Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has stated that Georgia remains open to tourists from all countries, including Russia, and dismissed reports claiming Russian citizens are not welcome or in danger as false.
In a statement released on August 6, the Prime Minister emphasized: “Of course, our doors are open to everyone, any tourists. This is something that we need to talk about very openly. And we will do everything to ensure that an appropriate environment is provided for all tourists in Georgia.”
Kobakhidze also addressed a criminal case initiated by the Georgian State Security Service regarding alleged sabotage linked to social media posts about purported negative attitudes toward Russian tourists. He asserted that fake accounts were created outside Georgia, which then disseminated information internally among opposition-minded citizens.
“The investigation must be completed to identify all participants in any possible crime,” Kobakhidze stated. He added that those who act against Georgia’s interests will be held accountable.
Earlier on August 4, Kobakhidze indicated that the Georgian opposition began expressing anti-Russian sentiment after receiving external instructions, a shift he attributed to the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine rather than the 2008 conflict.
Separately, Viktor Vodolatsky, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, stated on July 21 that an attack on a Russian tourist and the subsequent rally supporting the aggressor constituted a provocation by the opposition aimed at undermining efforts to normalize relations between Moscow and Tbilisi.
