Tourism Revenues in Georgia Continue to Grow During the Winter Season

Georgia’s tourism industry has shown steady growth at the beginning of 2025. In January and February, tourism revenues increased by 0.7%, reaching $536 million, according to investment company Galt & Taggart. This growth was driven by the consistent influx of international visitors despite seasonal fluctuations.

Analysts estimate that the industry generated $290 million in January and $246 million in February. In 2024, Georgia recorded an all-time high of $4.42 billion in tourism revenues, a 7.3% increase compared to 2023, according to the National Bank of Georgia (source).

Russia led in tourism spending in 2024, contributing over $850 million, followed by Turkey with $612 million. Israel ranked third, with a 41.6% year-over-year increase, reaching a record $435.5 million in revenue from Israeli visitors.

Other key source markets included:

Azerbaijan – $168.5 million
Armenia – $157.4 million
Iran – $151 million
Ukraine – $149 million
Saudi Arabia – $122 million
Belarus – $96.3 million
EU & UK – $571.1 million (4% increase)
Strong 2024 Performance & Growing Arrivals
2024 was one of the most successful years for Georgian tourism. The country welcomed 7.3 million international visitors, up 4.2% from 2023. Of these, 5.1 million visits were for tourism purposes (+9%).

Top source countries by visits:
Russia – 1.4 million visitors
Turkey – 1.3 million visitors
Armenia – 948,299 visitors

Georgia is also expanding its aviation network. In 2024, passenger traffic at Georgian airports reached 7.45 million, 24% higher than in 2023 (source).
- Tbilisi International Airport handled 4.75 million passengers (+29%)
- Kutaisi International Airport saw a 3% increase
- Batumi International Airport recorded a 53% growth

By January 2025, airports handled 530,546 passengers, a 13% increase from January 2024. The largest increase was seen at Batumi Airport (+96%), followed by Tbilisi (+20%). While Kutaisi saw a 16% decrease, it had delivered record-breaking results throughout the previous year. The airport is undergoing renovations to accommodate all aircraft types, and authorities are focused on further developing this hub due to its affordable flights and extensive travel routes.

Tourism Forecasts for 2025

Galt & Taggart forecasts tourism revenues to reach $4.5 billion in 2025, while the Georgian government projects $4.7 billion, with an 8% growth in visitor numbers (source).

Deputy Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili (source) emphasized the government’s commitment to developing tourism and strengthening cooperation with the private sector.

Sustained Growth in Georgia’s Tourism Sector

Georgia remains one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the region. Key factors driving this sustained growth include:
- Expansion of flight connections
- Infrastructure development
- Visa-free access for multiple countries
- Growing partnerships with airlines and hospitality businesses
- Diverse natural, cultural, and historical attractions

Experts predict that these strategic investments will ensure Georgia’s continued success as a top tourism and investment destination.