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

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.

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.

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.

There are about 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).

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.

International travelers In recent years the number of international arrivals in Georgia increased at rapid pace. In 2011, the number of foreign travelers equals , 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%.

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.

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.

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