LEPL Resorts Development Agency (RDA) is a legal entity of public law operating within the system of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. It was founded on 20 June 2022 in accordance with Resolution №329 of the Government of Georgia “On Foundation of the Legal Entity of Public Law – Resorts Development Agency.”
The Agency serves the following objectives:
- Develop resorts, resort sites and tourist attractions;
- Study tourist locations, including cultural, historical, recreational and/or other places and facilities, in order to promote the comprehensive development of resorts and resort sites; cooperate with the relevant agencies for the purpose of development and promotion of resorts and resort sites;
- Help attract investment;
- Facilitate the organisation of mass-participation sports and sporting/recreational events at resorts and resort sites; cooperate with the relevant agencies for this purpose.
In light of the dynamics of tourism growth in Georgia in recent years, the diverse natural, cultural and climatic conditions favourable for tourism in different regions of the country, as well as, the need for effective coordination between different levels of government and different agencies in the process of utilising these opportunities, the Government of Georgia established LEPL Resorts Development Agency.
The role of RDA
The RDA plays a vital role in the development of thermal towns, resorts, and resort destinations. The agency has conducted thorough studies on the current state of all thermal destinations in the country. For resorts with high development potential, RDA has prepared detailed feasibility studies and is working on a six-year development strategy.
Additionally, it is formulating resort-specific legislation to ensure sustainable development, align growth with modern trends, and protect thermal heritage.
The agency also actively promotes Georgia’s thermal resorts both domestically and internationally, organizing international conferences.
The Mission
The Agency sees its mission in ensuring that Georgian citizens, domestic and international visitors and tourists receive healthcare, leisure and recreational services at resorts that meet international standards… the country’s balneological resorts and destinations surrounding the historical monuments become internationally known, driving local and international tourism… create internationally competitive, international-scale, all-year resorts that will benefit businesses and residents alike, creating additional jobs and economic growth. On the one hand, such resorts will provide economic and social benefits, and on the other hand, they will respect the principles of sustainable development – the environment and natural resources shall be protected, and development shall be carried out harmoniously.
The thermal resorts and destinations feasibility studies developed by RDA
Tskaltubo is located in western Georgia in the Tskaltubo municipality, Imereti region. Tskaltubo borders the city of Kutaisi, which is the third biggest city in Georgia, after Tbilisi and Batumi. The city of Tskaltubo is a historical spa destination, the main attraction point of Tskaltubo is the natural radon water sources, which has special physiochemical haracteristics, as well as unique medicinal characteristics, used to treat different ailments. Tskaltubo Central Park is balneological resort. There was conducted feasibility study of Tskaltubo park and the concept of development thermal waters.
Nasakirali – Thermal resort
Nasakirali resort is located in Guria region, in the western part of the country. Nasakirali is situated in only 10 km away from Ozurgeti, regional center of Guria and around 35 km away from Black Sea shores. The village is situated around 100 meters above the sea level. The winter is mild, mostly without snowfall, summer is hot and humid. As Nasakirali is a balneological resort, there was conducted laboratory analysis of mineral water and an investment proposal was prepared with the development concept and best scenario of Nasakirali resort.
Kvereti – Thermal-Climate resort
Kvereti resort is located in Sachkhere municipality, Imereti region, on the southern slope of the Racha ridge and the left slope of Chikhura river gorge. Kvereti is a balneo-climatic resort, there was conducted feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. The investment land plots, which are located in the vicinity of the mentioned balneological resorts and waters, have already been searched and selected.
Amaghleba – Thermal resort
Amaghleba resort is located in the region of Imereti, Vani Municipality, on the left bank of the Rioni river, approximately 12 km away from the city of Vani. Village Amaghleba is a balneological resort of local significance, due to its thermal water resources. There was conducted technical feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. The development concept, including best scenario and cost-benefits analyses were developed.
Zvare – Balneo-Climate resorts
Zvare resort is located in Kharagauli Municipality, Imereti region, in the mountain front of the Likhi (Surami) Ridge, 750-800 m above sea level, 198 km away from Tbilisi and 65 km away from Kutaisi, in a mountainous and hypsometrically located territory at the elevation of 285-2642 m. The relief of Zvare is mountainous. The territory is dominated by medium and steep slopes. Terrace slopes of river valleys are also observed. Zvare is a balneo-climatic resort, there was conducted feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. The development concept, including best scenario and cost-benefits analyses were developed.
Zekari – Balneo-Climate resorts
Zekari resort is situated in the north of Imereti, Baghdati Municipality, on the northern slope of the Meskheti (Ajara-Imereti) Ridge (the Lesser Caucasus System), in the valley of Kershaveti river which is a tributary of Khanistskali river. The resort is elevated at 750-780 m above sea level. Zekari is a balneo-climatic resort, there was conducted feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. c
Pansheti – Climate-Balneological resorts
Pansheti resort is situated in Kazbegi Municipality, in the region of Mtskheta-Mtianeti. Pansheti is located at an altitude of 1,790 meters above sea level, near the left bank of the Tergi River. Pansheti is a climate-balneological resort, there was conducted laboratory analysis of mineral water and prepared an investment proposal. The development concept, including best scenario and cost-benefits analyses were developed.
Tsaishi – Balneological resort
The Tsaishi resort is located in Zugdidi municipality, in 10 km from the center, in the northwestern part of the Kolkheti lowland, on the bank of the Jumi river. Tsaishi is a balneological resort and there was conducted feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. The development concept, including best scenario and cost-benefits analyses were developed.
Menji – Balneological resort
Menji is located in Senaki municipality, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, The territory surrounding Menji resort includes the Kolkheti plain and the foothills. The hilly area of the foothills is covered with forests. The Senaki municipality extends from the edges of the Rioni River and stretches on both slopes of Unagira mountain. According to the features of the terrain, it is divided into northern and southern parts. There was conducted feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. The development concept, including best scenario and cost-benefits analyses were developed.
Uraveli – Balneo-Climate resort
Uraveli resort is situated in Akhaltsikhe municipality of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, in Uraveli valley. The site is located at 1,250 meters above sea level, approximately 1.5 km away from the center of Uraveli village. Uraveli is a balneo-climate resort characterized by cold winters and moderately warm summers, there was conducted feasibility study and laboratory analysis of mineral water. The development concept, including best scenario and cost-benefits analyses were developed.
Lakbe Reservoir
Lakbe reservoir is located in Gurjaani municipality, Kakheti region, Construction of the reservoir in river Lakbe gorge, by damming of river Lakbe, started in the 80s of the last century for the reclamation purposes. Lakbe is rich with volcanic mud used for treatment. A feasibility study and laboratory analysis were conducted. The development concept, including the best scenario and cost-benefit analyses, was developed.
Heretiskari
Heretiskari is located in the Lagodekhi municipality of the Kakheti region. On its territory the thermal-mineral water (borehole N13) of Heretiskari is located. It’s worth noting that during the Soviet Union period, there were 22 baths situated on this territory, all collectively supplied by a reservoir with a total capacity of 50 tons There was conducted an investment proposal. The development concept, including the best scenario and cost-benefit analyses, was developed.
Tetri Tsklebi
Tetri Tsklebi is located in Telavi municipality (Kakheti region), on the northeastern slope of Gombori ridge, 20 km from the city of Telavi, and 6 km from Gombori pass at an average of 1390 m above sea level. A feasibility study and laboratory analysis were conducted. The development concept, including the best scenario and cost-benefit analyses, was developed.
For more information: www.rda.gov.ge/en
