2016-12-23
A new 20 million GEL ski lift manufactured by Doppelmayr, a global leading in this industry, was launched today in Gudauri. The opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia and members of the Cabinet.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili congratulated winter sports fans on the opening of a new ski lift and spoke of the tremendous contribution of the local population in the development of the Gudauri resort.
"Firstly, I welcome the elder generation of Gudauri residents, thanks to whose enthusiasm the idea of Gudauri was conceived, and one of the most beautiful resorts in the world was developed. Materializing this extraordinary idea is nothing short of heroism. When you take on the implementation of a project of this magnitude, you need a lot of stamina to overcome opposing opinions and keep fighting, which increases tenfold the importance of your heroism and contribution to the creation of this gorgeous resort. We are honorably continuing your cause and we have far-reaching plans. Much has been done over the past few years, and the number of tourists has increased 2.5 times in the past four years. Equally important are the latest systems, ski lifts, hotels, and investments in this area," the Prime Minister stated.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, cooperation with Ecosign, a Canadian company, on Gudauri's development masterplan has been completed, which will allow for the proportionate development of this resort in line with the highest international standards.
"We have gathered here today to open a new ski lift installed by Doppelmayr, a global leader in this field, which will effect qualitative improvements in the services offered in Gudauri. Together with Canadian Ecosign, we have finalized Gudauri's development masterplan, and today will mark the end of spontaneous development at this resort. Instead, we will have well-measured development in line with the highest international standards. This requires certain regulations in the process of development, but they will designed to ensure greater revenues for each hotel, family-run inns and big hotels alike," Giorgi Kvirikashvili pointed out.
According to the Prime Minister, water supply in Gudauri, which presently poses a problem, will be provided 24/7 starting 2018.
"Water supply has always been problematic in Gudauri. This year, the first stage of water supply provision has been completed, and in 2018, water will be provided 24/7," Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated.
The Prime Minister is convinced that the Government's steps toward the country's development "will pave the way for a great future and an equally great cause."
"These are some difficult times, and we have to persevere through this difficult period. However-I have said it many times before, and I repeat-2017 will prove a great year for the private sector, every Georgian citizen, as there will be many investments, and every businessperson will be protected at the highest level, and I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism," the Prime Minister said.
During the opening of the ski lift, an awarding ceremony was held to honor those who made tremendous contributions to the development of the resort in the 1980s.
In 2016, to identify the precise potential of Gudauri's ski industry and general potential, Canadian Ecosign developed a masterplan for recreational land use in Gudauri, which is a fundamental document for the resort's proper planning and development.
In 2016, the Government of Georgia, with the participation of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, also launched a far-reaching infrastructural project seeking the full rehabilitation of drinking water infrastructure in Gudauri and its adjacent villages.
Importantly, through the joint efforts of the Mountain Resort Development Company LLC under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Mountain Guides Association, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, the first adventure travel school in Georgia was established to prepare international-level mountain guides.
Prime Minister's Press Office