Georgia

Turism cultural

Harta

Georgia n context regional

Georgia n context continental

Sintez
Bibliografia
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.agoda.com
http://www.besttourism.ro
http://gnta.ge
http://www.ele.ro
http://www.industriacarnii.ro
http://foodieinternational.com
Dtxtq4w60xqpw.cloudfront.net
http://www.eurasianet.org/
http://www.nytimes.com
http://www.advantour.com
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http://freepolicybriefs.org
http://www.messenger.com.ge
https://www.google.ro
http://metekhiuni.edu.ge
http://www.euromonitor.com
http://museum.ge
http://www.east-invest.eu
http://tourismrural.com
http://www.gwa.ge
http://www.iwinetc.com
http://agenda.ge/
http://www.bt.com
http://www.visitgeorgia.ge
http://www.indexmundi.com
http://www.mfa.gov.ge
http://www.greengeorgia.ge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(country)

Tourism is an increasingly significant part of the Georgian economy. About a million tourists brought
US$313 million to the country in 2006. According to the government, there are 103 resorts in different climatic
zones in Georgia. Tourist attractions include more than 2000 mineral springs, over 12,000 historical and cultural
monuments, four of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites(Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi
and Gelati Monastery, historical monuments of Mtskheta, and Upper Svaneti).
Georgia is developing into an international transport corridor through Batumi and Poti ports, an oil pipeline
from Baku through Tbilisi toCeyhan, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (BTC) and a parallel gas pipeline,
the South Caucasus Pipeline.
Since coming to power Saakashvili administration accomplished a series of reforms aimed at improving tax
collection. Among other things aflat income tax was introduced in 2004. As a result budget revenues have
increased fourfold and a once large budget deficit has turned into surplus.
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As of 2001 54% of the population lived below the national poverty line but by 2006 poverty decreased to 34%. In
2005 average monthly income of a household was GEL 347 (about 200 USD). IMF 2007 estimates place
Georgia's nominal GDP at US$10.3 billion. Georgia's economy is becoming more devoted to services (now
representing 65% of GDP), moving away from agricultural sector ( 10.9%).

http://www.agoda.com/hotels-near-tsminda-sameba-holy-trinity-cathedral/attractions/tbilisi-ge.html

Places such as Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral attract travelers to Tbilisi. Hotel rooms are offered at the
lowest price on Agoda.com with many of them in the vicinity of Places of Worship. A wide range of hotels are
available near Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral, from the friendly Argo Palace to the luxurious Betsy's
Hotel.
Through Agoda.com's secure on-line booking form, reservations are made easy for hotels in the neighborhood of
Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral. Our Tbilisi city page incorporates convenient search tools and
extensive hotel information which enables easy hotel search. More travelers are choosing Agoda.com to book
accommodation near Tsminda Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral, with over 150,000 hotels worldwide.

http://www.besttourism.ro/ghid-asia-georgia.html

Monumentele protejate de UNESCO sunt: Catedrala Bagrati, Mnstirea Gelati, Monumentele istorice din Mtsjeta,
Svaneia superioar.
Cele mai vechi picturi i mozaicuri monumentale din Georgia dateaz din secolul al XI-lea i dovedesc influena
artei bizantine de la vremea aceea. Demne de vizitat sunt frescele i mozaicurile din Betania, Qintsvisi i Gelati.
Miniatura i pictura de icoane a avut n acel timp coli n centrele monastice de la Gelati i Chachuli.
Cultura Georgiei se poate urmri pn n timpuri strvechi, datorit omogenitii culturale i lingvistice care a
caracterizat poporul georgian de-a lungul ntregii sale istorii. Folclorul georgian este aproape unicul din lume n
care mai exist polifonia, fiind de aceea protejat ca bun cultural de ctre UNESCO.
Gastronomie
Buctria i vinurile sunt apreciate n lumea ntreag. Una dintre tradiiile georgiene unice este supra, masa
georgian, mijloc de socializare cu prietenii i membrii ndeprtaii ai familiei, unde tamada este capul mesei,
5

ngrijindu-se ca toat lumea s se simt bine i innd toasturi. Diferitele regiuni istorice ale Georgiei sunt
cunoscute pentru felurile de mncare specifice: Khinkali, din estul muntos al rii i Khachapuri, din Imereti,
Mingrelia i Adjara.

http://gnta.ge/stats/portal/

http://gnta.ge/stats/portal/

http://gnta.ge/stats/portal/

http://gnta.ge/stats/portal/

http://www.ele.ro/timp-liber/turism/vacanta-pentru-gurmanzi-6-destinatii-culinare-din-europa-cu-meniuri-de-vis27115

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Daca drumurile tale te poarta in mica republica Georgia, afla ca tara situata la granita dintre Europa de Est si Asia
de Vest are o remarcabila traditie culinara, data fiind pozitia sa geografica. De exemplu, in Tibilisi te vei indragosti
de khachapuri, un fel de pizza umpluta cu branza topita si oua ochiuri. Georgia mai este renumita si pentru cultura
sa in ceea ce priveste vinul. Se pare ca georgienii au cea mai veche istorie in privinta fermentarii strugurilor, ce
dateaza din anul 5.000 i.Hr.

http://www.industriacarnii.ro/exclusiv-ic/exclusiv/1693-turismul-gastronomic-posibil-brand-al-georgiei-

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'Rutele gastronomice devin produse turistice foarte cautate. Acestea constituie un adevarat sistem, o oferta turistica
tematica si complexa. Ruta ofera informatii si despre alte obiective turistice din zona, promovand dezvoltarea
economica a acesteia. Conform unui studiu al Organizatiei Mondiale a Turismului, peste 88% dintre membrii sai
considera ca gastronomia este un element strategic in definirea brandului si a imaginii destinatiei, iar peste 67%
sustin ca tara lor are propriul brand gastronomic. In ceea ce priveste produsele turistice, studiul realizat a aratat ca
cele mai importante sunt evenimentele gastroeconomice (79%), rutele gastronomice (62%), cursurile si atelierele
de gatit (62%), vizitele la pietele si producatorii locali (53%)', a spus presedintele ANT.
Congresul International al Traditiilor Culinare este organizat de Asociatia Culturala Euro Est Alternativ (ACEEA),
pentru a promova traditia culinara a Georgiei.
'Consider ca este necesar sa avem parghii de cooperare pentru dezvoltarea si promovarea turismului gastronomic.
Si, pentru ca acest lucru sa devina posibil, toti actorii care pot contribui la dezvoltarea destinatiei - producatori,
fermieri, pescari, bucatari, administratie publica, hoteluri - trebuie sa se implice in managementul turismului
gastronomic', a subliniat Razvan Filipescu.

http://foodieinternational.com/eating-tbilisi-why-georgia-should-be-on-your-culinary-bucket-list.html

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I had my first taste of the tiny Eastern European country in Moscow at Georgian resturant Suliko. The cuisine of
Georgia is so under the radar in the United States, I had no idea it was such a thing. After one bite of khachapuri, a
cheese-filled flatbread (think Georgian pizza), I was hooked. I made a goal to visit Tbilisi and explore its
remarkable cuisine, influenced by the best of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Eastern European flavors.
And then, theres the wine Georgia invented it.
According to oeno-historians, Georgia has the oldest recorded history of fermenting grapes to make wine, dating
all the way back to 5000 BCE. Dont believe me? Google it.
Georgian wine is unique because the traditional fermentation process takes place below ground in large clay
vessels called qvevri. Although this ancient method of aging grapes isnt used by most contemporary winemakers
in Georgia, a natural wine movement is sweeping the country, revitalizing old traditions and paving the way for a
future in wine and cultural tourism

Dtxtq4w60xqpw.cloudfront.net

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http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65662

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The baby step from tourism to restaurants seems like a safe move in the diplomatic minefield of fostering
relations with Iran. Georgia, long considered Washingtons main ally in the region - and recipient of $1billion
in aid money over the past four years has been understandably circumspect about forming close ties with
Tehran.
In 2010, Tbilisi lifted visa requirements for Iranians a move that has helped bolster tourism between the two
countries and led to a small, but noticeable, increase in bilateral trade.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/travel/in-former-soviet-georgia-two-families-and-the-art-ofhospitality.html?ref=travel&_r=0
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The accommodations at the Nikolaishvilis were not fancy: the five of us slept in a couple of rustic bedrooms in the
main house; the bathroom was in a separate building a short walk away. In the spring and fall, nighttime
temperatures can dip close to freezing. A wood stove in the kitchen provided heat, though it did not always reach
our bedrooms. (Guests are welcome year-round, though the nonwinter months are preferable. Call 995-99-260-215
or e-mailnik.nikolaishvili@gmail.com for reservations.)
Still, we were treated warmly by Mr. Nikolaishvili and his family, who delighted in describing rural customs and
teaching us to cook Georgian specialties. The price was more than reasonable $35 a night per person, including
copious quantities of that delicious food and house wine. (Fresh-squeezed grape juice for the children, too.)
Mr. Nikolaishvili, 62, and his wife, Tina, 58, did not speak English, so we communicated with them in Russian,
which they learned during Soviet times. Their English-speaking son, Niko, 35, and daughter-in-law, Shorena, 26,
were at the ready to translate for foreigners.
Of course, it was not all eating and chatting there was work to be done.
From the first milking of their cow at dawn to the baking of bread at night, we took part in the farms chores.
Vazha demonstrated how the grapes were picked, pressed and fermented, especially the classic Georgian varietals,
rkatsiteli (white) and saperavi (red). Though he has his own label, he said that most of his yield he produces as
many as 70,000 bottles a year he sells wholesale. He also distills chacha, a punch-to-the-gut brew made from
grape skins and other remains of the fermentation process.
The alluring property was covered with grapevines on trellises, and the children played tag around the vegetable
plots in the waning autumn sunlight.

http://www.advantour.com/georgia/cuisine.htm

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Georgian cuisine is probably the most important attraction of the country. Since the traditional Georgian feast is an
integral element of culture, Georgian entertainment should match its high level. Georgians have managed to make
their cuisine not only magically delicious but also bright, original, exquisite, unique and unforgettable.
Therefore, Georgian cuisine absorbed the best culinary traditions of many people of Transcaucasia, Asia and the
Black Sea coast. The western part of Georgia was affected by Turkish cuisine, the eastern by Iranian. Therefore,
in the western Georgia widespread are the corn flour flat cakes from mchadi, while in the eastern Georgia people
prefer white bread baked in huge clay jugs.
The easterners use corn flour to cook thick mash - gomi - and eat it instead of bread with meat and vegetable
dishes. Eastern Georgians cook mutton, use many animal fats along with the core Georgian meat beef, while in
the Western Georgia they eat much less meat and favor poultry chicken and turkeys.

http://freepolicybriefs.org/2011/12/05/five-million-tourists-in-georgia-by-2015-a-myth-or-a-nightmarish-reality/

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For Georgia, however, the growth of tourism has been truly spectacular. According to the Georgian Border
Security statistics, the number of foreigners visiting Georgia during the first 10 months in 2011 increased by 42%
compared to the same period last year. While not reflecting the actual number of tourists (as opposed to foreigners
working in Georgia and buyers of re-exported cars), these data illustrate a steep upward trend. Even under most
conservative assumptions, the total number of border crossings by foreigners will reach about 2.6 million by the
end of 2011, which is 28% above the 2010 level.

At present, tourists are willing to pay a significant premium to satisfy their curiosity for this Eastern outpost of
Western civilization. Despite high prices and mediocre quality of services, Georgia has so far been able to maintain
its attraction as an island of democracy; exotic, underexplored and yet secure location with good food and wine.

http://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/3018_december_24_2013/3018_econ_one.html

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According to the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Georgia
recorded tourism-based revenues of $730 million in 2013. The number of international tourists entering the country
reached 5 million this year. There are huge plans in the country for the next year including a hiring increase of
people in the tourism industry and plans to attract more tourists to the country.
The target figure for 2014 is $1.1 billion of revenues. The Georgian National Tourism Agency (GNTA) informed
the public that Georgia has high figures of growth with regard to attracting tourists.
The GNTA highlighted the directions for the next year, and include the positioning of target markets, the
development and regulation of the tourism infrastructure and the improvement of the quality of services.
Minister Kvirikashvili highlighted the importance of wine tours - mainly in Kakheti, promising that more tourist
destinations are supposed to be opened.

https://www.google.ro/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=16&ved=0CF4QFjAFOAo&url=http%3A%
2F%2Fwww.georgianwinehouse.com%2Fpublications%2FPaulHenzeTourism.doc&ei=v8V4U5i7FcLX7AaptIHI
CQ&usg=AFQjCNF9eW1qn8gDo6XMyLzWuimptj1i2Q&sig2=HMtaN5hzCVnAEMw5KWgwtA&bvm=bv.6691
7471,d.ZGU&cad=rja
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Georgia's Advantages: Georgia has more intrinsic advantages for development of tourism than any other exSoviet country. It has a good climate, with terrain ranging from subtropical to Alpine. It has varied topography in
a comparatively small space. It has a unique combination of archaeological and historical sites. It is one of the
world's most ancient Christian countries with a rich ecclesiastical culture which is still flourishing. It has a
tradition of civilized life: art, literature, drama, music, beautiful handicrafts. It has a varied and broadly appealing
cuisine and vineyards that produce an endless variety of high-quality wines.

Above all Georgia has a cultured, literate, friendly population. Georgians have maintained strong traditions of
hospitality through the centuries. Georgians welcome visitors and know how to make them feel comfortable.
They welcome foreigners' interest in their country and are eager to explain their history and culture. Yet despite
the warmth and welcoming instincts of the Georgian people, the attitude of the Georgian government to date has
been distinguished by a diffident attitude toward tourism, almost as if it expects tourists to flock to Georgia
because of its superior culture, archeology, wine, etc. This "they will all want to come here" attitude is a non-starter
in today's world, and a death sentence for tourism in Georgia, which is little known outside of a circle of dedicated
cognoscenti.

http://metekhiuni.edu.ge/eng/about-georgia

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Georgian culture and tradition are well combined Eastern and Western cultural traditions; it is the crossroad of
European and Asian cultural. In high mountain regions people keep strictly and unchanged oldest traditions,
civilization could not influence upon them.
Within this little space there are: 284 health resorts, 150 museums, 12 000 historical and architectural monuments
(4 of them are in the list of significant monuments of the World made by UNESCO), 19 reservations. Popular
tourism types in Georgia are - Cultural Tourism: archeology, history, ethnography; Adventure Tourism: traveling,
hiking, skiing, riding, etc.; Resorts and Recreational Tourism: eco-tourism, sessions and conferences; Tourism for
wine amateurs, gourmands and photographers.

http://www.euromonitor.com/travel-and-tourism-in-georgia/report

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Georgia posts impressive growth in inbound arrivals

Georgia demonstrated impressive growth in inbound arrivals over the review period. 2012 was even more
successful in terms of arrivals compared to 2011. The Georgian government has set travel and tourism as one of the
key development areas and increased efforts to establish the country as an attractive tourist destination. The
Georgian National Tourism Administration has developed promotional campaigns in domestic and international
markets and actively participated in international travel fairs. The cancelation of visa requirements for Russians
travelling to Georgia for up to 90 days has also had a positive effect as the number of inbound arrivals from
Russian rose by 72% in 2012. Neighbouring countries, such as Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, remained the
most popular source markets in terms of arrivals at the end of the review period. The number of inbound trips from
Western and Northern Europe also saw positive development, albeit growing from a low base.

http://museum.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=45

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Entrance Fees
Adults: 3GEL
School Children: 0.5GEL
Children (under 6): Free
Friends of Museum (become a member): Free
Free to: ICOM members, museum employees, people with limited abilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs),
socially unprotected persons.
Note: visitors receiving special benefits or free admission privileges should present relevant documents

Guided Tours
Up to 10 persons 25GEL
School children groups 10GEL
Guide service is delivered in Georgian, English, German, and Russian languages.

http://museum.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=45

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In 2004, the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts was incorporated into the Georgian National Museum
complex. Georgian chased and painted icons, vitreous enamel, jewelry, textiles, and unique works of embroidery
are presented in the treasury of the museum. Old Georgian wall paintings and masterpieces of Georgian, Russian,
European, and Eastern countries attract visitors today.

http://freepolicybriefs.org/2011/12/05/five-million-tourists-in-georgia-by-2015-a-myth-or-a-nightmarish-reality/

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Mestia and Svaneti are representative of a broader effort by the Georgian government, assisted by international
financial institutions, to develop the Georgian tourism sector. This has mainly involved infrastructure projects and
tax breaks to encourage private investment in the tourism industry. A very partial list of touristic destinations that
have received or are receiving a major facelift includes Old Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Signagi, Kutaisi, Gudauri, Mestia,
Batumi, Kobuleti and Anaklia.
Tourism is one of Georgias main exporting sectors and earns hard currency and helps to reduce the current
account deficit. As a labor intensive industry, it helps to create a lot of formal and informal jobs (particularly in the
periphery where they are most needed). The growth in tourism also spurs business development in many related
sectors of the economy agriculture, transportation services, arts and crafts to name just a few.

http://www.east-invest.eu/en/Investment-Promotion/georgia-2/GE-tourism

25

Business opportunities

Hospitality: 2-3 star hotels for middle class tourists, guesthouses for backpackers, transformation of State buildings
for sale into luxury hotels;
Mountain and adventure tourism in Bakuriani, Gudauri, Mestia and Adjara: accommodation facilities, mountain
sports (ski, heliski, trekking, hiking), supply of ski lifts and equipments, ski rental shops;
Sea tourism: development of hotels, resorts, casinos, shopping centres, water sport activities in Kobuleti
andAnaklia (near Batumi);
Spa and wellness tourism: Tskaltubo balneal resort near Kutaisi, Akhtala mud resort in Kakheti, spas in Borjomi,
Sulphur Bath Houses in Tbilisi;
Wine and rural tourism: wine tours in Kakheti for both domestic and international tourists;
Cultural tours: 12,000 historical and cultural monuments, 3 World Heritage Sites, etc.;
Eco-tourism: 30 protected areas, 9 national parks, birds watching in Poti;
MICE: hosting of business events in Tbilisi, Kobuleti, and Batumi;
Catering, restaurants, cafes & clubs, souvenir shops and factories.

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http://tourismrural.com/upload/text/1349290038.pdf

Armenia, Georgia, Macedonia and Serbia are well renowned for their rich history,
geography, abundant natural resources and diverse cultural heritage, reflected in a greatly
appreciated warm hospitality. However, the rural economies of these countries are facing
a myriad of challenges to develop more competitive and sustainable societies. All these
countries are considered to be predominantly rural in the light of the population densities
per area and should benefit from their potentials in rural areas.
Rural tourism is considered as tourism offering the benefits of rural environment to the
visitors or tourists, by allowing the experience of a combination of nature, culture and
people. It implies that the visitor or tourist is going to enjoy the authentic, original
experiences and return to the roots what is in the essence of rural lifestyle. It is based on
the principles of sustainability containing the elements of rural environment, natural
resources, as well as traditional hospitality and values of the local population.

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http://www.gwa.ge/?3/464/

The FINANCIAL -- Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni-Bagrationis Castle, with its gardens, stable, antique cellars,
Georgian and European restaurants, exhibition halls, wedding house, four Luxe Suites, amphitheatre, and much
more. will be open to tourists by August 2013. Today the Bagrationi Estate in Mukhrani, located 35 km from
Tbilisi , is already hosting visitors with its offers of exclusive wine degustation, visits to its ultra-modern wine
factory, lunch or dinner with a range of tasty Georgian dishes, horse riding on Arab and English mounts,
participation in churchkhela-making, traditional Georgian bread-baking and chacha distillation.

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http://www.advantour.com/georgia/traditions/wine-making.htm

For many centuries winemaking was not only the basis of economic riches of Georgia but also a part of its spiritual
culture. Wine for a Georgian is not just a drink. Wine is more like a religion there. Wine strengthens the national
spirit, and unites guests of traditional Caucasian feasts. Grapevine is mentioned in the Georgian legends, stories
and songs. Wine in Georgia is the national asset attracting tourists from all over the world.
Historically Georgia was the territory where winemaking cult prospered. Today nobody can tell when and where
from the first grapevine appeared there, but the climate reigning there promoted the amber grape bunches growth.
The grape leaves traces related to past geological epochs found on the territory of Georgia; the jugs with the
remains of grape seeds found in ancient burial places testify to the fact that Georgia was one of the progenitresses
of winemaking.

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http://www.iwinetc.com/the-iwinetc-facts-figures/

About the IWINETC Organized by Wine Pleasures, the IWINETC is the most importantinternational wine tourism
event of the year. The extensive 2 day talk programme offers more than 30 cutting edge professional education
opportunities to choose from. Speakers from around the world descend on Tbilisi to deliver the latest key issues
and hot topics within the rapidly growing world wine and culinary tourism industry. The IWINETC is
the only international event dedicated to the commercialization of wine tourism products thanks to a one day Wine
Tourism Meet Up which enables agents to meet and network with wine tourism experience providers.
Who attends the IWINETC?
Winery owners, representatives and winemakers
Wine importers, distributors & the on and off trade
International wine & tourism journalists, bloggers & photographers
Wine & tourism consultants, educators, guides & experts
Hotel & restaurant owners, representatives, chefs & sommeliers
International tour operators & travel agents specialized in wine & culinary tourism
In-coming DMC & travel agents from host and neighbouring countries
Public officials representing Tourist Boards, wine routes & Chambers of Commerce
Where do they travel from? IWINETC, as the name implies, attracts people from around the world: USA 15%
Italy 14% Spain 5% Portugal 12% UK 10% Germany 9% and 35% from the following countries:
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, India,
Ireland, Latvia, Latonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa,
Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden &Turkey.

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http://agenda.ge/article/806/eng

The head of IWINECT, Anthony Swift, believed such events posted the host countries on the "map of world wine
tourism.
"There is not much known about Georgia as a wine tourist destination. Most of the tour operators invited to the
conference dont offer Georgian wine tour packages. This chance has been designed to make it easier for invited
buyers and providers to connect, Swift said.
While speaking about the value of wine to tourism, Shalva Khetsuriani, the President of the Association of
Georgian Sommeliers, believed Georgias wine tourism message should be what Georgia, Georgian wine and the
national traditions was.

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http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2011/04/28/georgia-rediscovers-ancient-culinary-traditions

IN THE kitchen of one of the most fashionable restaurants in Tbilisi, the chef is cooking up hearty peasant food
using recipes long forgotten by most of his countrymen.
"Nobody cooks a bird like this these days," said chef Malkhaz Maisashvili, raising his carving knife to sweep slices
of chicken into a pot. "I discovered the recipe in a small village."
Keen to assert itself as an attractive destination for culinary tourists, ex-Soviet Georgia is rediscovering some of the
ancient traditions of its unique cuisine.
On a country-wide gastronomic expedition, Maisashvili visited remote regions of Georgia in search of little-known
recipes that had only managed to survive in isolated mountain villages.

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http://www.advantour.com/georgia/economy.htm

The natural resources of Georgia might be the basis for its potential economic growth. Georgia has always been the
country of the fertile and rich lands. The population of East Georgia valleys was engaged in agriculture, combining
cultivation of wheat and barley with wine growing, fruit growing, and silkworm breeding. In the middle of the 19th
century they started planting such valuable subtropical cultures as teas, citrus fruits, cotton and tobacco. The major
branch of Georgian traditional economy is winemaking. It was developed everywhere where grapevine grew. The
country grows about 500 varieties of grapes. Wine has always been one of the basic Georgian exports. During
Soviet times Georgia exported agricultural and industrial products to other republics of the Union and was a
popular tourist destination.

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http://www.visitgeorgia.ge/en/tours/cultural-tours/georgia-a-country-of-wonders

If you have never been to Georgia but heard that its a country of beautiful landscapes and pretty towns, ancient
monuments and culture, hospitable people and delicious cuisine, now you have a chance to travel around Georgia
and discover for yourself this country of wonders.
- Tbilisi - the modern capital with ancient past
- UNESCO World Heritage sites
- The Great Caucasus mountains
- Travel along the Great Silk Road
- Cave towns and monasteries
- A day contrast of the Great Caucasus mountains and the subtropical Black Sea coast
- Georgian wine with 8000 years of history
Arrive in Tbilisi and transfer to hotel. Tbilisi sightseeing tour the Old and New Towns. The city offers a great
variety of sights, most of them very ancient. All the places of interest in the Old Town are very close to each other,
within a few minutes walk. We start our visit to Old Tbilisi from Metekhi Church, then walk up to the brickdomed Sulphur Baths. From the Baths we head up the hill to visit Narikala Fortress one of the oldest
fortifications in the city. Afterwards we continue to the Synagogue, Sioni Cathedral and Anchiskhati Church. This
marks the end of the Old Town. After lunch we visit the stunning treasury of the Georgian National Museum,
before taking a stroll along Rustaveli Avenue the main street in Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi.

34

http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/georgia/international-tourism

The latest value for International tourism, receipts (current US$) in Georgia was $1,059,000,000 as of 2011. Over
the past 14 years, the value for this indicator has fluctuated between $1,059,000,000 in 2011 and $75,000,000 in
1997.
Definition: International tourism receipts are expenditures by international inbound visitors, including payments to
national carriers for international transport. These receipts include any other prepayment made for goods or
services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except when
these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include receipts for
passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

35

http://www.mfa.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=80

Tourism Sector is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in Georgia. There is a variety of possibilities to invest in
tourism in Georgia starting with sea resorts and ending with mountain resorts; skiing; mineral waters; healthimproving, cultural and other type of tourism. Almost all regions of Georgia are rich in sight-seeing.
The vivid example of development of tourism in Georgia is the Adjara Black Sea littoral. Almost all brands of
hotels are operating or planning to operate in Adjara region. It should be underlined that Adjara region hosted 85%
tourists, who visited Georgia in 2010.
Georgia hosted up to 2.8 million tourists in 2011 and 4 389 256 tourists in 2012 (56% increase as compared with
the previous year).
Between January and April of 2013, Georgia hosted 1 291 593 tourists (32% increase as compared with the
analogous period of 2012).
According to World Tourism Barometer, which was published by the World Tourism Organization in September
2012 and was based on the primary data of January-September 2012, Georgia was on the first place in the world
according to the growth of number of tourists (+54%).

36

http://www.greengeorgia.ge/sites/default/files/Assessment%20of%20Wine%20Tourism%20In%20Georgia.pdf

37

http://media.unwto.org/press-release/2014-04-14/unwto-develops-sustainable-tourism-products-protected-areasgeorgia

Improved tourism management and the implementation of a wide variety of innovative biodiversity-based tourism
products in Georgian National Parks are among the outcomes of the UNWTO project Support for Georgia in the
Field of Protected Area Development concluded last week (Tbilisi, Georgia, 7 April 2014).
The project, Support for Georgia in the Field of Protected Area Development, was implemented by UNWTO
aiming to support Georgia in applying strategies and regulations for protected area management and sustainable
tourism development in several protected mountain and freshwater areas across the country.
In line with UNWTO recommendations, Georgia has recognized tourism as a key driver of socio-economic
progress and a sector that is able to provide important resources to be invested in cultural and natural preservation.
Opening the Delivery Ceremony of the project, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, underscored the value of
sustainable tourism for environmental preservation. UNWTO is very happy to support the Georgian Government
in its efforts to promote sustainable tourism development. This project is an excellent example of how tourism can
be a tool for the promotion and protection of biodiversity, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy the best of
nature while increasing awareness of the need to preserve it. We can take pride in saying that together we have
created innovative sustainable tourism products, adding value for destinations and visitors alike.

38

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2006/cr06360.pdf

39

http://www.economy.ge/uploads/meniu_publikaciebi/ouer/Industry_Overview_ENG.pdf

40

http://www.iset.ge/blog/?p=2336
Travel and Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing service industries globally. According to the World
Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the industrys direct contribution to World GDP in 2012 was US$ 2.1
trillion (2012 prices) and it supported 101 million jobs. Taking account of its combined direct and indirect impacts,
WTTC assesses Travel & Tourisms total economic contribution at 9% of World GDP in 2012, 1 in 11 jobs, 5% of
total economy investment and 5% of world exports (Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism 2013, Annual
Update, WTTC)
The tourism industry is of particular importance for Georgia, which, like many other developing countries, is short
on physical capital and technical skills but is very well endowed with historical sites, original traditions, pristine
landscapes and a culture of hospitality. While unlikely to serve as an engine of long term growth, the tourism
industrys added advantage for a country like Georgia is that it can absorb some of the surplus labor currently
under-employed in the low skill and low productivity agricultural sector.

41

http://wwwwds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2012/05/28/000333038_20120528011410/Ren
dered/PDF/689040ESW0P0910SectorNoteMarch2011F.pdf

42

https://www.google.ro/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=18&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CI4BEBYwBz
gK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsilkroad.ibsu.edu.ge%2Findex.php%2Fsilkroad%2Fsilkroad7th%2Fpaper%2Fdownloa
d%2F194%2F154&ei=rhZ_U7rYK_T34QSEjYCoCg&usg=AFQjCNEUobPFgdFuEJ3QSQJCV7If7Fgo7w&sig2=
92zPq-xpIifCufx0VtuacA&bvm=bv.67720277,d.bGQ

43

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gg.html
The country is pinning its hopes for renewed growth on a determined effort to continue to
liberalize the economy by reducing regulation, taxes, and corruption in order to attract foreign
investment, with a focus on hydropower, agriculture, tourism, and textiles production. The
government has received high marks from the World Bank for its anti -corruption efforts. Over the
past year the Georgian Dream -led government continued the previous administration's low regulation, low-tax, free market policies, while modestly increasing social spending,
strengthening anti-trust policy, and amending the labor code to comply with International Labor
Standards. The government is finalizing its 2020 Economic Development Strategy and has
launched the Georgia Co-Investment Fund, a $6 billion private equity fund that will invest i n
tourism, agriculture, logistics, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

44

http://dfwatch.net/georgia-listed-as-worlds-fifth-best-tourism-country-51266

TBILISI, DFWatchRough Guides has listed Georgia as number five among the worlds top countries for
tourism.
Rough Guide is a travel guidebook owned by Penguin Random House. The publication has selected the best tourist
countries for 2014, and Ethiopia is number one on the list, followed by Madagascar, Brazil, Turkey, Georgia,
Rwanda, Japan, Bulgaria, Macedonia and the Philippines.
For each country, the outlet explains why tourists should visit the country, and the passage about Georgia says the
following:
Georgia is currently untouched by mass tourism, but things are changing, so go now to enjoy the unspoiled hiking
in the Caucasus mountains, the historic taverns of Tbilisi, the Black Sea resort of Batumi and the gorgeous old
towns of Svaneti and Kazbegi, it reads.
Visiting is easier than ever before; citizens of all EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and
South Africa can now enter the country visa-free for up to 360 days.
A few years ago, former President Mikheil Saakashvili started focusing on tourism and one of the things his
government did was start implementing infrastructure programs. For a certain period of time, there were tax
benefits for tourism development.
The number of tourists has been increasing; according to data from the Interior Ministry, more than five million
visitors came to the country in 2013 and 39 percent of them were tourists, which is 16.3 percent more than in 2012.

45

http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2006/cr06360.pdf

46

http://bankofgeorgia.ge/research/en/research/sectors

Annual international arrivals to Georgia posted strong growth at 21% y/y in 2013, even though growth slowed
against recent record rates. This slower growth is more sustainable, in our view; compared to the 57%, 39%, 35%
annual rises in the last three years. Armenia and Russia made the largest contributions to growth in 2013, and
Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan continue to hold the largest shares at 30%, 24%, and 20%, respectively. Turkey
disappointed last year, partly as a result of the weaker Lira and political uncertainty. In 2014, we expect a rebound
in visitors from Turkey. Overall, ex-Turkey growth came in at 30% in 2013 vs. 39% in both 2012 and 2011.
Visitor arrivals grow 21% y/y, in-line with expectations
The number of international arrivals to Georgia continued to grow in 2013, up 21% y/y to 5.4mn, in-line with our
November 2013 forecast of 5.5mn. The growth rate slowed on an annual basis, especially in the last 4 months of
the year, dropping to 13% and 5% in November and December, respectively. Snow (or rather a lack of snow) was
the main driver. Generally, tourism starts to rise in March, and the peak season from April to October accounts for
67%
of
all
foreign
arrivals.
Growth

to

stabilize

to

8%

annually

until 2019

We expect growth rates to come down from the record highs of the past few years to around 13% in 2014 or 6.1mn
international arrivals. Until 2019, we forecast an average annual growth rate of 8% and maintain our forecast of
8.9mn international visitors in 2019.

47

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/georgia/international-tourism-receipts-for-passenger-transport-items-us-dollarwb-data.html

48