contribute not only to developing our own company, but the whole industry as well.

Together with our competitors we aim to make insurance products more reliable for Georgian customers and more diverse too.

As Aldagi has the biggest market share and the strongest sales team in Country, industry development equals our development at the same time.

We are bringing the culture of insurance to Georgia. Aldagi was the first insurance company to be founded in the Georgian market, back in 1990. Since then it has been the leading insurer on the market. Accordingly it is normal that it is Aldagi that is the company which has bought all the products to Georgia. All the products which are now available on the Georgian market were introduced by Aldagi. It is the leader’s mission to be always an innovator. Our new product - Pet Insurance, is also an innovative product which will have its analogues in our competitor insurance companies in the future. We always welcome the fact that products which we have introduced are adopted by other companies.

Travel insurance is linked to health insurance and its development contributes to the development of travel insurance as well.

Q. What is the policy of Aldagi in terms of cooperating with its partner travel agencies?

A. The most important channel of travel insurance is travel agencies. Aldagi cooperates with more than 300 travel agencies in Georgia and out of them about 200 travel agencies are our exclusive partners.

We offer a grant programme for them - if our partner travel agencies provide a business development plan we finance it. For them, cooperating with Aldagi is becoming more profitable. Those who sell the most travel insurance products of Aldagi Insurance Company are encouraged by us.

InterContinental, Travel Club, Via Travel, Berika International, Global Travel, VIP BTC, Travelland, Horizont-Air, Capitan +, Levon Travel, PGS international limited, Dubai.ge, All Tours, Silk Road Travel and Turi.ge are the main travel agencies in Georgia which are our partners.

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Russian Tourists the Largest Spenders in Georgia The FINANCIAL

By Mariam Gogiberidze

T

he average expenditure of foreign travellers to Georgia per visit amounts to GEL 626. Russian tourists on average are the most generous visitors while Armenians, who are the majority in terms of total number of tourists in the country, spend the smallest average amount of money when staying in Georgia.

Food and beverage, accommodation, shopping and entertainment are the main outgoings of visitors to the country.

A total of GEL 2,841,876,840 was spent by tourists in Georgia in the first 10 months of 2013, according to data provided to The FINANCIAL by the Georgian National Tourism Administration. 30% of the total amount was spent on food and beverage, 20% was spent on accommodation, 18% on shopping and 14% on entertainment.

“Citizens of Russia are in first place in terms of amount of expenditure in Georgia. Per trip to Georgia they spend on average about GEL 1,180.

The following places are held by visitors from Central and Eastern European countries.

Tourists from these countries spend GEL 943 on average.

After them comes Turkey GEL 533, Azerbaijan - GEL 467, and Armenia - GEL 301, according to data from the Georgian National Tourism Administration. This data is from the first 10 months of 2013.

“CIS and Georgian markets will see many new hotels open in 2014,” Alexey Korobkin, Senior Consultant at HVS Consulting and Valuation, told The FINANCIAL. Restoring relations with Georgia’s northern neighbour was one of the main promises made by Bidzina Ivanishvili, currently holding the seat of Prime Minister. Russia has

Georgia to Host more than 6 Million Tourists in 2014 Continued from p. 4 have worked as a waiter, barman, dishwasher and cook. At 18 I worked at McDonald’s. A smile is a must for service sector personnel.

Q. By how many percentages has the number of Russian tourists increased in Georgia this year?

A. Russian tourists will amount to over 800,000 this year. Last year’s figure was over 0.5 million, so we have had 65% growth this year. The Russian tourist market, in general, is considered to be one of the best in the world, since Russians are the best spenders. Russians on average spend over GEL 1,260 while GEL 450 is spent by Azerbaijanis. Although the prices of flights are too high from Russia and we only have charter flights, the number of travellers is increasing. If regular flights will be restored between the two countries, then we will see a boom of Russian tourists in Georgia.

Q. Will the street rallies in Kiev have any impact on the number of Ukrainian tourists?

A. I returned from Ukraine just one week ago. We held presentations in three cities there: Lvov, Odessa and Dnepropetrovsk. Internal flights are running normally. There is a rally in one point of the city but it will come to an end some day.

In 2012 we hosted 70,000 tourists from Ukraine and almost doubled last year’s results this year. The number will be over

120 to 130,000 this year.

Q. How can Georgia get closer to international standards regarding service and infrastructure quality?

A. Georgia will get closer to international standards when people realize that tourists are not dependent on them but that it is the other way round.

When I started working at McDonald’s in Tbilisi, our foreign trainer told us to remember that we are dependent on our clients rather than the customers on us. Georgians will soon find that out, and then the service will be enhanced and more smiling personnel will serve us.

If we want to build a tourism sector of a high level we should learn to serve them as we do guests at home. Moreover, tourists are people who bring in money. Income from tourism is distributed more or less in every segment. The professions of taxi driver, shop assistant, bartender, waiter, hotel server, tour guide and many others receive direct benefits from tourism.

taken steps to resume the import of Georgian-produced wine and mineral water, originally banned by Russia in 2006.

According to research conducted by GNTA, from May 2011 - April 2012 the average duration of stay of Russian tourists in Georgia is 26 days.

The majority of Russian residents - 54%, travel to Georgia alone. Approximately 34% visit the country with other family members. Just 10% arrive in Georgia with friends.

Russians were the second largest group of foreign nationals among the guests of Radisson Blu Iveria in early 2013.

“Georgia hosted 417,522 international travellers in the month of November, which is 13% higher than the same period of last year. Looking at the total eleven months’ data, 4,973,632 foreigners visited Georgia, an increase of 23% compared to the previous year. The largest share of international travellers are from neighbouring countries.

In November, the number of travellers from neighbouring countries amounted to 378,582, which is 91% of the total tourists that arrived in the country. 87% of international travellers who arrived in Georgia came from the land borders of the country. The eleven months’ data equals 4,328,183,” according to the November Report by the Georgian National Tourism Administration.

Statistically the highest numbers of international travellers come to Georgia in August. The summer season marks the highest share of tourists. Research made by the Georgian National Tourism Administration of the January-October period, found that 62% of total international travellers are tourists.

Aggregate indicators of spending nights in Georgia exceed GEL 4.2 million out of which GEL 2.8 million was spent by the residents of

neighbouring countries, according to the data provided

by GNTA to The FINANCIAL in August 2013.

“Turkey is at the top according to the eleven months’ data. However, the number of tourists from Armenia in the month of November had the highest share - 116,898 (37% of the total). There is a decrease in the share of tourists from neighbouring countries, last year’s figure was 91%,” the report states.

In recent months there has been a notable increase in arrivals from Russia. The annulment of the visa regime is also a reason for the visits. According to the eleven months’ data there was a growth of 50% in visitors from the Russian Federation. The highest growth rate was observed in February (134%) and March (103%).

“During the last month there have been increases from Israel, Poland and Ukraine. This happened after Wizz Air started offering flights to Poland and added flights to Ukraine from Qutaisi Airport. The marketing campaigns by the Georgian National Tourism Administration also play a big role,” the report claims.

According to data of the month of November, the number of tourists from Israel has increased by 34%, from Ukraine by 45%, and from Po-

land by 233%.

The start of direct flights to Iraq resulted in great growth and the number of Iraqi travellers has increased by 593%.

The number of tourists from EU countries was 11,545 in November, and for the whole eleven months is 197,705. The share of European tourists in November was 3%, and for the eleven months - 4%.

“According to the data of November the amount of places to stay at in Georgia is 1,063. The share of hotels is bigger than others, 64% of the total amount,” the report stated.

The majority of tourists in Georgia are men - 78 percent.

Accordingly, women make up just 22 percent of total tourists. As for the age groups of tourists visiting Georgia, 30 percent of them are between the ages of 25-34. The majority of them (39 percent) are employed.

The Need for Strategic Research Continued from p. 2

became the foremost center of expertise in tropical agriculture, not only in Brazil, but worldwide. After agricultural production in the tropical areas of Brazil picked up, the country became one of the world’s main exporter of orange juice, sugar, coffee, chicken, and beef (see Chart 1).

The article ”Embrapa, a successful case of institutional innovation” by Eliseu Alves (published in Revista de politica Agricola, 2010) emphasizes the importance of support from the federal government, in particular in the early stages of the institution. During the first twelve years of its existence, the corporation had to offer little more than promises. Nevertheless, the government, not forced to generate an economic return in the short run, invested in the human resources and the infrastructure of EMBRAPA on a large scale.

The government is still the major supporter. Chart 2 shows the compositions of the EMBRAPA’s budgets in the years 2000 to 2009. In most years, the government provides 90-95% of the budget.

A similar story could be told about how Israel managed to successfully operate farms in the Negev, a desert that covers almost half of the country. In the course of these efforts, Israeli researchers became the world’s foremost experts on how to do agriculture in dry regions.

AND GEORGIA? In 2011, the Georgian government recognized agriculture as one of the strategic priorities of the country. As it is written in the “10-Point Plan for Modernization and Employment 2011-2015” of the Gov-

ernment of Georgia, the main goal is to create new jobs and improve the quality of life in rural areas through upgrading the Georgian agriculture.

While Brazil in the 60th and Georgia today had similar policy priorities, Brazil in their time understood the importance of scientific research, while in Georgia this aspect is not featured as prominently on the political agenda. And indeed, the geographical and meteorological circumstances in Georgia may not require tailored research on Georgian agriculture.

However, Geogia’s agricultural sector does have unique problems. These are, however, more of an agricultural economics type. There is no blueprint avail-

able on how to deal with the social implications of structural changes in the rural regions, as Georgia’s social and cultural characteristics are rather unique. The situation is further complicated by the geopolitical complexities and various conflicts in the region, affecting possibilities for trade. Also in terms of infrastructure, Georgia is not a country like any other.

Therefore, it should be considered to declare not agriculture, but agricultural economics to be a field of strategic research in Georgia. This might help to cope with the huge challenges of Georgia’s rural regions that will come up in the near future.

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Personal Privacy at Risk under Government The National Forensics Bureau has started recovering personal data from mobile phones without the need for ownership documents The FINANCIAL

By Mariam Papidze

M

obile phone users who have sold their devices on to new owners or are going to sell them are at risk of potentially sharing their personal information unknowingly with the Government. Deleted messages, contact information, photo and video files can be recovered by Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau without their needing ownership verification documents, for just GEL 60 per file, an agency representative told The FINANCIAL. While personal privacy is at risk in Georgia the mobile operator companies, Geocell, Magti and Beeline, say they have no responsibility to protect their customers from a service which is not provided by them.

The Georgian National Communication Commission explains how it investigates and controls cases where the providers of electronic communications service breach legislative provisions on the protection of consumers’ rights. “In this case the problem is between the consumers and the mobile phone producers. Such problems are regulated by the Personal Data Protection Inspector,” said Khatia Kurashvili, of GNCC. The law on Personal Data Protection adopted by the previous Parliament in December 2011 regulates the rule on the gathering and usage of personal data. It permits the state to get personal information for safety reasons, mainly with permission from the owner. The law does not explain situations where one collects data from devices previously owned by another person.

The Personal Data Protection Inspector Tamar Kaldani declined to comment for the reason that she was not aware of this case and needs time to properly investigate how consumer rights have been abused.

Meanwile, Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau gets 50 mobile phones per month for the purpose of restoring different kinds of information, out of which the most highly-demanded services are SMS, contact information and call history recovery, according to the statistics. 25 percent of mobile phones are checked for investigative purposes.

“It is not our responsibility to find out how a customer got the mobile phone, it is the customer’s respon-

sibility,” said Roland Makhmudov, Head of the Informative Technologies and Computer Examination Department. “If a mobile phone does not have any password code we do not start investigating whether the customer is its owner or not.

Again, it is not our responsibility.

We cannot determine whether this information is his/her private information or someone else’s. How the customer got the mobile phone is not our business. We are committed to our customers - we must do whatever they ask. It is their order.

If a phone has a password code and the customer does not know it then in that case we require a judge’s verdict that the phone legally belongs to that customer and that he/she has simply forgotten the password,” he added.

Makhmudov explains that each person should take care of their own personal privacy by themselves. “For this it is enough to simply block mobile phones and use passwords. It is good to do that in case someone steals your mobile phone or you lose it. But before selling a mobile phone on people should bring it in to our bureau as we can delete all kinds of information in a way that means its restoration is impossible. This service is available at our bureau at a cost of GEL 100 per mobile phone,” said Makhmudov.

It is not only the restoring of deleted information that is available now. Even if one person uses another’s mobile phone to sign into Skype, Facebook, their email or other devices, it is also possible to restore all the conversations which they might have had during this time, Makhmudov told The FINANCIAL. “This service is mostly needed for investigations, when there is concern that there was contact between a victim and suspect and what the content of this contact was. Investigators often bring mobile phones from prison to find a clue in a criminal case. If a person dies in uncertain circumstances investigators often search for whether they talked to or

texted someone and whether there is a clue to find there. The investigators bring a special warrant and we start working only after that. Sometimes we are able to provide the investigators with such information that radically changes the investigation process. From the very beginning the idea to bring this service to Georgia came about because of high demand from the Investigation Department,” said Makhmudov.

Smartphones take first position among the most-frequently checked mobile phones, followed by Chinese and old generation mobile phones.

It is possible to extract and restore information from 90 percent of mobile phone models, which is 3,400 mobile phones which exist on the market nowadays. Restoring 1 SMS costs GEL 60 and restoring contact information - GEL 100. In terms of photo restoration, it costs GEL 60 as well any extra 1 GB - GEL 100.

“There is one offer - that after restoring 10 messages each additional message will cost only GEL 15. The tariffs are regulated by the state, not by us,” said Makhmudov.

Universal Forensic Evidence Device is equipment for restoring data and is available only for expert institutions and not for private entities or private organizations. In Georgia Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau is the only owner of this equipment and accordingly only we provide such kind of service. USD 150,000 was spent on this equipment which was brought from the USA. “So as not to damage the information in the mobile phone, we get a clone of it and create a virtual mobile phone and it is exactly this clone that we are working on. We do not touch the information which is in the mother mobile phone. The difficulty depends on the hard drive of the mobile phone. For example if we compare iPhone and Sumsung to each other, we will see that they have a different structure of saving information. Sumsung can use its internal memory as well as external memory card as opposed to iPhone.

This means that it is easier to work on Sumsung than iPhone,” he added.

Chinex is new equipment which was recently brought to the Bureau and is designed for Chinese mobile phones. It was previously impossible to restore information from Chinese mobile phones. “Demand for restoring information from such mobile phones was so high though that we decided to purchase this equipment.

About 30 percent of the market is made up by Chinese mobile phones,” Makhmudov said.

Nowadays Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau offers 10 services but from January 2014 it will add 15 more services, including GPC coordinates to get information about where photos were taken.

Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau represents a LEPL providing Georgian and foreign physical and legal entities with forensic services. It is the only independent forensic laboratory in all Georgia.

The Bureau provides its services to state structures as well as to private ones, budgetary organizations, commercial and non-commercial establishments and physical persons.

In September 2013, 110 CDs with 144 private video recordings were destroyed by special shredder equipment at the Moduli building. The move was demanded by international and non-governmental organizations, accusing the previous government of blackmail and illegal spy recordings, which according to some reports consisted of materials from the private lives of journalists and politicians. The new government promised to increase personal data security and restrict spy recordings.

It also said the issue of the role of mobile operators in spy recordings will be investigated.

The Independent Association of Georgian Journalists, which developed digital security recommendations for journalists in 2012, said that the new service offered by the National Forensics Bureau puts personal security at risk. Data collected from mobile phones can be used against their owners, by the state or by other groups, IAGJ said.

The organization recommended that journalists increase security measures by setting up strong passwords on devices. Journalists must refrain from selling their devices to secondary owners, the IAGJ said. It also addressed the Government on strict service rules by requiring official permission from personal data owners on data extraction.

Duty Free Tbilisi has 40% Sales Increase in 2013 The FINANCIAL

By Madona Gasanova

T

here has been a 40% increase in sales in Tbilisi Duty Free compared to the same period of last year, from January to November. One of the reasons for this significant increase is due to the increase in sales of the Wines of Georgia shop. ATU Duty Free plans to enlarge and renew shops in Tbilisi Airport in 2014. The company is going to open a new 148 square metre shop in Kutaisi Airport in January 2014.

“Opening of the Wines of Georgia store has been very successful both in financial and sustainability terms to preserve and promote Georgian wine culture. It is enjoyed by passengers using Tbilisi Airport,” Murat Demirag, Georgia Operations Manager at ATU Georgia LLC, Tbilisi International Airport, told The FINANCIAL. ATU Duty Free established the wine store in 2011. There are 11 wine brands currently presented at the store. “Teliani Valley is the bestselling brand,” said Demirag.

Bestselling products at Duty Free Tbilisi include: Khvanchkara semi-sweet red wine, Sarajishvili XO, Marlboro Gold Original NHW, Ch.Mukhrani Chacha grape spirit, Marani Kindzmarauli semiContinued from p. 12

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Duty Free GTA Bringing 9 New Tbilisi Products, Including a Zip-line, has 40% Sales to Georgia from May 2014 Increase in 2013

Continued from p. 10

The FINANCIAL

By Mariam Papidze

N

ine new tourism products, which the Georgian Tourism Association (GTA) is bringing to Georgia, will be available from May 2014. The installation of special equipment for using these products has already been completed. Out of the 9 products one is totally novel in Georgia - the zip-line, which has been installed on the Mtirala Mountain in the Adjara region, near Batumi.

A zip-line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or attaching to, the freely moving pulley.

“Bringing the zip-line tourism product to Georgia is very innovative and useful for developing domestic tourism and making tourism products more diverse,” Nata Kvachantiradze, Chairwoman of the Georgian Tourism Association, told The FINANCIAL. “While implementing this project in Georgia we also thought about developing 4 season tourism in the country.

Georgia will become a 4 season tourism country, which means that interest from tourists should be equal throughout spring, supper, autumn and winter. This is a challenge for the country. Currently, during the peak season demand is high, hotels are full. But when the season is over, the resorts are dying. We should do our best to attract tourists after the season ends. The hotels are overloaded during summer while they are empty in winter. In such a way business cannot

“Nowadays about 5 companies are involved in incoming tourism in Georgia”

develop properly in Georgia. Time is required to adequately plan out activities for the off-peak period, which is the responsibility of both the state as well as us. It could involve cultural or MICE tourism for example,” she added.

“Imagine that it is rainy weather in Batumi... people can still visit the Mtirala Mountain and enjoy the zipline there,” Kvachantiradze said.

5 protected areas have been selected for developing 9 new tourism products - Mtirala Mountain, Tbilisi National Park, Lagodekhi Protected Area, Vashlovani National Park and Kolkheti National Park.

The project has been getting implemented for 10 months already.

“Diversification of tourism products was very important for us. We brought different attractions to the protected areas to make these places more interesting for people of all ages, including children,” said Kvachantiradze.

Geo tours will be offered in Vashlovani. These are scientific tours which are designed for professionals. In Tbilisi National Park, which covers the territory from Gldani to Saguramo, Cycling Tours will be offered. In Kokhelti a Kayak Tour for adventure tourism is planned.

The methodology of creating these products and installing them in different areas remains in Georgia. So other organizations are able to use it and spread them throughout Georgia.

GTA is implementing this project in cooperation with the Georgian National Tourism Agency and the World Tourism Organization and is financed by the German Fund.

Two years since the cancellation of the Vardzia Adventure Tour, it is now re-launching in May 2014 and will again offer rafting, cycling competitions and running, according to GTA. GTA has increased the number of its member companies and now comprises 53 tourism organizations, while it united 48 organizations in 2012.

Q. While talking about incoming tourism development could you please tell us how Georgia is presenting itself to the world?

A. There are several ways to raise awareness of Georgia abroad which are currently being used by the state

Nata Kvachantiradze, Chairwoman of the Georgian Tourism Association

- participating in international exhibitions and making presentations about Georgia. Also press-tours for international journalists and information tours for international travel agencies are handled to make Georgia better known abroad. Then the international travel agencies will carry out the promotion of Georgia to better sell the country as a product.

Georgia is still focusing on European and Eastern European countries and is oriented on attracting tourists from those countries mainly. Georgia is being promoted intensively in these countries. The country’s aim is to make progress in delivering tourism products in those countries which are already our target. But attracting new markets is of course very important for Georgia and is currently one of the challenges.

Q. You mentioned what Georgia is doing to attract international markets. What about the development of domestic tourism in the country?

A. Domestic tourism has been becoming more and more active since 2012. Newly-rehabilitated cities have become very popular and in demand with Georgian residents.

Infrastructure, which is a constant problem in Georgia, has been improved in many places as well. The level of service, which is another important component of tourism

development, has seen significant progress due to the number of trainings being held in this sphere.

Georgia should be introduced properly to Georgians first of all.

Many festivals have been held, like wine and cheese festivals. Such kinds of cultural events are being held to promote the country further.

Khevsureti, Shatili, Tusheti, Kakheti and Svaneti are all destinations which Georgian tourists should see so that they can enjoy the opportunities that these regions present. Many Georgians do not know Georgia properly, especially the mountains.

Several marathons, festivals and sports events were planned this year and will be continued in 2014 as well just for attracting Georgians and bringing them to different regions of the country.

sweet red, Parliament Aqua Blue NHW, Marlboro Red NHW, Teliani Khvanchkara red, Badagoni Khvanchkara semi-sweet red and Satrapezo Saperavi dry red.

“Sales of the Wines of Georgia store have increased by 32.3% compared to January-November 2012,” said Demirag.

According to Demirag, 10% of the Tbilisi store’s customers are Georgians. 17% are non-defined, and the remaining 73% are foreigners.

250 different brands in all categories are currently offered in Tbilisi Duty Free.

“Products sold at ATU Duty Free, apart from local Georgian products, are produced in many different countries. However all our purchasing is made from one of the world’s biggest duty free distributors Gebr. Heinemann whose headquarters and main warehouse is in Hamburg, Germany,” said Demirag.

“Our classic duty free items such as perfumes, cosmetics and liquor prices are in general much lower than the domestic market prices. Some of these products are not even available in the domestic market,” he added.

“The cigarette prices may be higher but we would like to point out that the cigarettes sold at ATU Duty Free are imported from Switzerland whereas in the domestic market the same cigarette is produced in Ukraine. Although the brand of the cigarette is the same, due to the tobacco used and the manufacturing methods the Swissproduced cigarettes are a much higher quality product. We prefer to offer the best quality products,” said Demirag.

Duty Free Tbilisi prices are affected by many criteria including international economic changes, said Demirag. “As the majority of products sold at ATU Duty Free are imported we would like keep the price increases to a minimum in order to keep offering advantageous prices in accordance with the domestic market.”

“We would like to enlarge and renew our shops in Tbilisi Airport in 2014. When we complete the renovation we would like to add many more brands to the ATU Duty Free shops in terms of cosmetics and accessories. Also, we are going to open a new 148 square metre shop in Kutaisi Airport in January 2014,” Demirag told The FINANCIAL.

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Stalin Museum the Main Attraction for Foreign Tourists in Georgia The FINANCIAL

By Madona Gasanova

T

he number of visitors at the Georgian National Museum increased by almost 40,000 during the first ten months of 2013, compared with the same period of last year. There are over 188 museums established in Georgia. Meanwhile the majority of foreigners’ interest appears to be in Stalin’s museum.

“Stalin is a part of our history and therefore a tourist attraction. There are billions of people globally for whom Stalin is a historical character and Georgia will use this for its economic benefit,” said Giorgi Sigua, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration.

A famous statue of the Soviet dictator was torn down overnight three years ago in his hometown of Gori, which came under Russian bombing.

The Ioseb Stalin museum hosted 5,909 individuals in September 2013, while during the same month of last year it was 3,968. Most of the tourists were from European countries, in particular Poland. Many of the visitors were also from Israel, Russia, China and Iran.

According to the museum’s administration, out of local citizens only 63 individuals visited the museum this year.

The total number of guests hosted by the Stalin museum was 31,665 in 2012.

The Ioseb Stalin Museum in Gori consists of a memorial house where Stalin was born. It consists of an exposition building with tower and Stalin’s personal coach with its original interior, by which he travelled to Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam. The museum houses Stalin’s personal

things, a study room of the Kremlin, manuscripts, gifts from all over the world, Stalin’s mask, and paintings of various painters, including L. Gudiashvili, E. Akhvlediani, V. Serov and S. Semenov.

The Georgian National Museum (GNM) has hosted in total 151,732 visitors from January through to October 2013, according to the number of tickets sold. The number of visitors was 112,394 during the same period of 2012.

“The number of visitors at museums increases from May to October.

In addition to the activation of the tourist season, for example the work

schedule of the Dmanisi Museum and Reserve are seasonal and are open to visitors from May to October,” Ana Verulashvili, official from the GNM, told The FINANCIAL. The GNM, established at the end of 2004, incorporates museums around Georgia, the National Gallery, house-museums, scientific centres and depots, in total 21.

The sum received from sold tickets at GNM amounted to GEL 471, 950 from January-October 2013.

The income was GEL 348,765.50 during the ten months of 2012.

“In accordance with the location, profile and diverse collections of the

museums it is difficult to specifically identify the most visited museum.

However, it should be noted that this year the History and Ethnography Museum of Svaneti gained the special interest of visitors,” said Verulashvili.

The Svaneti Museum was renewed in July 2013. The History of Svaneti Museum is almost a century old. After the rehabilitation of the museum, exhibition halls were equipped in a modern way according to the latest standards. Restoration laboratories and storage spaces were created. Now the museum has 6 permanent exposition halls. Visi-

tors have an amazing opportunity to travel inside the museum and see exponents discovered during archaeological excavations and numismatic samples. The museum has special halls of Christian treasures, where visitors have the opportunity to see IX-XVIII century masterpieces of world importance such as: the Icon of the Forty Sebastian Martyrs, Embroidered Byzantine Icon, Venetian Cross, jug donated by Queen Tamar, earliest remaining sample of illustrated manuscript - the Adishi Gospels (897) and more. The last exhibition hall in the museum is dedicated to the exponents of Georgian Ethnography.

According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, the number of museums across Georgia amounted to 188 in 2012, up from 183 from the previous year. 993,700 individuals visited Georgian museums in 2012, the number was 705,100 in 2011.

The top most visited museums include: the Uplitsikhe Historical-Architectural Museum-Reserve, Ivane Javakhishvili Samtskhe-Javakheti Historical Museum, Gonio Apsarus Archaeological-Architectural Museum Reserve, Vardzia HistoricalArchitectural Museum-Reserve and Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia.

Turkish Airlines Dominating the Georgian Air Market The FINANCIAL

Alexander Gachechiladze, Head of the Transportation Department at the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency (GCAA).

According to the GCAA, Turkish Airlines is the dominant air company with the largest number of passengers. Till October 2013 it served 166,000 passengers, Georgian Airways is the second most popular airline with 110,000 passengers. It is followed by Ukraine International Airlines - with 92,000; Pegasus served 72,000 passengers; Siberia Airlines - 49,000; Belavia - 48,000; and Qatar Airways - 31,000.

There are 24 foreign and one national airline companies offering regular flights from Georgia.

By Madona Gasanova

I

n total 96,981 passengers were served by Tbilisi International Airport in November 2013.

With almost 20% Turkish airlines tops the list of the most popular airline companies operating in Georgia. Ukraine International Airlines, Georgian Airways and Pegasus share the largest number of passengers. With 19% Turkey is the most popular destination for Georgians.

Passenger numbers from and to Kiev have decreased by 3% from November to October due to the political instability and street demonstrations in Kiev. The Tbilisi-Kiev flight made up 17% from the total number in October, while in November the figure amounted to 14%.

“The political instability inside Kiev and its unpredictability makes our passengers cautious. After police broke up demonstrators by force many passengers cancelled their flights to Kiev,” said Ella Karapetyan, Director at Travel Agency BusinessTravelCom. There were 167 flights to and from Istanbul. In November 2013 flight numbers to and from Kiev, the sec-

ond most popular destination for Georgians, equalled those of Moscow. The total number of flights to both directions was 60. The number of arrivals and departures to Kiev was 15,588, and to Moscow - 10,698.

There are two airline companies offering charter flights to Moscow: Siberia Airlines and Georgian Airways.

According to the officials from TAV Georgia, Tbilisi International Airport is negotiating with Aeroflot, Russian airlines to set up regular flights between the two countries.

With 9,182 passengers Pegasus is the top fourth air company presented in Georgia. Pegasus served 110,000 passengers in 2012. The company expects to have a 4% increase of passengers.

“One of our main goals is to add new destinations. This year we added flights to Barcelona, Athens and Moscow which are all popular with Georgian passengers,” said Levan Elizbarashvili, Director at the Georgian Avia Service Agency (GASA), general commercial agent of Pegasus Airlines to Georgia.

In his words, Antalya remains the leading destination for Georgians.

Italy and Spain follow after it.

Another Turkish company, Atlas Jet, entered the Georgian market in October 2013. In November the company served 2,754 passengers.

“The total number of passengers served by Tbilisi International Airport from January to November was 1,276,882. With 71,673 February showed the smallest number of passengers. Meanwhile August has beaten the record for the year, serving 166,865 passengers,” said

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InterContinental: Travel to Jordan from the New Year The FINANCIAL

R

By Mariam Papidze

ing in the New Year in Jordan, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. InterContinental, the popular tour operator in Georgia, is now providing this new product for those who would like to spend New Year in a sunny climate and enjoy ancient attractions and rich history alongside elements of modern life. Jordan, one of the friendliest countries in the Middle East, will be hosting Georgian tourists from New Year 2014.

InterContinental will have three charters to Jordan this year: on December 30, for Christmas (7 January) and for Old New Year (14 January). The ticket prices start from EUR 650. “This is a remarkably low price for Jordan, which is offered exclusively

by InterContinental in Georgia,” Nino Makhviladze, General Director of InterContinental, told The FINANCIAL. “This year, in partnership with hotels and partner companies in Jordan, InterContinental is offering promo prices which will not be available in the years to come. Hence those who want to spend New Year in Jordan at very affordable prices should be quick about booking with us,” she added.

“In the past, when InterContinental had flights to Taba, our customers had the opportunity to buy a tour package which included Jordan as well. People were so excited about it and showed willingness to travel to Jordan again and again. This fact encouraged me in offering charter flights to Jordan,” she added.

“Europe is always a very popular and well-selling destination for Georgians during the New Year period. But this year we came up with an idea to offer charter flights to Jordan as it is a very attractive product for many and I hope for Georgians as well.

With its Red Sea and splendid climate, wonderful Petra and excellent service, Jordan will become one of the favourite holiday destinations of Georgians I believe. Keen shoppers will find many of their favourite brands there at very affordable prices.

There is a Free Economic Zone in Jordan which contributes to the low prices. Also people will find Dead Sea products and high quality spa products, as well as two-day excursions to Israel and Akaba in our packages. It is a very safe country and I believe that Jordan will soon become as in demand a travel destination as Egypt,” Makhviladze said.

For those who would prefer to meet the New Year in the very homeland of Santa Claus, InterContinental offers tours to Lapland. “During the Christmas period demand for hot countries is higher than for countries where people can experience real winter with snow and a traditional New Year atmosphere. Dubai is very popular during the Christmas period. But Europe is also a very attractive and well-sold destination. Because chartered flights create comfort for custom-

Nino Makhviladze, General Director of InterContinental ers and we only have charters to hot countries, it is perhaps this that leads to the increased demand for the hot countries. It is a little bit strange to meet the New Year in a sunny climate but it is something new that many people would like to experience at least once. Lapland is the home of Santa and many people, whose dream it is to meet Santa, prefer to experience the real Christmas atmosphere there. While it used to be preferable for Georgians to stick to traditions and greet the New Year at home, nowadays the trend is changing and more and more Georgians prefer to leave the country and spend their holidays somewhere else at this special time of the year,” Makhviladze said.

“Out of the European countries Prague is the most popular destination for the New Year and Christmas period. Italy does not have a specific season in terms

of popularity, it is always very much in demand. Austria is also very popular, meanwhile France - less so,” she added.

Q. Despite the political unrest in Egypt, is this country still popular with Georgian tourists?

A. The disturbances in Egypt do not prevent it from attracting tourists not only from Georgia but from other countries as well.

It is already three years now that there has been a tense situation in Egypt but the tourism zones are so well defended that no one is afraid to visit this amazing country. 17,000 tourists visited Egypt this year from Georgia, according to the Ministry of Tourism of Egypt. As they say, it is all InterContinental’s contribution and we are proud of it. We are working on making Georgia a destination for Egyptian tourists as well. We have opened our branch in Egypt and intend to

make people there interested in Georgia.

Q. InterContinental has become an international company and is involved in not only outgoing but incoming tourism as well.

How successful will InterContinental be as an international company?

A. We are a 22 year old company. This is no short period of time. Our experience is huge.

We established ourselves as a strong and growing company so our expectations are very positive for InterContinental as an international company. Thomas Cook and Travco (travel agencies) are our partner companies and they will help us in developing incoming tourism. It was not easy to convince Georgians to travel abroad 22 years ago and to choose the right countries in accordance with their interests.

Similarly, it will not be easy to-

day to bring foreign tourists into Georgia, but our experience will help us to handle this.

There were plans to open InterContinental branches in 6 countries of the world. Nowadays 4 of them are already opened, these are in Georgia, Egypt, Kazakhstan and Armenia. From May 2014 the remaining two branches will be opened as well. From summer 2014 we will start bringing tourists to Georgia. That being said however, we have already started to bring tourists from Moldova, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Nowadays Georgia is very popular among Middle Eastern countries and post-Soviet countries. Each of them is very valuable to us as they spend at least USD 1,000 in our country on average. The reason why citizens of Arabian countries are attracted to Georgia is that Georgia is a European country for them with a simplified visa regime. The Muslim world has several restrictions in their countries and by comparison they feel free in Georgia. These components encourage people from these countries to come to Georgia.

Q. What is the development of tourism in Georgia lacking?

A. To develop tourism further in Georgia it is very important to pay attention to infrastructure.

Georgia still lacks a big enough quantity of hotels and high enough quality of service. As demand is higher than the supply the cost of hotels in Georgia and the whole tourism package that we sell is very high. With such expensive tourist packages it is very difficult to compete with other countries, for example European countries which can offer the same things yet at lower prices.

We sell wine tours and wedding tours in Kakheti. Gudauri is very popular during the New Year period. Batumi is attractive during summer. Rafting and Health Tours have great potential for development in Georgia and finally - Svaneti, which is amazing with its mountains and sightseeing. So Georgia has unique opportunities for the development of tourism here.

Tours in Georgia start from USD 490 at InterContinental.

Q. How do you present Georgia to the world?

A. We say that Georgia is a very safe country. Safety plays a very important role when choosing a country to travel to. The fact that Georgians are very hospitable really helps in attracting many travellers. And of course beauty - we always underline that Georgia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with an immensely rich history and culture!

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Eating Healthy vs.

Unhealthy Diet Costs About $1.50 More Per Day

T

United States Department of Agriculture’s recommended average daily calorie intake for adults) for overall diet patterns. Both prices per serving and per calorie were assessed because prices can vary depending on the unit of comparison.

The researchers suggested that unhealthy diets may cost less because food policies have focused on the production of “inexpensive, high volume” commodities, which has led to “a complex network of farming, storage, transportation, processing, manufacturing, and marketing capabilities that favor sales of highly processed food products for maximal industry profit.” Given this reality, they said that creating a similar infrastructure to support production of healthier foods might help increase availability—and reduce the prices—of more healthful diets, according to Har-

vard School of Public Health.

“This research provides the most complete picture to-date on true cost differences of healthy diets,” said Dariush Mozaffarian, the study’s senior author and associate professor at HSPH and Harvard Medical School.

“While healthier diets did cost more, the difference was smaller than many people might have expected. Over the course of a year, $1.50/day more for eating a healthy diet would increase food costs for one person by about $550 per year. This would represent a real burden for some families, and we need policies to help offset these costs. On the other hand, this price difference is very small in comparison to the economic costs of diet-related chronic diseases, which would be dramatically reduced by healthy diets,” he added.

Georgia Bets on Ukraine Country expects 100 percent growth in number of Ukrainian tourists The FINANCIAL

By Mariam Papidze

D

espite the current disturbances in Ukraine, Georgia is expecting a great number of Ukrainian tourists to visit its winter resorts.

The number of Ukrainian tourists increased by 67 percent in the first 10 months of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012, according to the National Tourism Administration. 10,359 tourists from Ukraine visited Georgia during the winter period in the beginning of 2013 and Georgia is expecting more Ukrainian visitors this year.

“There is a rally in one point of the city and it will come to an end one day,” Giorgi Sigua, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, told The FINANCIAL. “We expect 100 percent growth in the number of Ukrainian tourists coming to Georgia. We hosted 70,000 tourists from Ukraine in 2012 and the number will be over 120 to 130,000 in 2013, we believe. If we take into consideration the fact that Ukraine is not our contiguous country and there is a lack of variety of different transports to use, these numbers are really high. People travel by plane mostly.

Though they can travel by ferryboat as well but only 1 percent of travellers use it. In general, the number of tourists out of international travellers from Ukraine is very high,” he added.

Sigua has just returned from Ukraine. He says that now is the time to move from the centre to the regions and make their residents more interested in travelling to Georgia.

“Because of the limited budget for marketing activities, the money should be spent in the most efficient way. We are going to advertise Georgia in Khar-

The FINANCIAL

T

The FINANCIAL he healthiest diets cost about $1.50 more per day than the least healthy diets, according to new research from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). The researchers found that healthier diet patterns—for example, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts—cost significantly more than unhealthy diets (for example, those rich in processed foods, meats, and refined grains). On average, a day’s worth of the most healthy diet patterns cost about $1.50 more per day than the least healthy ones, according to Harvard School of Public Health.

“People often say that healthier foods are more expensive, and that such costs strongly limit better diet habits,” said lead author Mayuree Rao, a junior research fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at HSPH. “But, until now, the scientific evidence for this idea has not been systematically evaluated, nor have the actual differences in cost been characterized,” he added.

To address this question, the HSPH researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 27 existing studies from 10 high-income countries that included price data for individual foods and for healthier vs. less healthy diets. They evaluated the differences in prices per serving and per 200 calories for particular types of foods, and prices per day and per 2,000 calories (the

travel business Young Indians Continue to Favour UK Universities

kov, Ukraine. The budget of this campaign will be USD 200,000. Under these terms we will have 66 billboards and LED screens. This is much cheaper than any TV advertisement. There are a few international flights from Kharkov airport including Kutaisi Airport, which on average costs USD 60 which is much cheaper than a flight from Kharkov to Kiev,” Sigua said.

The Agency plans to ask airlines to add Kharkov flights to Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi international airports.

“Beside Kharkov, I also had presentations in three cities: Lvov, Odessa and Dnepropetrovsk. Internal flights are scheduled normally there,” he added.

Ukraine is one of the most important partners of Georgia in terms of tourism development, according to the Georgian Tourism Association.

“Usually, the number of tourists decreases in those countries where there is political instability,” Nata Kvachantiradze, Chairwoman of the Georgian Tourism Association, told The FINANCIAL. “Georgia is a stable country in this case so there is no reason for Ukrainian or any other tourists to change their minds when it comes to visiting Georgia. As for the instability in Ukraine, it is temporary and will be over soon, I believe. Georgia is attractive for Ukrainian tourists not only in summer but in the winter period as well. Gudauri and Bakuriani are the favourite destinations for Ukrainians in Georgia during winter. Different press and informational tours were held for attracting Ukrainians. Georgia took part in many exhibitions in Ukraine. Ukraine holds one of the leading positions in terms of number of foreign tourists coming to Georgia. Despite the friendly relationship between Georgia and Ukraine, tourism development between these two countries is contributed to by cheap direct flights as well and the environment which they have here. Also, they see cheaper prices for winter resorts in Georgia,” Kvachantiradze added.

Marina Metreveli, an expert in tourism, says that Ukrainian people are used to planning their journeys several months in advance. “One of the favourite destinations of Ukrainian tourists is the winter resorts in Georgia and I

am sure that they have already planned to visit these places. Ukrainian people have such a character that if they plan something then they will fulfil it for sure. No matter what kind of situation there is in the country, they still go travelling,” she said.

In total, 4,556,110 people visited Georgia in the first 10 months of 2013, while their number was 3,684,154 in the same period of 2012, according to the Georgian National Tourism Administration. The statistics show that there was 24 percent growth in number of tourists visiting Georgia between 2012 and 2013. The majority of tourists, 1,046,606, were from Armenia, which sees 41 percent growth compared to 2012. And a lower number of tourists came to Georgia from the Netherlands, Saint Luca, Belize, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Bhutan, Cambodia, Mozambique, Mauritania and Switzerland from which only one tourist came.

As Marina Metreveli says, the first two countries from which tourists’ numbers increased in Georgia significantly in 2013 are Ukraine and Russia. 106,802 Ukrainian tourists visited Georgia in the first 10 months of 2013, while their number was 64,101 in 2012, according to the GNTA. Here are the statistics of Ukrainian visitors visiting Georgia by month: January - 4,676; February - 5,683; March - 7,127; April - 9,130; May 11,433; June - 11,838; July - 14,113; August - 15,542. The statistics show that the most popular period of time for visiting Georgia for Ukrainian tourists is August.

#euromaidan

he UK is the most popular destination for ambitious Indian students seeking status and high quality courses, according to a survey published by British Council.

Despite competition from the US, Australia and an expanding higher education sector in India itself, the UK remains the country most sought after by young Indians for a university education, according to the survey. Most put the quality of the higher education first, but they are increasingly cost sensitive and keen to find financial support through scholarships and bursaries.

High quality courses and institutions remained by far the greatest pull factor for the students when choosing whether to study at home or abroad. The UK was the most favoured destination, chosen by 21% of respondents, followed by the United States, 19% and India,14%.

The new report – Inside India A new status quo – says the survey found young Indians put British universities first for taught postgraduate courses. The UK was also top with the United States as a quality destination for research doctorates and undergraduate degrees. In particular, the majority of students choosing courses in business and administrative studies said they wanted to study in the UK, according to British Council.

The findings follow the launch of the Government’s Education is GREAT Britain campaign for marketing UK education globally as part of its industrial strategy.

India is a key market for international students, providing the second largest contingent of international students in the UK after China, with between 75% and 80% enrolled on postgraduate degrees, according to British Council. The UK is second only to the United States in the number of international Indian students it attracts but the authors of the study warn that continued high numbers cannot be taken for granted.

Both the US and the UK have seen the number of international students from India decline over the last year, after a period of year on year increases.

Young Indians in the survey identified high cost as a significant bar-

rier to study abroad, particularly following the depreciation of the Indian currency. Based on figures from HSBC in August, the report estimates the cost to Indians of studying in the UK has gone up by £5,600 due to the fall in the value of the rupee.

Elizabeth Shepherd, the British Council’s Education Intelligence Research Manager based in Hong Kong and the author of the report, says there will continue to be a segment of Indian households that can afford to finance overseas study and see it as a highly valued opportunity. “However, this segment has decreased and may continue to do so, contrary to popular views of the boundless untapped potential in India for international students. The focus of the Indian government on improving the volume and quality of higher education has positioned India’s own institutions as fierce competitors for domestic students on an unprecedented scale,” she said.

When asked for the three most important factors in selecting a study destination, the largest group, 61%, said quality of education. Cost was the second consideration, cited by 42% and 43% said they would be influenced by scholarship opportunities. Nearly a quarter, 23%, said the option to work in the foreign country after graduation and whilst studying was important to them, according to British Council.

Recent shifts in the market have led to a fall in the number of Indian students coming to both the US and the UK. Meanwhile, Australia has increased recruitment as it recovers from a slump in numbers and Germany is becoming more attractive to some Indian students who are learning German alongside English and taking advantage of courses taught in English.

#euromaidan

New Year offer from Geocell Reclaim your 25 Gel! Geocell launch a win-win game for everyone!

W

ith the New Year approaching, Geocell unveiled an unprecedented offer to its customers. Everyone who purchases the 25-Gel package “Meti†[More], which includes 500 minutes on any local calls, 1500 SMSs and 500 MB of mobile internet, will receive cash back in the form of a voucher that can be used at Wissol, Smart or Wendy’s all over Georgia. Thus, everyone participating in the action will receive their re- ward money through the voucher, which is twice profitable for customers.

Meeting contemporary requirements, Geocell constantly puts for-

ward innovations to its customers.

Offering a simple, affordable and high-quality service is the main priority of the company. Taking these components into consideration, Geocell has recently come up with the package “Meti†[More], which has no comparable alternative on the Georgian mobile market. This offer is a synthesis of simplicity, inexpensiveness and originality, which makes it totally different from other offers on the market.

The package is designed for everyone who wants to have more talking time, more SMSs and more Internet bytes. At the same time, the customer is fully protected from high expenditures incurred through Internet usage. The package is tailored to different demands, which makes its usage even more convenient. And the easy activation via street pay boxes makes the package very accessible and easy to buy.

CMYK

18

travel business

HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL

9 december, 2013 | finchannel.com

Member of Wissol Group

The Lomsia Hotel a perfect location for those wishing to organize business meetings a 30 m2 Conference Room, full equipped The setup can be of course arranged according to your needs and can host up to 50 people Till the end of December 2012

52

GEL Incl.VAT

PER PERSON

Package includes: Meeting Room Rental Fee 2 Coffee Breaks 1 Lunch or Dinner Standard Equipment

The Lomsia Hotel Akhaltsikhe 63 high class Hotel Rooms & Suites Tamar Restaurant King's Bar Terrace and Lounge VIP dining facility Buffets for large groups

www.lomsiahotel.ge

#10 Kostava Str. (#11 King Tamar Str.), Akhaltsikhe, Georgia Advertiser: Hotel Lomsia. Contact FINANCIAL Ad Dep at marketing@finchannel.com

CMYK

FINANCIAL HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

19

travel business 4 1

finchannel.com | 9 december, 2013 December 9, 2013

1

Tel: 2 999 662 SPECIAL OFFER FROM BUSINESSTRAVELCOM TO WARSAW!!!

Clubs, Pubs…

Pub Nali 4/1 Kiacheli St. Tel: 243 04 20 21:00-00:30 - Band Zarebi SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 21:00 - Band “Wheels”, DJ Datuna City Time Leonidze/Machabeli Str. 1/6; Tel: 292 02 12 20:00-24:00 - Violin Plaza Hall Beliashvili and Mikeladze streets territory.

Tel: 254 05 56; Mob: 599 56 60 72 Live music, New Voice participant: Giorgi Modzmanashvili, every day different show programs, famous faces, tam tams, dancers (Georgian and ball dances)/Different programs on Saturday-Sundays Every Friday, inextinguishable star of show business, singer - Gia Suramelashvili Restaurant “Dzveli Sakhli” 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant “Maidan” 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Restaurant “Bermukha” Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Everyday from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet “Taoba”: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Café “Kala” 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00 - Rezo Kiknadze - saxophonist Pub «Dublin» 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67 21:00-24:00 - Band «Goblins» (Covers)

2

TICKETS FROM 69 EUR (TAXES INCLUDED)

Cinema

«Rustaveli» Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 «Last Vegas»; «Carrie»; «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi»; «Mandarins» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL) «Amirani» Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL)

5* HOTELS FROM 30 EUR (BREAKFAST INCLUDED)

3

CALL: 2999 662; 592 07 53 53

Theatre

From

Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Nino Lezhava, Tamar Lortkipanidze, Nino Shushiashvili, Tamara Chanuyvadze, Kakha Gabelaia, Mariam Chukhrukidze, Nikoloz Kvantaliani, Nikoloz Nanitashvili, Gaga Shishinashvili Duration: 120 minutes Date: December 9 Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL The Tree of Life Director: Kote Mirianashvili Cast: Maia Khornauli, Giorgi Chikobava, Nugzar Kurashvili, David Rostomashvili, Ramona Mikeladze, Naira Geladze Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 9 Hall: Small Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

Tbilisi

TO

Day

Depart

Arrive

Flight#

Aktau

5.7

00:50

02:40

DV 842

Amsterdam

1.6

06:10

07:55

A9 651

Almaty

1.2.4.5.7

22:45;08:55

04:25+1;14:35

KC E90

Athens

1.4

06:15

07:15

A3 983

Baku

X 2.4

01:30;12:10

02:30;13:10

J2 224/226

Baku

DAILY

14:50;19:50

16:05;21:05

QR 975/977

Batumi

2.5.7

10:00;14:45

10:40;15:20

CRJ

Doha

DAILY

19:50;14:05

23:59;19:00

QR 975/977

Dubai

2.4.6.7

06:50

10:00

FZ 714

Istanbul

X2.3

06:20

06:40

PC/463

4

Gallery

Baia Gallery requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of the exhibition - «Klondike» - Levan Laghidze - painting, Nana Laghidze - cloisonne enamel Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10 Gallery’s working hours: 12:00-19:00 till - December 16 Georgian National Museum invites you on the exhibition «Moon Museum».

The exhibition will be held in the framework of the Georgian National Museum’s «SCIENCE WEEK».

D. Shevardnadze National Gallery 11, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Gallery’s working hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 till - December 12 Georgian National Museum Tbilisi History Museum in the collaboration with The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) and Goethe Institute presents exhibition “Real Space. Conceptual Space German Photography of the 90s” Tbilisi Museum of History (Karvasla) 8 Sioni Str. Tel: 292-32-27 (Museum is working every day except Monday.

From 11:00 till 17:00) till - December 10 Exhibition of Artworks by Shalva Matuashvili Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working every day except Monday.

From 11:00 till 17:00 till - December 16 Exhibition «New Life of Eastern Collections».

On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday.

From 10:00 till 18:00 till - December 31

December 10, 2013 Istanbul

DAILY

05:15;18:15

05:45; 18:45

TK 387/383

Istanbul

1.2.4.6

06:20

06:50

KK 320

Kiev

DAILY

07:50;17:30

08:20;17:55

PS 728

Minsk

DAILY

03:50;16:20

06:00;18:30

B2 736

Munich

DAILY

05:10

06:20

LH 2557

Paris

5

08:30

10:30

A9 627

Riga

1.6

07:00

08:35

BT 723

Rome

2.7

05:25

06:40

AZ 551

Tel-Aviv

2.3.4.7

17:25

18:10

A9 695

Vienna

4.7

08:55

09:25

A9 681

Urumqi

2.6

22:40

07:30+1

CZ 6040

Warsaw

2.3.5.7

05:40

06:15

LO 724

Days=( 1-Monday., 2-Tuesday., 3-Wedsday., 4-Thursday., 5-Friday., 6-Saturday., 7-Sunday. D-Daily; X-except off)

SPECIAL OFFER FROM BUSINESSTRAVELCOM TO SPAIN FROM 220 EUR TO GERMANY FROM 225 EUR TO ITALY FROM 230 EUR TO FRANCE FROM 236 EUR TO UNITED KINGDOM FROM 269 EUR

ALL TAXES INCLUDES CALL: 2999 662; 592 07 53 53

1

Clubs, Pubs…

Pub Nali 4/1 Kiacheli St. Tel: 243 04 20 21:00-00:30 - Nali Band SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 21:00 - Band «Wheels», DJ Datuna City Time Leonidze/Machabeli Str. 1/6; Tel: 292 02 12 20:00-24:00 - Solo - Maka Durglishvili; Saxophone - Vakho (pop, rock, jazz, blues) Restaurant «Bermukha» Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Everyday from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet «Taoba»: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Plaza Hall Beliashvili and Mikeladze streets territory.

Tel: 254 05 56; Mob: 599 56 60 72 Live music, New Voice participant: Giorgi Modzmanashvili, every day different show programs, famous faces, tam tams, dancers (Georgian and ball dances)/Different programs on Saturday-Sundays Every Friday, inextinguishable star of show business, singer - Gia Suramelashvili Restaurant «Dzveli Sakhli» 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant «Maidan» 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 20:30 - Georgian folk ensemble «Urmuli», georgian dances Café «Kala» 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00 - Maia Kankava Pub «Dublin» 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67 21:00-24:00 - Band «Goblins» (Covers)

2

Cinema

«Rustaveli» Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 «Last Vegas»; «Carrie»; «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi»; «Mandarins» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL) «Amirani» Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL)

3

Theatre

Marjanishvili Theatre (New Stage) 5 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Drunk Cherry Autor and Director: Levan Tsuladze, Alexander Eloshvili Cast: Eka Chkheidze, Malkhaz Abuladze, Manana Kozakova, Barbare Dvalishvili, Dato Khurtsilava, Keti Tskhakaia, Onise Oniani

Date: December 10 Time: 20:00 Price: 14 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Jeans Generation Director: Davit Doiashvili Cast: Marina Janashia, Nana Darchiashvili, Goga Chkheidze, Dima Merabishvili, Merab Kolbaia, Lela Metreveli, Jaba Kiladze, Mariam Nadiradze, Apolon Kublashvili, Sandro Margalitashvili Duration: 165 minutes Date: December 10 Time: 19:00 Price: 6, 12, 14 GEL Royal District Theatre 10 Abesadze Str. Tel: 299-61-71 Women of Troy Director: Data Tavadze Cast: Natuka Kakhidze, Kato Kalatozishvili, Magda Lebanidze, Salome Maisashvili, Keta Shatirishvili Duration: 80 minutes Date: December 10 Time: 20:00 Price: 10 GEL Georgian State Pantomime Theatre 37 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-63-14 Saint George Director: Amiran Shalikashvili Duration: 70 minutes Date: December 10 Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 Emily’s Adventures Director: Levan Koblianidze Cast: Khatia Melkadze, Nino Shushiashvili, Shalva Antelava, Maka Bardavelidze, Tsotne Saghinadze, Vasil Amurvelashvili, Sophia Achuashvili, Irine Kukuladze Duration: 60 minutes Date: December 10 Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Irine’s Happiness Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Vameh Jangidze, David Khakhidze, Kote Tolordava, Levan Katsiashvili, Vakhtang Nozadze, Ioseb Molodinashvili Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 10 Hall: Big Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL The Tree of Life Director: Kote Mirianashvili Cast: Maia Khornauli, Giorgi Chikobava, Nugzar Kurashvili, David Rostomashvili, Ramona Mikeladze, Naira Geladze Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 10 Hall: Small Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL The Barber of Seville Puppet Opera Theatre «Ptskala» Director: Beso Kupreishvili Cast: Malkhaz Gabunia, Zaal Kakabadze, Teona Maghalashvili, Elene Pirtskhalava, Giorgi Mebaghishvili, Mariam Avalishvili Duration: 50 minutes Date: December 10 Hall: Small Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

4

Gallery

Baia Gallery requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of the exhibition - «Klondike» - Levan Laghidze - painting, Nana Laghidze - cloisonne enamel Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10 Gallery’s working hours: 12:00-19:00 till - December 16 Georgian National Museum invites you on the exhibition «Moon Museum».

The exhibition will be held in the framework of the Georgian National Museum’s «SCIENCE WEEK».

D. Shevardnadze National Gallery 11, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Gallery’s working hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 till - December 12 Georgian National Museum Tbilisi History Museum in the collaboration with The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) and Goethe Institute presents exhibition “Real Space. Conceptual Space German Photography of the 90s” Tbilisi Museum of History (Karvasla) 8 Sioni Str. Tel: 292-32-27 (Museum is working every day except Monday.

From 11:00 till 17:00) till - December 10 Exhibition of Artworks by Shalva Matuashvili Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working every day except Monday.

From 11:00 till 17:00 till - December 16 Exhibition «New Life of Eastern Collections».

On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday.

From 10:00 till 18:00 till - December 31

December 11, 2013

1

Clubs, Pubs…

Pub Nali 4/1 Kiacheli St. Tel: 243 04 20 21:00-00:30 - Band Zarebi SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 21:00 - Band «Wheels», DJ Datuna City Time Leonidze/Machabeli Str. 1/6; Tel: 292 02 12 20:00-24:00 - Band «Kereon» (pop, rock, jazz, blues) Plaza Hall Beliashvili and Mikeladze streets territory.

Tel: 254 05 56; Mob: 599 56 60 72 Live music, New Voice participant: Giorgi Modzmanashvili, every day different show programs, famous faces, tam tams, dancers (Georgian and ball dances)/Different programs on Saturday-Sundays Every Friday, inextinguishable star of show business, singer - Gia Suramelashvili MacLaren’s Irish Pub 5 Rkinis Rigi (Chardin) Mob: 599 57 85 49 21:30 - Enjoy a unique ambiance of 60s-70s hits and improvisations

by David Gabidzashvili and David Barnabishvili. Great mood is guaranteed! Spend evening at the warmest pub in the city!

Restaurant «Dzveli Sakhli» 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian Dances Restaurant «Bermukha» Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Everyday from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet «Taoba»: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant «Maidan» 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Café «Kala» 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00 - Live Band Pub «Dublin» 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67 21:00-24:00 - Band «The Jumping General»

2

Cinema

«Rustaveli» Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 «Last Vegas»; «Carrie»; «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi»; «Mandarins» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL) «Amirani» Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL)

3

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 The Visitor Director: Gosha Gorgoshidze Cast: Bacho Chachibaia, Goga Barbakadze, Bachi Lezhava, Manana Abramishvili Duration: 100 minutes Date: December 11 Hall: Experimental Stage Time: 19:00 Price: 6 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Love-letters Director: Temur Chkheidze Cast: Nani Chikvinidze, Gia Burjanadze Duration: 120 minutes Date: December 11 Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11.00 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Il Decameron Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Malkhaz Abuladze, Beso Baratashvili, Irma Berianidze, Zura Berikashvili, Tamar Bukhnikashvili, Nino Gachechiladze, Baia Dvalishvili, Manana Kozakova, Nika Kuchava, Marlen Egutia Date: December 11 Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Honeymoon Director: Maya Doborjginidze Cast: Mariam Jologua, Salome Chulukhadze, Natia Kvashali Date: December 11 Time: 19:00 Price: 6, 9, 11 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 Emily’s Adventures Director: Levan Koblianidze Cast: Khatia Melkadze, Nino Shushiashvili, Shalva Antelava, Maka Bardavelidze, Tsotne Saghinadze, Vasil Amurvelashvili, Sophia Achuashvili, Irine Kukuladze Duration: 60 minutes Date: December 11 Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Clownery Director: Nikoloz Sabashvili

Cast: Nino Archaia, Khatia Melkadze, Nino Papiashvili, Levan Katsiashvili, Vakhtang Nozadze, Salome Tsurtsumia Duration: 60 minutes Date: December 11 Hall: Small Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL The Tree of Life Director: Kote Mirianashvili Cast: Maia Khornauli, Giorgi Chikobava, Nugzar Kurashvili, David Rostomashvili, Ramona Mikeladze, Naira Geladze Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 11 Hall: Small Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Choosing the Bride Director: Medea Kuchukhidze Cast: Nino Archaia, Khatia Melkadze, Nino Papiashvili, Berta Khapava, Tamara Chanukvadze, Kakha Gabelaia, Badri Gvazava, Vano Dugladze Duration: 130 minutes Date: December 11 Hall: Big Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

4

Gallery

Baia Gallery requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of the exhibition - «Klondike» - Levan Laghidze - painting, Nana Laghidze - cloisonne enamel Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10 Gallery’s working hours: 12:00-19:00 till - December 16 Georgian National Museum invites you on the exhibition «Moon Museum».

The exhibition will be held in the framework of the Georgian National Museum’s «SCIENCE WEEK».

D. Shevardnadze National Gallery 11, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Gallery’s working hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 till - December 12 Exhibition of Artworks by Shalva Matuashvili Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working every day except Monday.

From 11:00 till 17:00 till - December 16 Exhibition «New Life of Eastern Collections».

On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday.

From 10:00 till 18:00 till - December 31

december 12, 2013

1

Clubs, Pubs…

Pub Nali 4/1 Kiacheli St. Tel: 243 04 20 21:00-00:30 - Nali Band SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 21:00 - Band «Band’a’roll», DJ Datuna City Time Leonidze/Machabeli Str. 1/6; Tel: 292 02 12 20:00-24:00 - Solo - Nata (pop, rock, jazz, blues) MacLaren’s Irish Pub 5 Rkinis Rigi (Chardin) Mob: 599 57 85 49 21:30 - Enjoy a unique ambiance of 60s-70s hits and improvisations

by David Gabidzashvili and David Barnabishvili. Great mood is guaranteed!

Spend evening at the warmest pub in the city!

Restaurant «Bermukha» Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Everyday from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program. Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet «Taoba»: Georgian folk and city songs. Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Plaza Hall Beliashvili and Mikeladze streets territory.

Tel: 254 05 56; Mob: 599 56 60 72 Live music, New Voice participant: Giorgi Modzmanashvili, every day different show programs, famous faces, tam tams, dancers (Georgian and ball dances)/Different programs on Saturday-Sundays Every Friday, inextinguishable star of show business, singer - Gia Suramelashvili Restaurant «Dzveli Sakhli» 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian songs with live performance Restaurant «Maidan» 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 20:30 - Georgian folk ensemble «Urmuli», georgian dances Café «Kala» 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00 - Guliko Chanturia Pub «Dublin» 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67 21:00-24:00 - Band «Good Company»

2

december 14, 2013

Gallery

Baia Gallery requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of the exhibition - «Klondike» - Levan Laghidze - painting, Nana Laghidze - cloisonne enamel Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10 Gallery’s working hours: 12:00-19:00 till - December 16 Georgian National Museum invites you on the exhibition «Moon Museum».

The exhibition will be held in the framework of the Georgian National Museum’s «SCIENCE WEEK».

D. Shevardnadze National Gallery 11, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Gallery’s working hours: Saturday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 till - December 12 Exhibition of Artworks by Shalva Matuashvili Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working every day except Monday. From 11:00 till 17:00 till - December 16 Exhibition «New Life of Eastern Collections».

On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 10:00 till 18:00 till - December 31

december 13, 2013

1

Clubs, Pubs…

Pub Nali 4/1 Kiacheli St. Tel: 243 04 20 21:00-00:30 - Nali Band SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 21:00 - Agora Live Band, DJ Datuna City Time Leonidze/Machabeli Str. 1/6; Tel: 292 02 12 20:00-24:00 - Maka Kurdovanidze; DJ Paata Datunashvili (pop, rock, jazz, blues) Plaza Hall Beliashvili and Mikeladze streets territory.

Tel: 254 05 56; Mob: 599 56 60 72 Live music, New Voice participant: Giorgi Modzmanashvili, every day different show programs, famous faces, tam tams, dancers (Georgian and ball dances)/Different programs on Saturday-Sundays Every Friday, inextinguishable star of show business, singer - Gia Suramelashvili MacLaren’s Irish Pub 5 Rkinis Rigi (Chardin) Mob: 599 57 85 49 21:30 - Enjoy a unique ambiance of 60s-70s hits and improvisations

by David Gabidzashvili and David Barnabishvili. Great mood is guaranteed! Spend evening at the warmest pub in the city!

Restaurant «Bermukha» Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program.

Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet «Taoba»: Georgian folk and city songs.

Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant «Dzveli Sakhli» 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian Dances Restaurant «Maidan» 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Café «Kala» 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00 - Maia Baratashvili Pub «Dublin» 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67 21:00-24:00 - Band «Rustavi 2» (Covers)

2

Cinema

«Rustaveli» Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 «Last Vegas»; «Carrie»; «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi»; «Mandarins» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL) «Amirani» Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL)

3

Theatre

Cinema

«Rustaveli» Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 «Last Vegas»; «Carrie»; «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi»; «Mandarins» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL) «Amirani» Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL)

3

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 The Soul Beings Director: Davit Sakvarelidze Cast: Tatuli Dolidze, Marina Kakhiani, Gela Otarashvili, Nino Mitaishvili, Temiko Chichinadze, Nino Tarkhan-Mouravi Duration: 105 minutes Date: December 12 Hall: Small Stage Time: 19:00 Price: 8, 10 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Beauty Queen Director: Guram Vashakidze Cast: Tamar Bukhnikashvili, Nino Gomarteli, Irakli Cholokashvili, Paata Papuashvili Duration: 105 minutes Date: December 12 Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 University of Laugh Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Nato Murvanidze, Nika Kuchava Date: December 12 Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre (New Stage) 5 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Drunk Cherry Autor and Director: Levan Tsuladze, Alexander Eloshvili Cast: Eka Chkheidze, Malkhaz Abuladze, Manana Kozakova, Barbare Dvalishvili, Dato Khurtsilava, Keti Tskhakaia, Onise Oniani Date: December 12 Time: 20:00 Price: 14 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Flaming Lover Director: Tiko Katamashvili Cast: Salome Chulikhadze, Maraiam Nadiradze, Tiko Kordzadze Date: December 12 Time: 19:00 Price: 6, 9, 11 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 Bald-headed Singer Lady Director: Zurab Getsadze Cast: Nana Shonia, Temo Natroshvili, Vano Tarkhnishvili, Maia Gelovani, Giorgi Nakashidze, Nanuka Litanishvili Duration: 85 minutes Date: December 12 Time: 19:00 Price: 7 GEL V. Abashidze State Music and Drama Theatre 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-80-90 Carmen Director: Kote Purtseladze Cast: Anne Aleksishvili, Ana Tsereteli, Ekaterine Demetradze, Gigi Karseladze, Giorgi Toriashvili, Bacho Chachibaia, Archil Sologhashvili Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 12 Time: 19:00 Price: 8, 10 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 Wonders of the Magic Director: Goga Tavadze Cast: Zura Avsajanishvili, Akaki Khidasheli, Anna Matuashvili, Kakhi Jokhadze Duration: 105 minutes Date: December 12 Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 The Sun Ray Director: Beso Kupreishvili Cast: Maia Malchazishvili, Nino Papiashvili, Lika Matschonashvili, Maia Sulchanishvili, Vamech Jangidze, Malkhaz Gabunia Duration: 45 minutes Date: December 12 Hall: Small Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Emily’s Adventures Director: Levan Koblianidze Cast: Khatia Melkadze, Nino Shushiashvili, Shalva Antelava, Maka Bardavelidze, Tsotne Saghinadze, Vasil Amurvelashvili, Sophia Achuashvili, Irine Kukuladze Duration: 60 minutes Date: December 12 Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL The Very Truthful, Baron Münchausen Director: Elene Matskhonashvili Cast: Nino Papiashvili, Kakha Gabelaia, Levan Katsiashvili, Giorgi Katchakhidze, Beso Megrelishvili, Devi Rekhviasvili Duration: 105 minutes Date: December 12 Hall: Small Stage Time: 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 Psychosis 4:48 Director: Kita Rokva Cast: Beso Zanguri Duration: 60 minutes Date: December 13 Hall: Grand Stage Time: 19:00 Price: 8 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Landscape’s Lack of Warmth Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Eka Chkheidze, Varlam Korshia, Lile Philphani, Dimitri Tatishvili Duration: 120 minutes Date: December 13 Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Revisor Director: Gizo Jordania Cast: Davit Dvalishvili, Manana Kozakova, Nata Mjavanadze, Onise Oniani, Roland Okropiridze, Avtandil Mikadze, Zura Berikashvili, Davit Khurtsilava, Nodar Doghonadze Date: December 13 Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 I Love You, I Love You, I Love You Director: Avto Varsimashvili Cast: Mariam Jologua, Apolon Kublashvili, Ani Aladashvili, Giorgi Jikia, Kakha Mikiashvili, Mamuka Mumladze, Sandro Margalitashvili Duration: 150 minutes Date: December 13 Time: 19:00 Price: 6, 13, 15 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 The Icarus Director: Nugzar Bagrationi-Gruzinski Cast: Anri Bibineishvili, Rezo Tavartkiladze, Ana Matuashvili, Nato Shengelaia, Nika Tserediani, Beka Jumutia, Ana-Maria Gurgenishvili Duration: 80 minutes Date: December 13 Time: 19:00 Price: 7 GEL V. Abashidze State Music and Drama Theatre 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-80-90 Carmen Director: Kote Purtseladze Cast: Anne Aleksishvili, Ana Tsereteli, Ekaterine Demetradze, Gigi Karseladze, Giorgi Toriashvili, Bacho Chachibaia, Archil Sologhashvili Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 13 Time: 19:00 Price: 8, 10 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 Hotel at the Two Worlds Crossing Director: Giorgi Tavadze Cast: Akaki Khidasheli, Nugzar Kurashvili, Ana Matuashvili, Gvantsa Kandelaki, Nino Andriadze, Beknu Kapianidze Duration: 120 minutes Date: December 13 Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 Choosing the Bride Director: Medea Kuchukhidze Cast: Nino Archaia, Khatia Melkadze, Nino Papiashvili, Berta Khapava, Tamara Chanukvadze, Kakha Gabelaia, Badri Gvazava, Vano Dugladze Duration: 130 minutes Date: December 13 Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Natsarkekia Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Khatia Melkadze, Badri Gvazava, Levan Katsiashvili, Giorgi Katchakhidze, Paata Mkheidze, Vakhtang Nozadze, Nino Lortkifanidze, Paata Kikvadze, Kakha Tcholadze, Nikoloz Kvantaliani Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 13 Hall: Small Stage Time: 12:00 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Deja Vu For adults Director: Khatuna Milorava Cast: Nino Lezhava, Kote Tolordava Duration: 100 minutes Date: December 13 Hall: Small Stage Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Georgian State Pantomime Theatre 37 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-63-14 Christ Director: Amiran Shalikashvili Duration: 50 minutes Date: December 13 Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL

4

Gallery

Baia Gallery requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of the exhibition - «Klondike» - Levan Laghidze - painting, Nana Laghidze - cloisonne enamel Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10 Gallery’s working hours: 12:00-19:00 till - December 16 Exhibition of Artworks by Shalva Matuashvili Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working every day except Monday. From 11:00 till 17:00 till - December 16 Exhibition «New Life of Eastern Collections».

On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 10:00 till 18:00 till - December 31

Clubs, Pubs…

Pub Nali 4/1 Kiacheli St. Tel: 243 04 20 21:00-00:30 - Nali Zarebi SkyyBar 22 Metekhi Str. Mob: 592 32-32-32 21:00 - Veriko Turashvili & Live Band, DJ Datuna City Time Leonidze/Machabeli Str. 1/6; Tel: 292 02 12 20:00-24:00 - Solo - Maka Durglishvili; DJ Vako (pop, rock, jazz, blues) Plaza Hall Beliashvili and Mikeladze streets territory.

Tel: 254 05 56; Mob: 599 56 60 72 Live music, New Voice participant: Giorgi Modzmanashvili, every day different show programs, famous faces, tam tams, dancers (Georgian and ball dances)/Different programs on Saturday-Sundays Every Friday, inextinguishable star of show business, singer - Gia Suramelashvili MacLaren’s Irish Pub 5 Rkinis Rigi (Chardin) Mob: 599 57 85 49 21:30 - Enjoy a unique ambiance of 60s-70s hits and improvisations

by David Gabidzashvili and David Barnabishvili. Great mood is guaranteed! Spend evening at the warmest pub in the city!

Restaurant «Bermukha» Agmashenebeli lane 13th km. Tel: 259 69 69; Mob: 598 59 69 69 Every day from 17:00 restaurant Bermukha is awaiting you with renovated hall and colorful show program.

Music program starts from 19:00: Dato Archvadze’s quartet «Taoba»: Georgian folk and city songs.

Estrada singers: Giorgi Tsiklauri, Nina Okroashvili, Giorgi Kakutia Restaurant «Dzveli Sakhli» 3, Sanapiro Str. Tel: 2 365-365 20:00-23:00 - Georgian Dances Restaurant «Maidan» 6, Rkinis Rigi Str. Tel: 275-11-88; 590 75-11-88 20:30 - Maidan Jazz Band Café «Kala» 8/10 Erekle II Str. Mob: 599 79-97-37 21:00 - Keti Paresashvili Pub «Dublin» 8 Akhvlediani Str, Tel: 298-44-67 21:00-24:00 - Band «Rustavi 2» (Covers)

2

Cinema

«Rustaveli» Cinema 5 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-22-53, 2 555-000 «Last Vegas»; «Carrie»; «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi»; «Mandarins» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL) «Amirani» Cinema 36 Kostava Str. Tel: 299-99-55 «Free Birds» 3D; «The Hunger Games: Catching Fire»; «Givi» (Ticket Price: 7,50 - 12,50 GEL)

5

Concert

Tbilisi Concert Hall 1, Meliqishvilii Str. Tel: 299-05-99 20:00 - Sergey Bezrukov (Ticket Price: Balcony - 40, 50, 60, 70 GEL; Parterre: 80, 100 GEL)

3

Theatre

Rustaveli Theatre 17, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 272-68-68 Play Strindberg Director: Robert Sturua and Andro Enukidze Cast: Tatuli Dolidze, Zuka Papuashvili, Levan Khurtsia Date: December 14 Hall: Grand Stage Time: 19:00 Price: 8 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Muu...

Director: Zurab Kikodze Cast: Medea Djaparidze, Nana Pachuashvili, Rusiko Bolkvadze, Qeti Tshakaia, Nato GulisaSvili, Meri Mikeladze Duration: 70 minutes Date: December 14 Hall: Theatre in Attic Time: 20:00 Price: 11 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre 8 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 The ART Director: Temur Chkheidze Cast: Zura Kipshidze, Mikheil Gomiashvili, Aleko Makharoblishvili Duration: 105 minutes Date: December 14 Hall: Big Stage Time: 20:00 Price: 4 - 10.50 GEL Marjanishvili Theatre (New Stage) 5 Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 2 955-966 Tartuffe Director: Levan Tsuladze Cast: Nika Kuchava, Zviad Skhirtladze.

Manana Kozakova, Barbare Dvalishvili, Tamar Bukhnikashvili, Zaza Iakashvili Duration: 140 minutes Date: December 14 Time: 20:00 Price: 5, 14 GEL Liberty Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 298-58-21 Rain Saller Director: Nugzar Lortkipanidze Cast: Keta Lortkipanidze, Sandro Margalitashvili, Jaba Kiladze, Giorgi Jikia, Mamuka Mumladze, Lasha Gurgenidze, Shako Mirianashvili Date: December 14 Time: 20:00 Price: 6, 13, 15 GEL Tumanishvili Film Actors Theatre 164 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-28-99 Underground Director: Keti Dolidze Cast: Mzia Arabuli, Ramaz Ioseliani, Beka Jumutia, Nika Tserediani, Paata Baratashvili, Irina Giunashivili, Vano Dugladze, Guga Kakhiani Date: December 14 Time: 19:00 Price: 10 GEL Griboedov Theatre 2 Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 293-11-06 The Winter’s Tale Director: Vakhtang Nikolava Cast: Irina Meghvinetukhutsesi, Sofia Lomjaria, Mikhail Arjevanidze, Archil Baratashvili, Ludmila Artyomova-Mghebrishvili, Oleg Mchedlishvili Duration: 100 minutes Date: December 14 Time: 18:00 Price: 5 GEL V. Abashidze State Music and Drama Theatre 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 234-80-90 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Director: David Doiashvili Cast: Buba Gogorishvili, Kakha Kintsurashvili, Archil Sologhashvili Duration: 110 minutes Date: December 14 Time: 19:00 Price: 8, 10 GEL Akhmeteli Theatre 8 Vekua Str. Tel: 262-54-37, 262-59-73, 262-61-97 Pantheon Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Mamuka Mazavrishvili, Tamar Bezhuashvili, Vakhtang Adeishvili, Neli Badalashvili, Kakha Jokhadze Duration: 80 minutes Date: December 14 Time: 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Tbilisi Nodar Dumbadze State Central Children’s Theatre 99/1, D. Agmashenebeli Ave. Tel: 295-78-74, 295-39-27 Emily’s Adventures Director: Levan Koblianidze Cast: Khatia Melkadze, Nino Shushiashvili, Shalva Antelava, Maka Bardavelidze, Tsotne Saghinadze, Vasil Amurvelashvili, Sophia Achuashvili, Irine Kukuladze Duration: 60 minutes Date: December 14 Hall: Big Stage Time: 12:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Natsarkekia Director: Dimitri Khvtisiashvili Cast: Khatia Melkadze, Badri Gvazava, Levan Katsiashvili, Giorgi Katchakhidze, Paata Mkheidze, Vakhtang Nozadze, Nino Lortkifanidze, Paata Kikvadze, Kakha Tcholadze Duration: 90 minutes Date: December 14 Hall: Small Stage Time: 12:00 15:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL Kukaracha Director: Shalva Gatserelia Cast: Tamar Mamulashvili, Nino Lezhava, Kote Tolordava, Nino Archaia, Berta Khapava, Badri Gvazava, Nino Lortkifanidze, Nikoloz Kvantaliani, Vahtang Chachanidze Duration: 110 minutes Date: December 14 Hall: Big Stage Time: 15:00 19:00 Price: 7, 10 GEL

4

Gallery

Baia Gallery requests the pleasure of your company at the opening of the exhibition - «Klondike» - Levan Laghidze - painting, Nana Laghidze - cloisonne enamel Baia Gallery 10 Shardeni Str. Tel: 275-45-10 Gallery’s working hours: 12:00-19:00 till - December 16 Exhibition of Artworks by Shalva Matuashvili Sh. Amiranashvili Art Museum 1, Gudiashvili Str. Tel: 299-71-76 Museum is working every day except Monday. From 11:00 till 17:00 till - December 16 Exhibition «New Life of Eastern Collections».

On Exhibition will be presented masterpieces of eastern collections reserved in Shalva Amiranashvili Art Museum of Georgian National Museum Simon Janashia State Museum 3, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: 299-80-22 Museum is working everyday except Monday. From 10:00 till 18:00 till - December 31

For more information, please, visit the following website: www.info-tbilisi.com E-mail: afisha@info-tbilisi.com

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HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL

9 december, 2013 | finchannel.com

You See Better and Look Wonderful www.facebook.com/ronikooptics www.roniko.ge Advertiser: Roniko. Contact FINANCIAL Ad Dep at marketing@finchannel.com

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21

travel business

finchannel.com | 9 december, 2013

20 Telavi Str. Tel: 277 20 20 Fax: 277 21 20

www.sheraton.com/tbilisi

Ice cream, coffee, blended drinks, pastry, salads… Open 8am-2am (May-October)

8am-1am

(November-April)

Addr: 12 Eristavi Str. (at the round garden) 34 Leselidze Str. 7a Pekini Str. Phone: 299 03 99; 574 74 69 69 info@lucapolare.com www.lucapolare.com

AeroSvit Representative office in Georgia Address: 25 st.Leselidze Office 205 Tbilisi 0160, Georgia Tel: 243 96 93 Fax: 243 96 93 tbilisi@aerosvit.com

1 Brother Kakabadze Str.

15 Lubliana Str.

Tel: 251 00 01 Fax: 253 00 44 info@zarapxana.ge www.zarapxana.ge

La Brioche

37 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel.: 291 30 26; 291 30 76

Tel: 292 29 45; Fax: 292 29 46; tk@mcdonalds.ge

Addr: Batumi, Georgia, Parnavaz Mepe №25

Tel.: 260 15 36 info@piazza.ge, www.piazza.ge

Betsy’s Hotel 32-34 Makashvili Street, 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel.: 293 14 04, Fax: 299 93 11 info@betsyshotel.com www.betsyshotel.com

5 Chavchavadze Ave. 13, Rustaveli Avenue.; Tel.: 2 779 200 www.TbilisiMarriott.com tbilisi.marriott@marriotthotels.com

4, Freedom Square, Tel: 2 779 100 www.CourtyardTbilisi.com courtyard.tbilisi@marriotthotels.com

3 Vashlovani Str.; (“Super Babilon” oposit) Tel.: 298 90 86

Tel.: 222 44 17 577 22 99 22 plasticsurgerygeo.com

Hotel “O. Galogre” The tickets are available at tbilisi international airport freedom square 4 courtyard marriott hotel, 1st floor

Tel: 2400 400; 2400 040

36 Al. Kazbegi ave. Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia Tel/Fax: 229 43 43 info@intercontinental.ge www.intercontinental.ge

Le Marais

Literary cafe “Monsieur Jordan” V. Gorgasali st.,17 Tel.: 275-02-07

Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Rose Revolution Square 1 Tel.: 240 22 00; Fax: 240 22 01 info.tbilisi@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-tbilisi

Erekle II str.

Tel: 555 00 44 46

Tel: 888 222 2900 www.sheraton.com/tbilisi

For advertising please contact: 577 741 700 marketing@finchannel.com

32 Abashidze Str. Tel: 222 40 83

26 May Square Tel: 2300099 E-mail: info@hi-tbilisi.com www.hi-tbilisi.com

6 Kavsadze Str. Tel: 2 25 15 45 2 55 44 55 www.lottravel.ge

50 Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 2 91 52 42

8, Vakhtang Gorgasali Str. Batumi, Georgia Tel: +995 422 27 48 45 info@hotelgalogre.com www.hotelgalogre.com

Village Anaklia, Zugdidi, Georgia Tel: 2 60 99 90 2 60 99 91 www.hotelanaklia.com

13 Shavteli Str. Tel: 2439494 info@ambasadori.ge www.ambasadori.ge

For advertising please contact: 577 741 700 marketing@finchannel.com

GEORGIA PALACE HOTEL

275 Agmashenebeli Ave., Kobuleti, Georgia Tel: 2242400 Fax: 2242403

E-mail: info@gph.ge, www.gph.ge

Georgian Real Estate Management The Green Building, 6 Marjanishvili Street, 0102 Tbilisi Tel: 243 30 77, Fax: 243 30 79 www.firstbrokerage.ge E-mail: info@firstbrokerage.ge

4 Freedom Square Tel: 2988 988, Fax: 2988 910 E-mail:gmt@gmt.ge, www.gmt.ge

#euromaidan 4 Kargareteli str.

Tel; 2236278 www.kenari.ge info@kenari.ge

BusinessTravelCom

Hotel and Airticket Booking: 2 999 662 | SKY.ge

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HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL

9 december, 2013 | finchannel.com

SOUTH CAUCASUS INFRASTRUCTURE & NEW ENERGY INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2014

For a better business environment

Main Media Partner

CONVENTION VENTURES | EUROCONVENTION

Advertiser: Euroconvention Global. Contact FINANCIAL Ad Dep at marketing@finchannel.com

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travel business

finchannel.com | 9 december, 2013 SANCHO

LITERATURULI CAFÉ 2, Tarkhnishvili Str. Tel: 244 45 46 31, Pekini Str. Tel: 231 30 57 22, Abashidze Str. Tel: 222 02 76 36, Kostava Str. Tel: 299 07 46

4, Besiki Str. Tel: 2 519 966

23, Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 298 25 98

Hangar Bar

Queue

TSISKVILI

PREGO 10, Paliashvili Str. Tel: 225 22 58

#1 Freedom squ.

Tel: 2 240 241

Red Café Bistro & Cafe

15, Erekle II. Tel: 293 14 11 # 71 Vazhaphavela Ave. Tel: 2201 211 info@redcafe.ge

25, Tarkhnishvili Str. Tel: 225 25 16 # 20 Shavteli Str. Tel: 293 10 80

Beliashvili Str. Tel: 253 07 97

Belle Ville

BUFFALO BILL

French - European barrestaurant Pleasant and cozy atmosphere High quality service, live music every day 26, l.Kiacheli Str. Tel: 293 65 53

DONUTS

2, MarjaniSvili Str. Tel: 2 999 723

Book Corner

13b, Tarkhnishvili Str. Tel: 223 24 30 contact@bookcorner.ge

VERA STEAKHOUSE

Better seen than heard 37, Kostava Str. Tel: 298 37 67 16, Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 293 60 52

64, Paliasvili Str. Tel: 225 06 69

DUBLIN IRISH PUB

Better seen than heard

Entree 13 Taktakishvili Str. 20 Rustaveli Ave. 19 Petriashvili Str. 7 Pekini Str. 78 Chavchavadze Ave. (Bagebi) 86 Aghmashenebeli ave.

8, Akhvlediani Str. Tel: 298 44 67

10/12, Abashidze Str. Tel: 225 39 85

Tel.: 599 21 53 83

24 24/

DISCOVERY

4 Freedom Square, Tel: 254 70 30 tbilisi.fs@citadines.com

www.citadines.com

40, Chavchavadze Ave. Tel: 229 42 30

SIANG-GAN

PICASSO

41, Gamsakhurdia Str. Tel: 237 96 88

4, Vashlovani Str. Tel: 298 90 86

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso

ENGLISH TEE HOUSE

26, Chavchavadze Ave Tel: 222 36 77

5, Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 294 16 20 32, Paliashvili Str. Tel: 222 11 09

Espresso Bar “RESPUBLIKA”

16, Marjanishvili Str. Tel: 555 211552 E-mail: Respublikaespressobar@gmail.com

Prospero’s Books

34, Rustaveli Ave. Tel: (+995 32) 2923 592

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BusinessTravelCom

Hotel and Airticket Booking: 2 999 662 | SKY.ge

CMYK

24

HEADLINE NEWS & ANALYSIS

travel business

FINANCIAL

9 december, 2013 | finchannel.com

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December

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