Tourism is one of Georgia's fastest growing industries. The number of international visitors has increased substantially from 2007 to 2012. Most tourists come from neighboring countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The government is working to develop the tourism industry through various initiatives to attract investors. Georgia offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions despite its small size, including four UNESCO World Heritage sites. It has many options for leisure activities like resorts, mineral water sources, and national parks. The number of international arrivals has grown rapidly in recent years. The government is focusing on improving tourism infrastructure, marketing, and services to continue increasing the number of travelers.

1. Tourism in Georgia
Saba Mania
Nika Mosiashvili
LEPL 207 Public School Tbilisi. Georgia

2. General Information
Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries all over the world. Georgia is one of the
leading countries in terms of the growth rate. This fact that lots of visitors arrive in Georgia
annually is confirmed by the number of visitors. From 2007 until 2012 the amount
increased from 0.12% up 0.29%, The last three years’ statistics show that the largest
portion of foreign tourists visit Georgia in July and August. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia
occupy the top three with the number of visitors. Approximately 76% of international
travelers are from these countries.

3. Tourism
The development of tourism is one of the most important priorities. The country
offers a variety of incentives to encourage the investors. Among them are the Hotel
Investment Initiative and Free Tourist Zones. Despite the global economic crisis,
Georgia's tourism sector continues to grow. Forecasts are quite optimistic. That's
according to their number of employees in the tourism sector as well as income from
tourism will continue to grow in future years.

4. What to see in Georgia
Georgia is distinguished
with its rich natural and
cultural resources.
Despite the small area
(69,700 square km.), it is
one of the unique
countries in terms of
biodiversity. Georgia has
a rare subtropical
wetlands, semi-deserts,
lofty alpine zones and
snowy peaks within a
hundred kilometers
away.

5. There are about 12 000 historical and cultural monuments in
Georgia, out of which four are included in the UNESCO World
Heritage List:
1. Mtskheta - the ancient capital of Georgia
2. Bagrati Cathedral (XI c.),
3. Gelati Monastery in Kutaisi (XI c.),
4. Ushguli village, the region, which is
considered the highest settlement (2300 m).

6. Resorts
• Georgia is attractive to various travelers with different interests. For example,
tourists who visit Georgia for leisure can choose from 103 resorts, they have the
opportunity to taste the mineral water of about 2400 mineral water sources or
simply go to the seaside.
• Nature lovers will be able to get interested in the 8 national parks and 31
protected areas. Gudauri, Bakuriani and Mestia are winter resorts for skiers and
holidaymakers for extraordinary winter days or even summer vacation.

7. International travelers
• In recent years the number of international arrivals in Georgia increased at rapid
pace. In 2011, the number of foreign travelers equals 2 822 363, which is 39%
more than the previous year's same period. Over the last five years the number of
travelers in Georgia proceeded more rapidly. In 2008, during the global financial
crisis, when the number of international arrivals fell by 4%, the number of
international travelers to Georgia increased by 16%.

8. Tourism industry
Industry development is the priority of the Government of the tourism. The
global economic crisis in the tourism industry continues to grow. Prospects for
this sector in Georgia is quite optimistic. The research forecasts that the
industry will create more jobs and generate more income in the coming years.
To increase the number of travelers in the following steps: tourism
infrastructure, tourism marketing and quality of service are carried out in a
large scale.

9. Tourism in general
Tourists are attracted by Georgia's
rich natural and cultural resources by
offering them new products that are
available in a variety of interest. The
National Tourism Administration is
actively engaged in various kinds of
tourism development, such as wine,
eco, adventure tourism and other. It
should be noted that special attention
is paid to sustainable tourism
development at all stages, because
environmental preservation and
sustainable use of resources is
essential for future generations.

10. See more about Georgia
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