Chairman Zurab Pataradze Chairs Ajara Government Session, Highlighting Unprecedented Tourism Growth and Major Infrastructure Advancements

The Chairman of the Government of Ajara, Zurab Pataradze, chaired an official government session to deliberate on core agenda items and address strategic priority areas for the region's development.

 

Opening the session, Chairman Pataradze presented the exceptional outcomes of the summer tourism season, noting that Ajara welcomed more than 2 million visitors over the preceding seven months. In July alone, Batumi International Airport serviced 906 flights, marking a substantial 31% increase compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, international flights to the region neared 3,000 over the seven-month period. To fully maximize this momentum, the Chairman emphasized the strategic value of domestic transit infrastructure, particularly high-speed rail connections on the Tbilisi-Batumi route, which significantly reduce travel times and bolster domestic mobility.

 

The Executive reaffirmed that the sustainable development of the highlands remains a paramount government priority. Ongoing and planned capital projects at the Goderdzi resort, including the rehabilitation of the central thoroughfare, the construction of sports complexes, and the expansion of dedicated commercial and service spaces are positioned to decisively stimulate the local economy. To showcase this potential, a dedicated Investment Forum will be hosted directly at the Goderdzi Pass. This will be complemented by upcoming major business tourism initiatives in Batumi, including the International Maritime Forum, alongside targeted campaigns to develop cruise tourism, expand aviation links, and capture private aviation investment via international air expeditions.

 

Significant attention was also directed toward the comprehensive overhaul of educational infrastructure. Batumi enters the new academic year with four newly constructed and two fully rehabilitated schools, contributing to a broader regional effort that achieved the full or partial modernization of 25 schools across Ajara. Early childhood education facilities are similarly expanding in coordination with local municipalities; projects for Batumi Kindergartens No. 3, No. 12, and No. 26 have successfully concluded, and procurement is underway for a new, 250-capacity kindergarten facility in Gonio.

 

In tandem with educational infrastructure, social development projects continue to advance. Within the "Dream City" residential complex, construction is progressing on a 300-capacity kindergarten, and an official tender has been announced for the design and cost-estimation documentation of a new school building on the site. Furthermore, the construction of dedicated social housing is moving forward in the village of Salibauri within Kobuleti, as well as in Khelvachauri municipality. The social housing complex in the village of Erge is structurally complete, with residential units slated for imminent transfer to eligible beneficiaries.

 

Concluding his address, the Chairman instructed all relevant regional agencies to provide maximum institutional support to ensure the seamless execution of the state internship program, launched under the Prime Minister's national youth initiative.

 

Following these briefings, the Cabinet proceeded to review and approve the remaining regulatory and administrative items on the session's agenda.