With the local infrastructure for tourism around Armenia’s Lake Sevan too expensive for what it offers, the Institute of War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) reports that more locals are choosing Georgia’s Black Sea resorts for their vacations instead. Not only are Batumi and Kobuleti meant to be cheaper than the equivalent in Armenia, he service, atmosphere and climate are also better.

According to Georgia’s department for tourism and resorts, 2006 is breaking all records for the number of foreign tourists visiting the country since it gained independence in 1992. The Black Sea autonomous republic of Ajaria and its capital Batumi are the main destinations, with a total of 250,000-300,000 holiday- makers expected there this year.

Of the foreign tourists, 70 per cent are from neighbouring landlocked Armenia. “We expect around 55,000 visitors from Armenia during the holiday season. This is three times as many as last year,” said Saba Kiknadze head of the local tourist department.

[…]

Diana Haikian came to take a holiday in the resort town of Kobuleti in Ajaria on the recommendation of her cousin and used the new train service. She is with a group of 15 friends and colleagues.

“We are being served well at the hotel,” said Diana. “There are places where we can sit and have fun in the evenings. We’ve met a lot of our acquaintances from Yerevan. I like it here but I have nothing to compare it with. I have never been to European resorts and Russian resorts are both more expensive and dull.”

Incidently, the New York Times reported on Georgia’s Black Sea tourism boom in June. Anyway, it’s interesting. Perhaps this is an example of regional integration, and not least since the IWPR article also says that Armenians are beginning to Invest in Ajaria.