Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, held a meeting with Israel’s Ambassador to Georgia, Hadas Ester Meitzad, to discuss expanding cooperation in tourism and civil aviation.

The meeting was also attended by Givi Davitashvili, Chair of the Civil Aviation Agency, Levan Moseshvili, General Director of the Georgian Airports Association, and Tamar Ioseliani, Chair of the Association’s Supervisory Board.

Kvrivishvili emphasized the growing number of tourists arriving from Israel, noting that four airlines currently operate regular flights between the two countries. In a significant development, flight frequency is expected to double in 2024 compared to 2019, reaching 70 flights per week.

She highlighted a 72.9% year-on-year increase in Israeli tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2024, with Israel now ranking fourth among Georgia’s top 15 source markets.

Looking ahead, Kvrivishvili expressed strong interest in welcoming Israeli airlines to Kutaisi International Airport, pointing to its infrastructure and potential for growth.

“Kutaisi Airport has significant potential. We are eager for more airlines to operate flights to additional destinations more frequently, which will enhance tourist flows in Kutaisi and the Imereti region,” she said.