“Regardless of who they are - whether they are Georgian citizens or tourists of different nationalities - they must, of course, obey the law,” Chairman of the Supreme Council of Adjara Tsotne Ananidze told Interpressnews, commenting on information circulated by some citizens claiming that Russian tourists have, in some cases, verbally and physically insulted locals, and calling on the authorities to respond.

According to him, deliberately emphasizing the nationality of a particular tourist is not in Georgia’s economic interest.

“Georgia, and our region, is a tourist destination and, at the same time, is considered a safe country in many international rankings. If any specific incidents occur that constitute an administrative violation or a crime, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will respond. There has been and can be no discriminatory approach toward anyone. Whoever they may be - whether Georgian citizens or tourists of different nationalities - they must, of course, obey the law.

“We understand the political assessments that, unfortunately, we hear. Unfortunately, in 2010, [the previous government] invited Russian tourists, among others, to Lars. There is a very important factor: following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of our compatriots became Russian citizens. Is anyone going to prevent those people from entering? Deliberately exaggerating the nationality of a particular group is clearly not in Georgia’s economic interest. We are a tourist and safe country. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, with experienced and qualified personnel, is ensuring that the tourist season proceeds safely and carefully,” Tsotne Ananidze said.