The FINANCIAL — Spain, Italy and Turkey are among the list of the most desirable countries for Georgians to visit this summer, according to a survey conducted by The FINANCIAL. But these dreams won’t come true for many this year. The majority of interviewed persons will instead visit Turkey this summer rather than their dream country.
Due to current financial instability many Georgians are having to postpone their plans for an ideal holiday indefinitely, choosing what they call “cheaper destinations” as alternatives this year. Thus Turkey will again be the country most visited by Georgians during summer 2009 according to Georgian tour operators.
“I would with pleasure go to Italy for my holiday, but as far as I know, a round trip ticket to Italy costs from GEL 1,000. Last year I spent my holiday in Turkey for less than the price of a ticket to Europe. Of course Turkey isn’t Italy, but it’s better to spend your money in Turkey, than to simply visit the Georgian seaside,” Maka Kharebashvili, 24, notes.
“I have dreamt about visiting Spain my whole life. Last year I saved enough money for my summer holidays, but not enough to visit Spain. I think USD 2,000 would be enough to fulfil my dream. But Turkey is also a good option for me,” Tika Barbakadze, 25, told The FINANCIAL.
Another person interviewed by The FINANCIAL, Beka Barbakadze, 28, told us that Italy is among the top places that he would like to visit this summer. Last year he spent his vacation in France, but now he is sure that a trip to Italy will be more adventurous and fun.
“I found out that a round trip ticket costs GEL 1,200. Getting a visa for Italy is not really a problem for me, because last year I received a visa to France very easily,” Barbakadze says.
Among the documents required by consulates are your national passport, insurance, reservation voucher for airline tickets and accommodation. Sometimes consulates require submitting a letter of guarantee from your employer, travel agency or a letter of invitation from your hosts abroad.
George Lomtatidze, 21, would ideally like to spend this summer in Jamaica, which is traditionally a popular destination for a majority of Georgians. “Jamaica is my dream country,” he says.
“This is the place that I’d most like to visit with my friends. Jamaica is a country of adventures and music. People live there by the philosophy ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ and that’s why I’d like to go there and have some fun. An air ticket to Jamaica, as I know, costs around USD 4,000, which is very expensive and so my dream will unfortunately have to remain unfulfilled for the time being,” George Lomtatidze, 21, says.
Geotour and BusinessTravelCom say that prices of air tickets to Italy, Spain and other European countries start from EUR 350-380.
“The most visited country by Georgians this summer will be Turkey,” Geotour notes.
“Our company will offer its customers air tickets on regular flights, charters to Antalya, 3, 4 and 5 star hotels worldwide, VIP tours, casino tours, medical tours and excursion tours.”
According to the officials of Geotour the popularity of places that Georgians visit most is determined by price, service and advertisement.
“Turkey this summer will be the most popular place for Georgians to visit,” says Tsitsi Petriashvili, Tour-Operator of Georgian Express Travel.
“Our service includes hotel accommodation, transfer, insurance and excursions. Prices of tours depend on the length of the holiday. A minimal price packet to Europe starts from GEL 1,500. Turkey remains an exception as people continue holidaying there because of the cheap prices.”
According to Georgian Express Travel officials, the popularity of a destination is determined by different factors and depends on the different categories of people’s desired holidays.
“The global economic crisis has made price the main determining factor of popularity. Examples of the most popular destinations in different categories and according to price are as follows: for sightseeing – Italy, for family and individual holidays and recreation – Turkey, for shopping – Dubai, and so on,” Tsisi Petriashvili says.
Georgian tour operators say that they will offer discounts to their customers this summer.
“As is usual we will offer discounts to our customers. People should choose our company for the sake of its high quality service and attention. As there is very strong competition on the Georgian market, we try to keep a minimal level of prices on VIP tours,” Petriashvili, from Georgian Express Travel, notes.
“This summer we are offering our customers 5-6% discounts. Working at our company we have very experienced staff which offer precise products for individual people’s requirements or a whole family’s needs so as to ensure an all round success of a holiday no matter the destination,” Geotour says.
But there are people who believe dreams can come true. Because of the financial downturn companies around the world have lowered their prices. Now the room of a 3 or 4 star hotel in Barcelona costs just 40 EUR.
You can spend an amazing week in Spain or Italy for just EUR 800 which includes airline tickets and hotel accommodation.
“I believe that the recent tendency of Georgians to avoid European destinations is more about stereotypes than actual prices,” says Irakli Saparidze, BusienssTravelCom.
A vacation in Turkey costs the same as in Europe, the difference is in a hotel’s stars. So if you want to be a part of Europe this summer, you are welcome to be.
Written By Tako Khelaia
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