Tbilisi mayor dismisses threat claims against Russian tourists

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said on Friday, August 7, that Georgia remains a safe destination for tourists, dismissing social media reports alleging threats to Russian visitors as part of a “hybrid war” conducted from abroad.

Kaladze, who also serves as Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream — Democratic Georgia party, told journalists that false claims circulating online were aimed at damaging the country’s economy and tourism sector.

“All this (fake reports about Russian tourists) is part of a hybrid war against the country: statements, social networks, bots. All this was spread by one multi-million-dollar agency. Tourism is an important sector for us. Accordingly, there is a goal — to harm the country’s economy and the Georgian people,” he said.

Kaladze added that Georgia remains open and safe for visitors from a wide range of countries. “Georgia is a safe country. A person can move freely at any time, in any area. Look at the challenges large European cities face in this regard. We are hospitable people. Everyone: Swiss, Americans, Russians, Ukrainians, Italians — can come here. No one is restricted,” he said.

Separately, Georgia’s State Security Service said it had launched a criminal investigation on charges of sabotage over online publications alleging mistreatment of Russian tourists. The agency said several fake accounts on the social media platform X had spread claims that Russian visitors were abandoned in forests and that their food orders were deliberately spoiled in restaurants.

According to the security service, the disinformation was also published by a foreign online outlet. Authorities did not immediately identify those responsible.

By Tamilla Hasanova