Exploring Georgia’s gastronomy offers tourists unique insights into the country and its culture.

Enriching tourists’ experiences also has the potential to attract more visitors which can generate vital income in rural communities.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are working to unite Georgia's unique food heritage, traditions and landscapes, by strengthening the links between agriculture and tourism.

Last year, EBRD and FAO organized a study tour to Tuscany and Campania for representatives of Georgia’s producers’ associations, agritourism operators, and public authorities to learn from Italy’s experience and expertise in agritourism.

"Georgia boasts stunning landscapes and ancient food traditions,” said Rusudan Kacharava of the Georgian Farmers Association, which develops agritourism standards for Georgia. “Visitors to Georgia want to connect with local culture more deeply – as they do in Italy. Italian agritourism experts offered us valuable insights.”

The study tour was the latest in a series of activities from EBRD and FAO to support Georgia’s sustainable agritourism – which has also seen the development of an agritourism strategy and several training events for industry players.