I love most the natural beauty of Georgia. Georgia’s breathtaking landscapes are matched only by the richness of its history and culture and the hospitality of the Georgian people. Come spend your summer in Georgia and see for yourself! Elizabeth Rood, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
Georgian Tourism has Potentials for Growth but Requires Careful Planning
W
hen Diplomat Magazine spoke to Elizabeth Rood, Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Georgia, she was
full of praises and optimism for Georgia’s greatest treasure which, she describes as “its natural beauty”.
You travel a lot in Georgia, which places impressed you most? Charge d’Affairs, Elizabeth Rood: Georgia’s greatest treasure is its natural beauty, and every place I’ve visited is beautiful in its own unique way. The places that have impressed me most are
so important to protect. Third, I love the green mountains of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, especially the less-visited Kharagauli side, which has so much potential for more visitors to enjoy. Later this summer I hope to climb Kazbegi and trek from Tusheti to Khevsureti. There are so many other places I have not even visited
Rood believes that Georgia is an
very remote, because I like quiet places
attractive tourist destination with a vari-
best. First, the hiking route from Likheti,
ety of offerings for her visitors but she
in Racha, to Shkedi, in Lower Svaneti,
believes that only Georgians can truly
is spectacular for its vistas. Second, La-
Which places in Georgia do you vis-
develop the Georgian tourism industry
godekhi National Park, especially Black
it/would like to visit more than once,
through sacrifice and careful planning
Rock Lake on the border with Daghestan,
why?
targeted at high quality tourism infra-
is breathtakingly beautiful and home to
structure.
endangered species, like the tur, that are
8 DIPLOMAT
yet, including the place many people love most, Mestia, so I will have to keep busy!
This year I had the privilege of joining hundreds of young people in taking the
