GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE  MUNICIPALITY

Tendency of native population of Mestia to return with new opportunities opening up

• POPULATION 9 500
• Female - 49.9% Male - 50.1% Youth - 35%
• Households - 2 941 Total Labor Force (Population aged 15-65) - 5 892
• Area - 304.5 km²

GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE

• Located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, with the town of Mestia at 1,500 m above sea level;
• Moderate humidity;
• Comprises 5 climatic zones, ranging from a low of an altitude of 500-900 m above sea level to a high of 3,000-5,000 m above sea level;
• The average annual temperature is +5.7C; the average temperature of the coldest month 0 (January) is -6.5C; the average temperature 0 of the hottest month (July) is +16.5 C;
• Cold season lasts for about 6 months and summer months are characterized by relatively cool conditions. The snow POPULATION 9 500 Female - 49.9% Male - 50.1% Youth - 35% Households - 2 941 Total Labor Force (Population aged 15-65) - 5 892 in winter reaches 2-2.5 m.

LOCATION & ACCESS TO MARKETS

HIGHWAY

• Zugdidi - Jvari - Mestia - Lasdili
• Capital - 477 km.
• RAILWAY STATION - Zugdidi 138 km. (passenger trains and freight):
• Domestic King Tamar Airport in Mestia
• Distances to main cities: Zugdidi-138 km, Kutaisi-221km, Batumi-266km.
• Poti Sea Port - 226 km

ADVANTAGES OF THE LOCATION

• Most of the settlements of the municipality are connected to the municipal center (Mestia town) by a well-maintained road.
• There are two ski resorts in the municipality, located only 8 km and 15 km, respectively, from the center of Mestia.

TOURISM POTENTIAL

• Year-round tourist season with a wide variety of opportunities;
• Untapped potential for agro-tourism development; and Panoramic views and unique nature, including: Lakes, waterfalls and glaciers; and Up to 25 hiking trails.

MOUNTAIN TOURISM

• "Hatsvali" and "Tetnuldi" mountain ski resorts are already operational;
• The longest ski run and vertical drop track in the Caucasus.

ETHNOGRAPHIC TOURISM

• Unique abundance and diversity of cultural heritage monuments;
• Temples, Svan towers, Svan house complexes, open-air museum (Ushguli), house-museums, etc.

BALNEOLOGICAL-RECREATIONAL TOURISM

• Unique environment for the development of tourism-recreational parks;
• The municipal government promotes the creation of new resort zones;
• Mineral water resources create oppotunities for the development of balneological tourism.