Regulation of Tourism - Addressing Outdated Legislation in a Vital Sector

The Institute of Tourisms study titled Regulation of Tourism - Addressing Outdated Legislation in a Vital Sector; initially commenced in 2017 and underwent a comprehensive update in 2019 to reflect substantial changes in Georgias legislative landscape.

This research underscores the imperative for revising both state and regional statutes, which presently lag behind the dynamic advancements within the tourism sector. Critical terminology central to the industry remain unrecognized, while the delineation of administrative bodies within the field lacks clarity, leading to operational ambiguities and resultant challenges. Furthermore, the existing legislation inadequately addresses standards of quality and safety, resulting not only in substandard tourist experiences but also in inadequate consumer protection.

Drawing insights from international best practices, the study underscores underutilized legal frameworks, notably in tax regulations, presenting untapped avenues for industry growth. Additionally, it identifies pressing areas for legislative enhancement, encompassing statistical reporting, advertising protocols, and more.

Notably, the enactment of Georgias new tourism regulation law in 2023 marks a significant milestone. The Institute of Tourism, alongside this research itslef, played a pivotal role in shaping this legislation, collaborating closely with the Alliance of the Georgian Tourism Industry throughout the drafting process.

For reference, access the 2019 study here (in Georgian only), and review the newly enacted law from here (in Georgian only).