Georgia should introduce greater tax incentives for small businesses in tourist regions, alongside improved vocational education and stronger cooperation between the government and private sector, tourism analyst Ia Tabagari told BMGTV.
She said seasonal tourism businesses face varying financial pressures and should not be subject to the same tax burden throughout the year. Special incentives for local entrepreneurs in mountainous regions, including Khevsureti, Tusheti, and Svaneti, could encourage residents to stay and develop businesses locally.
Tabagari also stressed the importance of establishing hospitality colleges in tourism destinations to help young people gain professional skills and find employment without leaving their home regions.
She identified high utility costs, including electricity, gas, and water, as another challenge for small tourism businesses, particularly those with seasonal revenues.
According to Tabagari, sustainable regional tourism development requires closer cooperation between the government and private sector, with policymakers taking into account the experience and needs of tourism businesses.
