‘Tourism and Hospitality’ Category
The Congressional Caucus on Central Asia: Whither in 2010 and beyond?
On November 18, 2009, the newly-formed Congressional Caucus on Central Asia (CCCA) introduced itself with a reception in Washington, D.C. More than a few took notice, as the CCCA appeared to be a concrete manifestation of growing ties between the U.S. and the region. This past month, CBJ talked with Delegate Eni Faleomavaega (D-American Samoa) and the staff of Representative Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R – California), the two congressmen who co-chair the CCCA.
An Emerging Market Re-emerges: Entrepreneurs Help Return Georgian Wine to Former Glory
The “emerging market” trend in wines shows no sign of waning, and Georgian wine is a re-emerging market as its vineyards have been prized for centuries. Today, the small Caucasian republic’s dry red and white varietals can be found across Europe and up and down the United States’ East Coast. So, what can one expect for Georgian wines in the future? It is time for a sober assessment.
Taking the Long View in Kazakhstan: An interview with Chagala CEO Timothy Abson
When the Chagala Group, Ltd. (“Chagala”)’s financials for the first half of 2009 came out, they raised a few eyebrows. It would have raised more, but the news was all but lost in the midst of articles on BTA Bank’s spectacular implosion, the intervention by the Kazakh Government, and the inevitable lawsuits brought by foreign investors for sums in the billions. But for the first half of 2009, Chagala Group quietly posted a $3.4 million profit. Although the real estate sector has suffered in Kazakhstan, as reported in this pages and elsewhere, Chagala managed to make it through one of the most volatile 6-month periods in the black.
Weekly Business Reports from Turkmenistan
This week we present a guest posting from Charles Gussow, member of the Friends of Turkmenistan (FOT) organization of returned Peace Corps Volunteers from Turkmenistan. In addition, the latest Turkmenistan Weekly Energy Review is presented below.
Georgia’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry: Is it Delivering on its Potential?
Despite the twin challenges of a depressed global economy and a war with Russia last August, recent indicators are pointing to the first signs of economic recovery in the small Caucasian republic of Georgia. Michael Cecire examines one of the key industries driving this revival – tourism, and explains why there is still potential for significant growth in the sector.
