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Tourism in Georgia Breaks Record: Nearly One Million Visits in a Quarter
In January–March 2026, Georgia received 997,529 tourists, up 4% compared to the same period in 2025, an increase of 38,582 visits. The figure marks a new first-quarter record, according to the Georgian National Tourism Administration. The total number of international trips over the three-month period reached 1,300,505.
Top 15 Countries by Visits to Georgia
Turkey led in the first quarter of 2026 with 238,368 visits, up 5.8%. Russia recorded 230,717 visitors (+5.2%). Armenia ranked third with 160,473, followed by Israel with 66,744. Azerbaijan completed the top five with 59,571.
China showed the strongest growth among the top 15 countries, rising from 13,875 to 20,612 visits (+48.6%). Other notable increases came from South Korea (+67.2%) and Switzerland (+33.7%).
The conflict in the Middle East and flight disruptions affected arrivals from Iran (–48.8%), India (–29.5%), the UAE (–19.8%), and Israel (–17.5%). However, overall travel from Gulf countries increased by 8.2%, driven mainly by Saudi Arabia (+36.3%) and Bahrain (+20.9%). The Middle East accounts for 2.4% of total arrivals and recorded growth of 3.7%, from 26,785 to 27,779 visits.
EU Tourism to Georgia Up 30%
Europe accounted for the largest share of arrivals — 80.8%. Total European inflows increased by 1.4%, from 933,040 to 946,150. Arrivals from the EU and the UK rose by 30.2%, from 73,886 to 96,226.
Germany led this segment with over 14,000 visits, up 37.6%. Poland followed with 13,651 (+34.3%), the United Kingdom with 9,479 (+45.7%). Italy recorded 7,117 visits (+70.7%), and Greece 7,089 (+21.7%). All major EU markets posted strong double-digit growth.
Among other EU countries, the highest percentage increases were seen in Slovakia (+87.6%), Croatia (+66%), Malta (+52.1%), and Spain (+44.4%).
How Visitors Arrive: Air Travel Gains Momentum
Land transport still dominates, accounting for 53.1% or 621,705 trips to Georgia. However, it declined by 5.8% year-on-year. Air travel ranks second with 46.1% and 539,159 visits, showing solid growth of 7.2%. Sea transport (0.6%, 7,086) and rail (0.2%, 2,412) remained broadly stable.
Among entry points, Tbilisi Airport led with 393,560 arrivals (+13.1%). Sarpi land crossing (border with Turkey) recorded 191,832 visits (–2.7%). Kazbegi (Russia border) saw 152,550 (–14.1%), and Sadakhlo (Armenia border) 136,460 (–4.3%). Kutaisi Airport handled 97,019 arrivals (+8.6%), while Batumi registered 48,580.
Georgia Backed Around 2,000 Tourism and Hospitality Projects
Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Irakli Nadareishvili said Georgia has supported around 2,000 projects in tourism and hospitality. He noted that tourism remains one of the country’s strategic and fastest-growing economic sectors, contributing nearly 10% of GDP and involving a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses.
In 2025, Georgia received a record 7.8 million international visitors, while tourism revenues reached $4.7 billion. Around 70% of foreign visitors return to the country.
Key infrastructure projects include the development of airports. Around $1.2 billion is being invested in a new Tbilisi airport terminal, scheduled to open in 2031 with a capacity of up to 20 million passengers annually. Kutaisi Airport is also being expanded, alongside an increase in direct flight connections. More than 70 airlines operate across 120 routes from Georgian airports.
Outlook
Industry experts expect further growth in tourist inflows in 2026. Analysts at International Investment note an improving investment climate and an increasing number of local projects in hospitality and related sectors, including hotels and infrastructure.