By Yulia Yakusheva exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Abkhazia. People visiting the republic in September can see young Russian tourists in Pitsunda, Gagry and Sukhumi. The unique natural and recreational resources of Abkhazia, the favorable climatic and ecological conditions and the numerous cultural, historic and religious monuments give great opportunities for all kinds of tourism, most notably, beach vacations.
Interest in Abkhaz resorts has been rising among Russian tourists these past years. The number of tourists has increased by 25% in 2013, compared with the year before. According to experts, such an increase of tourism flow was caused by modernization of infrastructure and stimulation of services.
Development of infrastructure on the Russian-Abkhaz border and success in enforcing security in Abkhazia have boosted tourism. The Abkhaz military train at Russian educational centers. All branches of the Russian and Abkhaz armed forces collaborate.
The political and economic instability provoked by the war had a major impact on the strategic sector of the economy. According to the local authorities, a maximum of 150,000 people visit Abkhazia annually, compared with an average of 1.1 million in Soviet times. The main reason for such a dramatic fall was the deterioration of the tourism infrastructure. The existing complex of sanatoriums, hotels and recreation centers is only a quarter of what the republic had in 1992.
One of the main obstacles for efficient tourism advancement is the lack of a material basis for servicing tourists. Transportation remains an unresolved problem as well. The bridge over the River Psou sees a high tourist flow in summer. The launch of a Sochi-Sukhumi and Moscow-Sukhumi train service was only partly a solution to the problem. Specialists say that the opening of Sukhumi Airport and a direct air link between Moscow and the Abkhaz capital would be an essential step. Russian and Abkhaz Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Ankvab discussed the issue at a meeting in August, but the prospects of Sukhumi Airport remain quite misty.
Generally, the evolution of Abkhazia's tourism potential needs big investment in modernization of tourism infrastructure, construction of hotels, recreation centers and transport facilities. The projects do not seem profitable enough to Russian private investors. They have great expenses and will need a lot of time to pay off.
Thus, Abkhazia has more success in developing related sectors of tourism: growing citrus fruits, grapes, tea, tobacco, hazelnuts, kiwis, raising pigs, building greenhouses, processing and packaging factories, producing juice and alcohol, improving fishing.
One such business built using private investments is the Napitki Abkhazii & Co (Drinks of Abkhazia), which opened in the Gagry District in 2010. The company has 200 workers. Unlike in Russia, employment of that many people is a significant figure and contributor to economy and further progress.
In August-September 2013, Abkhazia is marking the 5th anniversary of its recognition as an independent state and the 20th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1992-1993. The anniversaries are a good opportunity to analyze the events of the past and set goals for the future.
At a conference with Russian journalists in September 2013, Ankvab mentioned the special “Abkhaz path” as a trajectory for development of the republic, based on aid from Russia, national characteristics and world experience. It is clear that modernization in the short-term and mid-term prospects will depend on bilateral cooperation with Russia and the efficiency of realizing the potential of the positive mutual perception by the Russian and Abkhaz peoples.
