გზა ტრადიციებისკენ - კულტურული ტურიზმის პოტენციალი რაჭა-ლეჩხუმში

Abstract

Our research area covers Lechkhumi and Lower Racha, located in the valley of the Rioni River. Despite the region’s enormous tourism potential, tourism development is still at an early stage, and much remains to be done.Racha–Lechkhumi is a region where the development of cultural tourism can be planned according to sustainable principles—ensuring that neither the environment is harmed nor the cultural heritage is lost under the pressure of commercial interests. Modern tourism trends, such as eco-friendly and authenticity-based travel experiences, perfectly match the natural and cultural characteristics of Racha–Lechkhumi.

        Sustainable cultural tourism promotes the involvement of local communities in tourism activities—through the development of family-run accommodations, the popularization of local cuisine, and the inclusion of traditional crafts and skills in tourist experiences.       These processes, on one hand, strengthen the regional economy and create jobs, while on the other, preserve cultural identity and encourage its continuation. A good example of this is the “House of Zanduri” located in Lechkhumi. It is an open-air museum that showcases the history, culture, and traditions of Lechkhumi, as well as the specifics of family wineries and rural tourism. Tourists are particularly interested in participating in workshops, folk song evenings, or the traditional winemaking process of Racha. In this way, culture is no longer just a historical exhibit but becomes a living experience—leaving visitors with unforgettable impressions while economically empowering the local community. In the post-COVID period, there has been a noticeable increase in visitor numbers, which has provided additional motivation for those employed in the tourism sector Based on our GIS analysis results, we have created tourist maps of the region, which we believe will provide useful assistance to those interested in exploring Racha–Lechkhumi.