With the support of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, the promotion of mountain and gastronomic tourism in Georgia's mountainous regions is actively underway.

A spectacular region of Georgia, Racha possesses captivating landscapes, historical monuments, a unique cuisine specific to the area, and hospitality traditions. These characteristics naturally create a favourable environment for diverse tourist offerings.

Tamar and Mikheil Elbakidze had the idea of establishing a family hotel within the cherished ancestral home of their noble predecessors, who had relocated to Tsesi village 130 years prior. Their foremost aspiration was to revive the noble art of hosting guests in line with the time-honoured traditions passed down by their ancestors.

Perched on the mountainside of Tsesi village, "Aznauri's House" stands as the revered Rachan residence. From this point, amidst breathtaking natural vistas, one can behold the dispersed churches of Barakoni, Mravaldzali, Our Lady of Velieti, and St. Giorgi, as if delicately laid out on a palm of one's hand.

After the well-known historical events in Abkhazia, the village of Tsesi has become the only native place in our lives we have preserved. Our dream was to engage in kind and meaningful work in this house suitable for our region and family. We decided to establish a family hotel," Tamar and Mikheil Elbakidze share, recounting the inception of their idea.

The family hotel received invaluable support for its development with the help of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria assistance provided within the framework of the GRETA project. This assistance was crucial in furnishing the hotel with all the essential furniture, appliances, and utensils. Additionally, the successful installation and maintenance of a central heating system were accomplished, providing the hotel with a practical infrastructure that opened up possibilities for year-round operation and increased occupancy rates.

At "Aznauri House," guests are treated to dishes crafted from locally sourced seasonal ingredients cultivated in the neighbouring gardens. Furthermore, the culinary masterclasses provide a captivating and enticing experience, where guests learn the art of preparing Georgian Rachan cuisine using ancient traditional recipes.  

"The foundation laid by my ancestors instils in me such strength and energy that I am happy to wake up every day. We have numerous ideas and development plans to implement while preserving the unique concept of 'Aznauri House.' I consider it my duty to introduce our country's history, diverse culture, and beautiful nature to guests and to share our unique folklore and gastronomic traditions. The assistance of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria has been crucial in initiating all of this," Mikheil Elbakidze proudly tells us. 

Today the Elbakidze family hotel attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. It offers a range of tourism experiences, including trekking, horse riding, cultural and adventure tours, and jeep tours. The hotel provides transportation and guide services, and guests can even plan overnight tented treks, enjoy fishing in the lake, and partake in agricultural activities. 

"It is a centuries-old tradition of the Elbakidze family to greet guests elegantly. When we restored the old house and established a hotel, our primary goal was to ensure that the house would always host guests. Our approach goes beyond standard hotel service; we aim to acquaint our guests with the rich history of this unique place and house, the presence of our ancestors, the traditions of Georgian hospitality, customs, the rules of the Georgian table, and etiquette," says Tamar Elbakidze.

The breathtaking nature of Racha, along with its unique cuisine and centuries-old traditions of hospitality, combine to offer visitors an unforgettable experience. The culinary master classes and diverse tours further enhance their stay, leaving an indelible impression that guests are eager to share with others. Thanks to the support of donors, "Aznauri House" and 27 other tourist businesses in the mountainous region of Georgia have embarked on a journey towards sustainable development, ensuring a promising future for the region's tourism industry.

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Project GRETA | "Green Economy: Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Organic Agriculture" is implemented by the Austria Development Agency in Georgia with the support of the European Union, Austria, and Sweden. The project aims to facilitate improving the business environment and creating new income opportunities in two crucial sectors of the Georgian economy, mountain tourism and organic agriculture.

This material has been produced with the assistance of the European Union, Sweden, and Austria, within the framework of the GRETA project. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, Sweden, or Austria.