MUMBAI: Georgia has witnessed 81% growth in Indian tourists visiting the country during the first nine months of 2015 (January-September) as compared to the same period last year, said a top official of the Georgian National Tourism Administration. A country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, Georgia is home to Caucasus Mountain villages and Black Sea beaches. “Georgia is still lesser known in the Indian market and we are creating awareness about the destination and its offerings through roadshows and by meeting travel trade in the country,” said George Chogovadze, head of Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA). GNTA is now focusing on its offerings such as ski resorts, wine events and wellness and spa resorts to attract Indian travellers, especially the Meetings Incentives Conference & Exhibitions (MICE) business. “India is a very big market and its outbound travel is also growing at a fast pace which makes it important for us,” said Chogovadze adding that India is one of the top three growth markets for Georgia (in terms of percentage). Georgia is targeting 6.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2016, up from the 6 million expected in 2015. Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan are the top three countries in terms of tourist arrivals to Georgia. In a bid to attract a larger share of India’s outbound travel, Georgia is planning to promote more direct flights from India to Georgia and ease visa process. Currently, Georgia offers e-visa for Indian travellers. Indians can apply for a Georgian visa online by paying $20 and get the visa in five days. “We are trying to create more visibility and understanding about the destination as Georgia is an affordable tourist destination and its traditions are close to India,” said Alla Omelchenko, key account manager – Georgia at Air Arabia, adding that the company is planning to introduce direct flights to Batumi from India. Batumi is a seaside city on the Black Sea coast and in southwest Georgia. Currently, Air Arabia – a low-cost carrier across the Middle East and North Africa – has direct flights to Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Omelchenko said that around 3,000 Indian students are currently studying in Tbilisi. “After finishing their studies, these students either join pharmaceutical companies in Georgia or some even open their own Indian restaurants there,” she said. Indian travellers visit Georgia during May – October (summer) and November – April (Winter). Omelchenko said that majority of Indian tourists, however, visit during the summer months. GNTA plans to tie up with outbound travel companies in India to promote the destination. Chogovadze of GNTA said the country is also looking to attract film tourism to the country. “Four Bollywood movies were shot in Georgia since 2014. So we are planning to offer 20% discount for film shootings in the country, mainly targeted at Indian film industry,” he said.