30 June 2011, 23:00
Batumi Port to receive big cruise ships
Levan Varshalomidze, Chairman of the Government of Adzharia, and John Tersek, Vice President of the American Company Royal Caribbean International, have signed a memorandum of cooperation in development of the Batumi Port. Soon it will be able to receive big cruise ships.
"We'll join our efforts in building an international-level port here; and the city will return good old traditions. We work together towards making Batumi the most attractive city for cruise ships in the Black Sea region," said Mr Varshalomidze.
In recent months, because of low sales, European tourist operators are forced to sell sea cruises over the Mediterranean Sea at unprecedented low prices; the discounts reach 50 percent. Experts see the reason in unrests in North Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, companies are developing other routes.
The Batumi Port is already able to receive ocean tourist cruisers. The passenger dock, where such ships arrive, is in central city; and tourists can quickly appreciate the architectural appearance of the city, stroll along the embankment or visit the Gonio Fortress, which is 15 kilometres away.
Author: Alena Aleschenko Source: CK correspondent
