Georgian authorities toughen legislation for benefit of tourists in Adzharia

Amendments have been made in the Georgian Code of Administrative Offences, offered by the Government of Adzharia, which stipulate fines for livestock appearance on the beaches and in other places visited by tourists.

The amendments that relate to livestock grazing were approved by the Parliament of Georgia and entered into force since January 1, 2011.

According to them, if someone's livestock is noticed unattended in a tourist area of the city, the owner will be fined by 20 laris (11 US dollars). In case of illegal grazing on beaches and in city mini-parks, the owner will have to pay up to 100 laris (57 US dollars).

The animals detected on beaches or in a tourist zone will be transported into a special area and wait there until the fine is paid. The owner has 20 days to do it; otherwise the livestock will be confiscated, the "News-Georgia" writes.

Adzharia is becoming increasingly popular among tourists; need for such measures has long become obvious, the travel portal "Travel.ru" writes.

The Georgian authorities have taken other steps aimed at promoting tourism in Adzharia and making it as attractive as possible for tourists.

Thus, in October 2010 the Georgian Parliament passed the Law "On Free Tourist Zone Kobuleti", which assumed allocation of three land plots on the coastal strip for construction of 27 new hotels and partially exempted investments in hotel construction in Kobuleti from taxes.

Earlier, in November 2009, the Georgian Parliament cancelled the annual fee on casinos in Adzharia, which operate at the hotels, which have more than 100 rooms. Thus, the authorities try to develop the gambling business in Adzharia, hoping to attract still more tourists there.