Possibilities and Prospects for the Development of Family wine tourism in Georgia

Abstract

Wine tourism is considered a sustainable segment of tourism in the world and an important factor of rural socio-economic development. Wine tourism is, on the one hand, a type of agriculture-based tourism. Therefore, the development of these two fields is related to each other. Nowadays, many families who used to produce wine only for themselves have moved on to a new stage and are involved in wine tours and hosting guests. The increase in the number of wine companies has led to a high demand for grapes, which is beneficial for the rural population. Therefore, this sector creates new jobs and has a good impact on both the social and economic aspects of the country. Like all over the world, family farms dominate the wine-growing area of Georgia, which are small-scale farms according to the volume of their activities. When we discuss Georgian wine tourism, we consider that the issue concerns small family viticulture and winemaking enterprises. There are unique opportunities for the development of family wine tourism in Georgia, of which the relationship between the tourist and the viticulture and wine production staff is important, which is the best opportunity provided by family farms. Based on the study of the literature, the main motives for which tourists engage in wine tourism were determined. Accordingly, the direction and method of the research were identified. A telephone survey (interview) was used as the research method, and the survey was about the needs of wine tourism product producers. The needs of wine tourism product producers were identified, the solution of which will contribute to the development of wine tourism and meeting the needs of wine tourism product consumers.