Given its abundant and beautiful natural resources and ideal location on the Black Sea coastline between Europe and Asia, it is understandable why Georgia is counting on tourism for increased economic development. Georgia boasts natural, historical, archeological, and architectural highlights as part of its strong cultural heritage. In addition, its culture, folklore, art, lifestyle, and hospitality are all huge potential draws for increased numbers of prospective tourists.
International tourist arrivals reached an all-time record of 983114 in 2006 and the total number of international visitors, crossing national borders of Georgia, has been increased by 46% compared to 2005.
The country’s tourism sector offers diverse opportunities in drawing tourists interested in adventure, leisure and recreation, eco and agro tourism, wine and gourmet tours, and historical/educational tourism. Cultural, ecological, and adventure tours in Georgia are viewed as competitive products on the international tourist market. Georgia offers sea resorts along the Black Sea and ski resorts and mountaineering in the pristine Caucasus Range. There are also health resorts and spas famous for their unique microclimate.
There are over 12,000 historical and cultural monuments in Georgia, four listed by UNESCO as cultural heritage sites, 103 resorts, 182 resort places and more than 2000 mineral springs in Georgia.
Georgia is also known for its bio-diversity, which is now protected in 24 nature reserves and national parks – recently opened up to visitors to experience the untouched beauty of Georgia’s diverse landscapes. To protect this natural resource 31 protected areas have been established and conservation measures enacted. Within these are five major National parks, all with extensive trail systems.
The new modern airport was completed in 2006, with now direct flights to 32 cities, approved for full membership in ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference).
There is no visa requirement for: Nationals of Israel, Japan, Canada, United States of America and members of European Union countries. For CIS nationals except of the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan do not require a visa. All these nationals are allowed to stay for 90 days. Passengers on cruise ships who stay in Georgia for less than 72 hours do not require visas either.
According to a new Tax Code (since January 2005) tour operators’ incoming tourist revenue is considered as export and is free of VAT.
The greatest challenge facing Georgia’s tourism sector today is to create and keep promoting a favorable image of the country abroad. To this end, Georgia participates in international tourism fairs and exhibitions, works on designing tourist symbols of Georgia, and actively elaborates development projects for its resorts, recreational zones, and tourist infrastructure.
Hotels
The capital Tbilisi boasts three full service western hotels, the Courtyard Marriott, Sheraton Metechi Palace, and Tbilisi Marriott with SAS Radisson and Intercontinental under construction and Hyatt, Hilton & Kempinsky already scheduled. The Marriott hotels are managed by GMT Group.
Restaurants
There are a large number of restaurants in Tbilisi offering national Georgian dishes, some of which specialize in regional cuisine. There are also restaurants offering European dishes. Several Chinese and Japanese restaurants serve customers in Tbilisi as well as McDonald's restaurants. There are many cafe-type and small size restaurants run as family businesses. However, such a variety of restaurants and catering facilities are not seen in the regions.
Hotel Services: Main Indicators
Hotel Services: Purpose of Use
Hotel Services: Foreign Visitors by Region
AmCham and/or EUGBC Members
Betsy’s Hotel
Tel: +995 (32) 987624; 923592
Website: http://www.betsyshotel.com
Betsy's Hotel is an exclusive guest house located just minutes away from Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi's premier district. With rooms in the traditional Caucasian style, Betsy's Hotel is an oasis of comfort with the feel of Georgia. 
GMT Group
Tel: +995 (32) 988 988
Website: http://www.gmt.ge
GMT Group manages a number of investment projects in hotel business, construction and other areas. 
Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites
Tel: +995 (32) 779 200
Website: http://www.marriott.com/TBSMC
Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, opened in September 2002, is the first hotel of the International Marriott Hotel Chain in the Caucasus. It offers 127 rooms and suites (8 Junior Suites, 2 Presidential Suites, 1 vice-Presidential Suite), a fully equipped Health Club, Business Center, Restaurants and Lounges (Majestic Restaurant and Outdoor Patio with International cuisine, Café Parnas, The Wine Bar with International cuisine, Lobby Lounge and Private Dining Room). Also available are seven international standard meeting/conference rooms, of which the Ballroom with the largest capacity. The Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi also managed by Marriott International. 
Sheraton Hotel
Tel: +995 (32) 772020
Website: http://www.sheraton.com/tbilisi
The 5-star Sheraton Metechi Palace, Tbilisi's largest international hotel offers 182 elegant guest rooms, executive rooms on the top 3 floors, spacious suites, Sheraton Smart Rooms®, The Fitness Center with outdoor and indoor pools, gymnasium, aerobics studio, whirlpool, sauna, massage service, children's playground, business center, various restaurants, 24-hour room service, in-house dry cleaning and laundry, international standard meeting/convention facilities for up to 800 persons, outdoor catering service. Already reputable for the best office space in town, the hotel now also offers fully furnished apartments. Acclaimed leader of the international hospitality business in Georgia, the hotel boasts of very efficient staff and management expertise, breathtaking panoramic views of the city and mountains, environmentally clean location, high security, uninterrupted power supply and atrium space in the lobby. Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel is managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading American hotel management companies.
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Betsy's Hotel
GNIA Tourism Overview
