1. by Grigol Asatiani Georgian National Tourism Administration
Programme funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
Regional and National Support Mechanisms on Tourism, The Case of Georgia
by Grigol Asatiani
Georgian National Tourism Administration
BSB-TOUR project has been financed from the European Union and the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin ”.

2. Doing Business in Georgia
Programme funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
Doing Business in Georgia
Country’s impressive progress in improving business climate has been well documented in a number of international indices
Ease of Doing Business
Index of Economic Freedom
Source: The Heritage Foundation, 2013 (Rank out of 183 countries)
Source: World Bank, 2013 (Rank out of 183 countries)
BSB-TOUR project has been financed from the European Union and the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin ”.

3. Opportunities in Tourism
Fast growing sector
Number of visitors increased 57% reaching and 21% in 2013 reaching
Majority of visitors come from: Turkey 30%, Azerbaijan 20%, Armenia 24%, Russia 14%,
Europe 8%
Average duration: of stay 5 nights
Overall capacity >37 000
According to Rough Guides, Georgia ranks 5th among the World's tourist countries to visit
Already operating hotels-Sheraton, Radisson, Marriot, Holiday inn, (under construction-Kempinski, Hilton) etc.
Potential
Youth Olympics 2015, UEFA Super Cup 2015
Free tourism zones
Availability of gambling business-gaming is partially or completely banned in Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Israel, Iran, Iraq
8 National Parks
2400 springs of mineral waters
BSB-TOUR project has been financed from the European Union and the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin ”.

4. International arrivals in Georgia
According to UNWTOs report World Tourism Barometer Georgia had the highest number of increasing international visitors in Europe
BSB-TOUR project has been financed from the European Union and the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin ”.

5. Contribution of Tourism to Economy
International Tourism receipts (X1000 USD)
Share of Tourism in GDP
Source: National Bank of Georgia
BSB-TOUR project has been financed from the European Union and the Joint Operational Programme “Black Sea Basin ”.

6. More international luxury hotel chains are coming to Georgia
Existing Hotels
Upcoming international hotel brands before 2015
Airlines Flying to/from Georgia
Batumi
Tbilisi
Batumi
Tbilisi
Batumi
Tbilisi
Likani

7. Key Directions Preparation of tourism development strategy
Development of tourism law, taking into account recommendations of EU Twinning Project
Establishing Destination Management Organizations (DMO)
Creation of Convention bureau
Tourism Quality Mark
Online tourism market: adding innovative function to Georgia.travel
Hotline for Tourists

8. Regional Development
Development of new tourism products and diversification of the existing ones
Adventure Tourism Development
(kayaking, horse-riding tours, waling tours in mountains of Georgia, etc.)
Agricultural and Farming Tourism development
Wine tourism development
(International Wine Conference in Georgia-2014; Georgian wine tourism map)
Inclusive Tourism development
Introduction of Navigation Satellite systems in mountain regions of Georgia
Creation of theme application for Androids and IOS

9. Regional Development Development of small-scale infrastructure
New tourist information centers
(Tbilisi-Leselidze st.; Poti; Bakuriani, kazbegi; Tsitelsofeli; Ananuri; Zugdidi)
Touch screen information monitors
(Tbilisi)
City information and interpretation desks
(Mestia; Tskaltubo; Gori; Stephantsminda; Borjomi; Akhaltsixe; Rustavi; Bolnisi; Gurjaani)

10. Regional Development Promotion of Domestic Tourism: Events
Summer Season Events
(Inclusive tourism promotion, Bicycle Marathon, watermelon festival, etc.)
Autumn Season Events
(Wine Festival, Georgian Culinary day, etc.)
Winter Season Events
(Opening Of Season in Mestia, Christmas Market, etc.)

11. Marketing International Tourist Fairs (2013): Japan - JATA
Great Britain- WTM
Spain - EIBTM
Poland - PITF
Organization of Routes 2014 (Tourism and Aviation Expo) in Georgia
Press Tours:
Turkey
Russia
Kazakhstan
Baltic
Scandinavia
Benelux Countries
Other target markets

12. Marketing Marketing campaigns on international markets Turkey
Kazakhstan
Israel
Poland
Ukraine
Baltic
Campaigns include: Georgia - This is Life
Outdoor advertisement
Online marketing
Print media
Television (participation in different programs and talk shows of the popular channels)

13. International Relations
World Tourism Organization(UNWTO)
Georgia is a vice chairman of a UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe and a member of UNWTO Committee on Statistics and Tourism Satellite Accounts
Active participation in projects of the organization
ICCA International Conference and Congress association
National Tourism Administration became a member (2013)
GUAM
Introduction of GUAM tourism product to remote markets
BSEC
Working on common tourism projects of BSEC countries
International Agreements
Signing agreements of cooperation in the field of tourism with foreign states

14. Survey Results: International Tourism
Activities Undertaken
Popular destinations
2013

15. Survey Results: Domestic Tourism
2013

16. Survey Results: Domestic Tourism
2013

17. Thank You for Your Attention