Income from Tourism has Doubled Since 2012

Georgia is a country that is blessed with breath-taking views, rich and diverse cultural heritage, hospitable locals and delicious, hangover-free wine. It also has one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the world and relies on it for growth. 

Finance Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said in Parliament this week that the income from tourism has doubled over the last 5 years. He made this statement while presenting the 2018 draft budget. 

“In recent years, tourism has become one of the most important driving forces in the Georgian economy. Income from tourism has doubled in the last 5 years. In 2016, the number of international visitors exceeded 6 million for the first time. This year, the number of visitors is about 7 million. We think the Georgian economy will receive around $2.8 billion from international tourism in 2017," he said. 

Experts in the tourism sector will tell you that service is the bread and butter of the industry, and that it will always be vital for the continuing growth of the country’s GDP. It accounted for 7.1% of Georgia’s total GDP in 2016. 

As the travel industry grows sharply, infrastructure needs to follow. The good news is that this looks to be happening; earlier this year it was announced that Vatel International Business School Hotel & Tourism Management University will soon be opening its doors in Tbilisi. The high-quality training of professionals in this field is vital for a sustainable and thriving tourism sector.

Photo source: Lonely planet

By Tom Day