Imereti Region's Natural - Recreational and Historical – Cultural Potential as Tourism Development Factor in Georgia

Abstract

Imereti – is one of the smallest region on the Black Sea coast in Georgia. The geographical location, historical-cultural and natural monuments, the rich Imeretian hospitality traditions are a good prerequisite for the development of recreation and tourism. Imereti region is a growing tourist segment. For more than 900 historical and more than 350 natural monuments continuously presents the rich history of the country from the primitive societies until nowadays. Myths and legends related to Imereti ( Colchis kingdom, myth about Amirani (Prometheus), Golden Fleece, King Aetees and Medea and etc.) are well-known for the Western society. The work done for the popularization of these tourist products has greatly contributed to the growth of both organized and unorganized tourism. (80,000 men in 2007, in 2017 - more than 450,000).Today, tourism in Georgia is developing at a fast pace. Natural and historic monuments are the "Golden Keys" of the tourism potential of the region. We believe that tourism is a stimulus for the development of the local economy, and it should facilitate for staying of youth in the small towns by creating different jobs in order not to leave their country and therefore alienate from their national identities and culture. Keywords: natural monuments; historical-cultural heritage; national identity; recreational resources.