Technical-economical study required for Georgia-US direct air travel has started

According to the World Tourism Organization, American travelers are second top spenders in international tourism. On average, they spend $135 billion on international travel. In Georgia, their expenditure amounts to $ 47 mln, which is a mere 0,03% of the total expenses (2018) (average expenditure of one American tourist in Georgia – GEL 3047 / USD 1130, average time spent – 8 nights).

In the first three months of 2019, a total of international visitors to Georgia from the US amounted to 5,974 persons, which is 13,4% higher from the last year’s results from the similar timeframe. In 2018, the total number of visitors from the US was 41,863, a 24,7% rise from the previous year’s results.

The existence of direct flights to the US from Georgia will give the country an opportunity to draw in travelers and potential tourists from the bordering countries – Armenia and Azerbaijan. Also from other neighboring countries that, to this day, don’t have direct flights to the United States.

Direct flights will be much comfortable for American tourists, who, as of now, have to endure sometimes more than three connecting flights and layovers.

On January 25-27, 2019 Georgia was represented in the New York Times Travel Show, which reached a record 35,568 participants — the highest attendance in the history of the show. Attendees had a chance to familiarize themselves with Georgia’s tourist potential as presented by private companies.

In the last two years, the Georgian National Tourism Administration hosted 25 press tours for the representatives of the leading American media and tourism companies. This practice will continue in 2019 with a higher participation rate.