THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SMALL SCALE TOURISM BUSINESSES IN RURAL IMERETI (GEORGIA) IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

Rural tourism is gradually becoming one of the most important instruments for economic development in Georgia. The rural parts of Georgia have a large amount of attractions suitable for tourism and a high percentage of the local population are trained craftsmen. The rural population also has a reputation for hospitality. More than 60% of Georgians live in rural areas and 58 % of total employment is found in these areas. Despite from this, calculations show that almost one million people in Georgia live in poverty. The purpose of this research is to look at the role of women entrepreneurs in small scale rural tourism in the region of Imereti. Research in this topic is relevant and necessary due to the problems of poverty, especially in rural parts Imereti. Taken into account the recent popularity of rural tourism globally, it is interesting to study the potential of tourism as an alternative for economic development in the Imereti region. The article especially concentrate on how rural tourism could be a potential field in which women can be more integrated economically, politically and socially.Based on interviews with a selection of women entrepreneurs the article discusses potential, possibilities and constraints of rural tourism in the Imereti region. Based on the findings, the article concludes with suggestions and further recommendations for the development of rural tourism in the Imereti region.