Georgia’s Tourism Revenue Nears $2 Billion in First Half of 2025

Photo: gnta.ge

Georgia continues to reap record-breaking revenues from international tourism. In the first six months of 2025, the country generated $1.971 billion from foreign visitors, according to the National Tourism Administration. This marks a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 35.4% rise over 2019 levels.

In Q1 2025, revenue reached $826 million (up from $807.7 million a year earlier). In Q2, the figure rose to $1.145 billion (+5%). This makes January–June 2025 the most profitable first half for tourism since 2010, according to the National Bank of Georgia . After dropping to just $541.7 million during the pandemic year of 2020, Georgia's tourism sector has steadily recovered: by 2023, revenue exceeded $4 billion.

Spending by Israeli tourists surged the most—$241.9 million in six months, up by $66.4 million or 37.9% year-over-year. Azerbaijan ranked second in growth (+30.7%, $102.6 million). Saudi Arabia also posted strong gains (+18.9%, $38.8 million), while spending by Armenian travelers rose 2.8% to $66 million. Similar trends were seen for visitors from the EU and UK, where combined expenditures grew 12.5% to $277 million (+$30.7 million).

Between January and June, Georgia welcomed 2,810,524 foreign visitors, a 4.6% increase year-on-year. The [leech=https://bm.ge/news/saqartvelom-turizmidan-6-tveshi-2-miliardis-shemosavali-miigho]National Bank estimates that the average visitor spent $701 per trip. Russian tourists contributed the most revenue—$308 million from 581,000 trips, averaging $530 per person.

Turkish travelers followed with 533,000 trips and $259 million in revenue ($484 per visitor). Israeli tourists came third, not only boosting visits to 171,000 but also spending $242 million—$1,412 per person. Only Saudi visitors spent more per trip—$1,442, despite accounting for just 26,910 visits.

European visitors spent an average of $1,371, while Ukrainians spent $1,200 per trip. Iranian tourists left close to $1,000, and Belarusians about $770 per visit. Armenian visitors made over 390,000 trips but spent just $66 million in total, or $169 per person—the lowest among the listed countries.




This revenue growth amid moderate traffic increases signals a qualitative shift in Georgia’s tourist base. High per capita spending by visitors from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and the EU points to strong premium tourism potential. At the same time, Russia and Turkey still dominate in terms of visitor numbers, underscoring the continued reliance on neighboring markets.

Georgia’s hospitality sector is adjusting to these trends. Authorities project that tourism revenue will reach $4.5 billion by the end of 2025.

See also:
Georgia Tourism 2025: Russia, Turkey, Armenia & Israel Lead the Way
Georgia to Build Largest Airport in Its History
Georgia’s Economic Leap and Ambitious Plans: PM’s Annual Address
Israelis Move Capital Abroad: Georgia at Center of New Investment Wave
Gonio: The Future of Georgia’s Black Sea Resort and Investment Hub