Tourism

Few of the world’s small nations offer the visitor as much as Georgia. Although Georgia has only the size of Switzerland, it is able to boast the highest mountains in Europe, truly fabulous walks, more indigenous grape varieties than anywhere else and architectural marvels – stone watch-towers in the mountains and carved wooden balconies, richly frescoed churches and art nouveau in the towns. Combine this with a Mediterranean climate and the legendary Georgian hospitality and you have a unique travel destination.

There are over 12,000 historical and cultural monuments in Georgia, four listed by UNESCO as cultural heritage sites, 103 resorts, 182 potential resort places and more than 2000 mineral springs in Georgia. All of them encompass ski and snow, spa and health and sea (sun, sea and sand). The resorts are situated in different climatic zones.

Georgia offers diverse nature, undisturbed endemic Flora and Fauna, history, architecture and archaeology, culture, folklore and arts, hospitality. Therefore, Georgia is a country with high potential of cultural - Exploratory tourism, Adventure Tourism, Eco-tourism, Leisure and Recreation, Agro Tourism, Cuisine and Wine Tourism.

In 2007 tourism was acknowledged as #1 priority of the country’s economy. The real boost in Georgia’s tourism industry is even more recent and has reflected the country’s democratic upheaval, the growth of international communication, a strong foreign policy and a new commitment to security and personal safety.

As a result of the political and liberal economic reforms undertaken in 2004, the former bureaucratic system was broken up and a new, free business environment was established.

International tourist arrivals reached an all-time record of 1,051,000 in 2007 and the total number of international visitors, crossing national borders of Georgia, has been increased by 7% compared to 2006.

Impact of Government policy - With a simplified visa policy and improving infrastructure, combined with a new, firm commitment to safety, Georgia is ready to welcome investors, travelers and explorers. Georgia is a place where interesting things are happening - things that people from around the world want to come and see.

• Simplification of Visa Issuing Procedures - There is no visa requirement for nationals of Israel, Japan, Canada, United States of America and members of the European Union countries. Also for CIS nationals, except citizens of the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan, a visa is not required. Nationalities able to enter Georgia without a visa are allowed to stay for 90 days in Georgia. Passengers on cruise ships who stay in Georgia for less than 72 hours do not require visas either.
• Basic Infrastructure Development - Roads and highways, energy systems and water supply systems are now developing rapidly, with supportive results for the tourism business. Tbilisi and Batumi are serviced by new modern airports approved for full membership in ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference), with direct flights to 32 cities. Currently two Marriott hotels and one Sheraton hotel provide luxury accommodation in Tbilisi, while the SAS Radisson hotel, Hyatt, Kempinski and Intercontinental are under construction and Accor and Hilton hotels are scheduled for construction. 

For these days major Key Players in the Hotel Sector are: