Georgia, Tbilisi, Aug.2 / Trend, N. Kirtskhalia /
New winter resort will be opened in mountainous Adjara in winter 2011, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who visited Goderdzi Pass with Economy Minister Vera Kobalia and Adjara's Governor Levan Varshalomidze.
He said by late 2010 it's necessary to finalize development of all business plans, and works on the infrastructure of the resort should begin next year.
"In 2010, a ropeway will be opened in Mestia. In the next winter ski resort in Adjara will be launched. I think the construction of all 11 ropeways will be completed in 2013," Saakahsvili said.
He stressed the possibility of building ropeways by private businessmen.
According to Adjara's Governor Levan Varshalomidze, Adjara highlands will be not only winter, but also a summer resort.
"Hour and a half journey will be from Batumi. It's envisaged to construct 11 ropeways. All the ski routes will be roughly 35 kilometers," Varshalomidze said.
He also launched an initiative exploring the possibility of airport construction in the mountains of Adjara. "It is necessary to consider the construction of the airport here. We are constructing an airport in Mestia, and if it is possible to build a small airport, it will simplify the works," Saakahsvili said.
Also, he instructed the Economy Minister to send experts to mountainous Adjara to study the construction of the airport.