UNWTO to hold the 1st Global Conference on Wine Tourism in Georgia in 2016

The 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism, to be held in the Kakheti wine region from 7-9 September 2016, was officially launched by UNWTO and the Georgian National Tourism Administration on the occasion of the World Travel Market in London.
As explained by UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, who led the presentation with the Head of Georgian National Tourism Administration, George Chogovadze and the Georgian Ambassador to Spain, Zurab Pololikashvili, “Wine tourism represents a growing segment with immense opportunities to diversify demand. In the case of Georgia, this potential is well-known and we are very pleased to be holding the first UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in the country”.
“Georgia’s unique wine-making traditions date back 8,000 years and are part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage, creating the ideal base to host the Wine Tourism Conference. Herewith, the country’s recent success in attracting a growing number of tourists, its development in terms of tourism products, branding and marketing present an excellent platform to share best practices, experience and knowledge¨ said Dimitry Kumsishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia.
Gastronomy and wine have become key components for experiencing the culture and lifestyle of any destination and a growing travel motivation. To foster the development of this segment UNWTO has launched in September 2015, the UNWTO Gastronomy Network..