The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have shown great interest in the tourist potential of Georgia.

"Resonance" newspaper writes that  tourists from this country come to Georgia both  on  business purposes and  vacation. According to the Statistics Service, in 10 months of  2015 their  number has increased by 76.2% in comparison with the same period of 2014.

 Experts believe that one of the main reasons for this is gambling, which is prohibited in Islamic countries while in Georgia is  legal.

Tour operators say that  tourists from the UAE often come to Georgia for 5-6 days, and then usually return in 5-6 months for the same period. They note   in the travel agency "Free travel" that the  Arab tourists mostly stay in expensive hotels, as high prices do not represent for them any problem.

According to the National Tourism Administration, within 10 months of 2015 Georgia was visited by 14 737 tourists from the UAE, which is 76, 2% more than in the same period of 2014.
 

 The number of tourists from Saudi Arabia has increased by 77%.
 

In the words of the expert Nika Kvaratskhelia,  tourist flow from rich Arab countries has actually grown by itself, without any special marketing activities in these markets.

 Many wealthy Arabs come to Georgia on business, but at the same time they like to  rest in our country. They are attracted by gambling establishments, territorial proximity and low cost air travel. All this together creates conditions that are very attractive for them, "- the expert explains.

He notes  that Arab tourists have little interest in adventure, cultural or eco tourism.

 "The number of tourists from Arab countries has been growing steadily, it is likely this trend will continue in the future. Unfortunately, we don’t  consider specific interests of tourists from these countries. They show the greatest interest in the fun in Tbilisi and Batumi. No other type of tourism is so lucrative, "- Nika Kvaratskhelia says.

Tour operators also confirm a big interest showed  by  the citizens from the rich Arab countries in Georgia.

In particular, "Free Travel" representative Tinatin Goguadze, points out  that  rich Arabs stay in Georgia from 5 to 10 days, and then return  again, which shows their interest in the country.
 

Source:commersant.ge