Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Irakli Nadarishvili has inspected Georgia’s stand and the ongoing preparations ahead of ITB China 2026, one of the largest tourism exhibitions in Asia.

This year, Georgia will participate in the exhibition as a partner country. According to Nadarishvili, achieving this status is expected to boost the country’s profile and attract more tourists.

ITB China 2026 is being held in Shanghai. The exhibition will open on May 26 with high-ranking guests touring Georgia’s stand. Together with the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Deputy Minister of Culture Giorgi Mirtskhulava and Maia Omiadze, Head of the National Tourism Administration, also familiarised themselves with the exhibition preparations.

It is worth noting that photo and video materials showcasing Georgia have been displayed at two of Shanghai’s airports and on central public squares, across nearly 400 locations in total. A series of video spots about Georgia has also been produced and will be broadcast through Chinese media and digital channels.

Georgia’s national stand in Shanghai will cover 400 square metres. It will feature a dedicated workspace where approximately 30 Georgian tourism companies will be able to meet with potential partners. On the eve of the exhibition’s opening, on May 25, a special gala reception will be held in Georgia’s name, to be attended by nearly 700 high-ranking guests.

“ITB China is the foremost platform for promoting a country’s tourism potential and establishing new business contacts. Presentations and working sessions highlighting Georgia’s tourism potential will also be held as part of the exhibition. Equally important is the fact that visitors to our country’s national stand will have the opportunity, over the course of three days, to discover Georgian culture, folklore, gastronomy, and wine,” the Deputy Minister of Economy stated.

At the Georgian pavilion, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, exhibition visitors will be introduced to examples of Georgian folk crafts and will receive information about collections held in Georgia’s museums and foundations. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will also have the opportunity to experience Georgian folklore, traditional dances and songs. This year’s cultural programme at the Shanghai exhibition will be performed by the ensemble Rustavi.