The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Natia Turnava, responded to the protest of the representatives of the tourism sector that started yesterday and said that her ministry has never had a problem meeting with the representatives of the sector.
"I have invited all those who planned to hold a protest to my office," Natia Turnava said in response to a question from BM.GE about the tourism industry protest that started in front of the parliament yesterday.
The minister said she is not sure if the extent of the protesters' demands stems from the industry's needs. According to Natia Turnava, the conversation should be substantive and not politicized in case of a meeting.
"The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, on the instructions of the Prime Minister, is a kind of front line for communication with the tourism industry. All this time, my deputies and the tourism administration have communicated with representatives of various tourism industries and groups, companies because we know that the problems continue, and this industry needs earnest attention.
I do not think there is any serious problem that we do not know about. Therefore, there's no need to talk to us through protest. I invited everyone who protested to my office. I do not know if this particular group made demands that stem fromt the current state of the industry. I heard that there were politicized demands ... I do not remember them asking for a meeting with us. If they demand a meeting we will organize one. But the conversation should be substantive and not politicized. I do not see a problem with them having direct communications with our ministry ... What we talked about with the sector is reflected in the programs ... If the protest is held for the sake of the protest, that is different matter," Turnava said.
Protest of the representatives of the tourism sector started yesterday at 14:00. Industry representatives are requesting a meeting with the Prime Minister, to share their vision for the relaunch of tourism, so that the sector can be restart from 2021.
