Air Malta inaugurated its first scheduled service to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. The once weekly flight every Thursday will run until 18 September with the possibility to extend this service further in line with demand.

"This is the first time that the Maltese airline is operating scheduled services to Georgia. The interest in this market started around a year ago when the airline was looking at growth opportunities to expand its network. This service is expected to open up new tourism markets to Malta and generate around 3,300 customers in both directions during the period of operation," said Air Malta's chief executive Capt. Clifford Chetcuti.

Together with the InterCo Travel Group, the airline's tour operating partner in Georgia, Air Malta formulated a plan to establish direct air links between the two countries. The plan is expected to facilitate travel for Georgians to visit the Islands or other European destinations through Air Malta's European flight network.

At the same time Air Malta is now offering the Maltese travelling public a great new destination to visit. Through Air Malta's network of over 40 destinations, Georgians will have easier access to countries like Rome, Paris, Frankfurt, London and other main European cities.

The flight schedule is operating as follows (all times local): Thursday KM4280 Dep. Malta 0.40am Arr. Tbilisi 6.30am KM4281 Dep. Tbilisi 7.20am Arr. Malta 9.30am.

Air Malta offers a mix of fares from the luggage only fares Go Light to fares like Go Smart with a 23kg checked in luggage. Interco, Air Malta's travel partner in Georgia can be contacted on http://interco.travel

Georgia, a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, is located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. The country is bounded to the west by the Black Sea and to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the south-east by Azerbaijan.

Tbilisi, its charming capital, is where eastern and western traditions merge together offering a unique multicultural living experience. This multi religious city is the only capital in the world where Georgian Orthodox, Armenian Georgian, Roman Catholic churches, a synagogue, a mosque and a Zoroastrian temple can be found within just five minutes' walk from each other.

One can start off by boarding a cable car to visit the 4th century Nirkala Fortress which commands an exceptional view of the city.

Wander through the cobbled narrow streets of the old town of Tbilisi and admire the picturesque traditional brick build homes which exudes unique character. Visit the National Museum of History and appreciate the extraordinary historic collection of pre-Christian gold artefacts and jewellery.

Make sure to take a funicular and visit Mtatsminda - Holy Mount which is home to St David's Church and Pantheon of Georgian writers and public figures. Mtatsminda offers panoramic views of this enchanting capital.

Walk along the magnificent Rustavelli Avenue and take a tour of the historic Parliament Building.

Your visit is not complete unless you savour the mouth-watering traditional Georgian delights like the Khinkali and Khachapuri. The country is one of the oldest wine regions in the world and has a unique wine culture. The fertile valleys and protective slopes of the Transcaucasia were home to grapevine cultivation and Neolithic wine production for at least 8,000 years. Due to this rich history and its prominent economic role, the traditions of wine in Georgia are considered entwined with and inseparable from the national identity.

Visit https://georgia.travel for more information about the country.