Encouraging numbers for tourism

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, nearly 1.3 million visitors entered Georgia in the first five months of 2012.

In 2011, 2.8 million people came to Georgia, which means that in only five months almost 50% of that total has been met. The official estimate for 2012 is 3.5 million tourists, with 5 million project for 2015.

Most visitors come from Turkey, followed by Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. Particularly encouraging is the increase in visits of Russian citizens since March 1, after the Georgian government lifted the visa requirement.

It is estimated that 30% of visitors come to Georgia on business, 25% visit friends and relatives, and 23% for recreation. The Ministry did not specify which category includes truck drivers transporting cargo across Georgian territory.

Every tourist spends approximately $1,500 USD during their stay in Georgia, or $300 per day.