Batumi became a winner of prestigious World Travel Award. It earned the title of ‘Europe’s Fastest-growing Tourist Destination’ at one of the most important events in tourism industry and beat such significant opponents as Sofia (Bulgaria), Matera (Italy), Baku (Azerbaijan), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Kutna Hora (Czech Republic), Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Derry (Northern Ireland). Tornike Rizhvadze, the head of Adjara Government who attended the awards ceremony on the island of Madeira in Portugal, together with the members of delegation, addressed words of welcome to the participants.

“I congratulate Batumi on getting such a prestigious award. This is one more new stage for our city that will contribute to both economy development and the social and economic welfare of each Georgian family”, said the head of Adjara Government.

Another winner of World Travel Awards for “Europe’s Leading Sea Destination” was Algarve (Portugal). Glasgow (Scotland) was voted “Festivals and Events leading destination” and Portugal – “Europe’s Leading Tourist Destination”. The best hotels, tourist agencies, air companies and tourist attractions were also awarded at the ceremony.

“Our strategy was moving to that direction for long time. I congratulate the whole country, region and city on this important victory and recognition. Today, we are the fastest-growing European destination, which is very important for our development and our economy. This victory belongs to each person who voted for Batumi”, stated Sulkhan Ghlonti, the head of Adjara Tourism Department.

The ceremony was attended by various leading tourist companies and business and government organizations involved in the tourism industry. Among the members of Adjara Government Delegation there were the head of Tourism Department –Sulkhan Ghlonti, the mayor of Batumi – Lasha Komakhidze and the chairman of the Supreme Council of Adjara – David Gabaidze. In the framework of the event, the head of Adjara Government met the president of the regional government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque.

The World Travel Awards has been operating since 1993. Hundreds of nominations and thousands of nominees are divided into different categories according to continents and countries. The categories include leading hotels, tourist agencies, tourist attractions, destinations, tour operators as well as sea, road and air transport companies.