EU-funded street signage and QR codes installed across historic Telavi to boost tourism

Visitors to Telavi are set to receive essential information about buildings and monuments of cultural heritage in the historic city by means of QR-codes. With the support of the European Union, an essential part of the city’s infrastructure has been enhanced, meaning that information on ancient monuments will be freely available for city residents and tourists simply by scanning the QR codes placed on buildings in both Georgian and English languages.

There are also QR cubes, through which information about cultural activities such as regional festivals and international tournaments can also be accessed. QR cubes act as a kind of information guide and help guests of the city to organize virtual tours.

Local resident Aleksandre Tsinkverashvili-Razmadze says: “Telavi is a historic city, and now thanks to the European Union, the introduction of such technologies will make the city more attractive and interesting to tourists. Now, just by scanning a building’s QR code with your phone, you can learn its history :  how it was built or how old it is. It is very helpful and easy to use for Telavi residents and tourists.”

The project was initiated by residents of the city who submitted relevant proposal to the local municipality. Under the project, new, decorative street signage has been installed in more than 200 locations across Telavi. Local residents say that until now, it was difficult to reach desired destinations due to lack of such signage.

 Tamar Lazariashvili, Founder of the residents’ organization Telavi is My City explains: “When calling Emergency Services, it is often difficult for drivers to orient themselves on the streets, because there are no signs indicating the name of the street. Such issues could result in disaster, therefore the organization decided to discuss this urgent issue and submit it to our city council. The initiative was well received and the project was implemented under the auspices of the European Union. The signs have already been installed on Cholokashvili Street, where the information is provided in 2 languages”, – says ” and explains that now the problem of finding specific locations will no longer arise even when using municipal services, and the visitors of the city will be able to find desired accommodation and catering facilities as well as other attractions easily.

With additional support from the European Union, state-of-the-art energy-efficient benches have also been placed in Telavi, providing free internet and phone-charging utilities. The solar-powered seating will be especially convenient for tourists – a key part of the region’s tourism strategy – as well as providing internet connectivity for citizens.

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