The Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency’s (GCCA) Chairman Irakli Lekvinadze delivered a speech at the 8th Session of Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was invited by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for this event.
In his speech, Irakli Lekvinadze discussed the rights of consumers in the tourism sector in Georgia and highlighted the planned changes in that direction.
"In the past decade, Georgia's tourism industry has seen substantial growth. In 2023, Georgia welcomed over 7 million visitors, which is twice the population of the country. This number is slightly below the pre-pandemic peak, indicating a rapid recovery in the sector.
In light of the growing number of visitors, over the past 2 years, the GCCA has worked to protect the rights of consumers, including tourists. Several decisions have been reached through agreements between tourism and airline companies, hotel establishments, and consumers, which is a positive development. Important standards have been established, and a Law of Georgia on tourism law has been adopted, to be fully implemented by 2027. Strengthening cooperation between countries and sharing experiences further improves this process”. According to Irakli Lekvinadze's speech, today's conference provides a good opportunity for that.
The event is attended by relevant authorities of UNCTAD member states and non-governmental organizations.
Together with the Chairman of the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency (GCCA), the following leaders from France, Uruguay, India, UNCTAD, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization discussed at the session on "Protecting Consumers as Tourists”.
During the working visit, meetings are planned between the GCCA Chairman and the Heads of international organizations, and consumer rights protection authorities. Sergo Sanikidze, Head of the Consumer Rights Protection Department of GCCA, is in Geneva for the working visit and is participating in meetings.
