Prospects of Tourism Development in Zemo Racha and Their Reflection Among the Local Society

Racha is one of Georgia’s stagnant historical-geographic regions, with its socio-economic problems caused by several complex natural and social factors. One of the most significant problems of the region is the critical drop in its population. One potential solution to the trend of depopulation, considering the experience of worldwide depressed mountain rural regions, could be the development of tourism. However, international experience also shows that rapid, campaign-style tourism programmes that are not based on in-depth scientific research of possible consequences might negatively impact the local community's situation – change the local community's socio-cultural system, create or deepen economic inequality, harm historical settlement and material culture, and so on. International experience demonstrates that this happens when tourist facilities are built spontaneously, and investments are implemented without considering the interests of the local community. The purpose of this study was to explore the local community's view on tourism development in the Oni Municipality of Racha. To achieve this goal, the research team used methods of surveying and interviewing the local population. The primary tool of the research was a mixed-format questionnaire containing both closed and open-ended questions. The research covered resorts and resort areas located in the Oni region, as well as settlements in prospective recreational zones. In August 2023, due to the tragedy in the Shovi resort, where a landslide caused the loss of more than 30 people and made the area unsuitable for future recreational and tourism use, it led to a considerable decrease in the number of tourists visiting Racha. However, the research shows that despite this, the locals have high hopes for the development of tourism in the municipality. This is evidenced by the opening of numerous new guesthouses. Until recently, the tourist region of Zemo Racha (resorts: Shovi, Utsera, Sortuani) was primarily focused on healing and wellness. Currently, the development of the Utsera resort is underway. An additional study of the tourist resources has shown that it is possible to establish a mountain skiing complex in Mravaldzali. The recently established national park in the municipality should stimulate the growth of ecological, adventure, and speleotourism. However, it should be noted that the local population we interviewed has limited knowledge of the national park's functions. According to the respondent’s opinions, agritourism holds significant potential in the region, with several facilities already operating over the long term in the Oni Municipality.