Page 58 - World Of Nurol Magazine 29

“The word “guests” means “gift from
29 SAYI DERGI NUROL ING.indd
God” in Georgian.”
access from the capital of Georgia to our region. We expect
that the completion of the well-structured highway project in
2020 will contribute significantly to the flow of the visitors in
our area.
Another important problem is the accumulation of people
in the passes due to the insuªciency of the Sarp Customs
Gate. Besides being Turkey’s gateway to Georgia, this place
is very important as entry point on the Highway heading to
all Caucasian and Middle Asia countries. It is the most used
customs gate after İstanbul Airport and Antalya Airport.
Especially since the end of 2011, when it became legal to go
to Georgia without a passport, the physical and infrastructure
capacities are insuªcient. While an average of 2 million people
crossed the border of Georgia before it became legal to pass
through the border with ID, this number has increased every
year since it became legal to pass with ID, and finally exceeded
7 million in 2017. This has prolonged the time spent at customs
by those who want to pass to Batumi, both for commercial
purposes and for touristic purposes. In order to resolve this
accumulation by the end of 2016. the Republic of Turkey has
started construction work for the renewal and modernization
of the Sarp Customs Oªce. As of the beginning of 2018, the
first phase of construction works has been completed and
was unilaterally opened to pedestrian and vehicle traªc. The
entire construction work will be completed by the end of 2018
and we hope that the new customs will be commissioned. The
completion of this project will have a very positive e§ect on
the tourism potential of Batumi.
Thank you very much. Finally, what is your message to
readers.
‘’ Visit Batumi to discover the hidden gem of Black Sea’’.
We would like to thank our General Manager for
providing valuable information.
Interview: Meral SARI CEYLAN
59
59 26.02.2018 20:18:23