Despite Georgia’s strategic focus on Chinese and Indian tourists, ODA DMC founder Vika Sharia says her company does not plan to target these markets. Speaking on BMGTV’s Women’s Narrative, she said working with Asian markets requires extensive experience and long-term relationships.
“Georgia has chosen China, India and the Middle East as strategic markets. I have nothing against them, but I deliberately do not work with these markets. The process is difficult and long-term, while the difference in mentality is significant. Working with them requires extensive experience and long-term relationships, and I have neither, so I do not invest my resources there,” Sharia said.
She said Asian markets, including China and South Korea, have significant potential, but questioned what motivates some Indian and Chinese tourists to visit Georgia. According to Sharia, some groups primarily value spending time together, familiar food and their own services, regardless of the destination.
Sharia also said some revenue from Asian tourists may not remain entirely with Georgian tourism companies, as companies based in India and China operate through locally registered entities. She said her boutique, client-focused business takes a different approach, offering personalized experiences centered on Georgian culture and art, and therefore does not target these markets.
