Georgia Ranks Among the Three Most Affordable New Year Destinations for Russians

Georgia has ranked among the three most affordable international destinations for Russians during the New Year holidays. The findings come from a OneTwoTrip study comparing travel costs across popular destinations. The calculations included airfares and hotel accommodation.

How Much Does a Holiday in Nearby Countries Cost?

OneTwoTrip analysts examined Russians’ travel searches for trips between December 28, 2026, and January 10, 2027. The study covered the 100 most popular destinations in Russia and abroad. The comparison was based on the average price of a one-way flight, while hotel rates were calculated using bookings made during the previous New Year holiday period.

Belarus was the most affordable international destination. A flight from Russia costs an average of RUB 10,800 ($127), while a hotel room costs RUB 15,500 ($183) per night. Armenia ranked second, with airfare averaging RUB 20,600 ($243) and accommodation at RUB 10,300 ($121) per night. Georgia came third, with an average flight price of RUB 20,900 ($246) and a hotel rate of RUB 12,100 ($143).

Uzbekistan ranked fourth, with airfare averaging RUB 24,200 ($285) and accommodation at RUB 9,500 ($112) per night. Kazakhstan completed the top five, with flights costing around RUB 26,100 ($307) and hotel stays averaging RUB 9,800 ($115) per night.

From Turkey to Kyrgyzstan: The Top 10

Airfares gradually increase outside the top five. Turkey ranked sixth, with flights for the New Year period averaging RUB 29,400 ($346) and hotel rooms costing RUB 14,100 ($166) per night. In September, Turkey accounted for 21% of OneTwoTrip’s international bookings, up from 9.9% a year earlier. Among independent solo travelers, the country’s share reached 23.4% in the autumn, compared with 10.4% in the previous season. The average duration of these trips is 6.3 days.

Market participants do not expect a significant decline in the cost of holidays in Turkey in the near future. Hotels have limited room to cut rates due to inflation, rising operating costs and currency fluctuations. Better deals may be available through early booking and for less popular travel dates.

Hotel costs are considerably lower in Tajikistan at RUB 6,200 ($73) per night, the lowest figure among the top 10 countries. Air travel is more expensive, however, averaging RUB 32,100 ($378). A flight to Azerbaijan costs RUB 32,600 ($384), while a hotel room averages RUB 15,600 ($184), the highest accommodation rate among the international destinations included in the ranking. Flights to Kyrgyzstan average RUB 34,900 ($411), with accommodation costing around RUB 10,000 ($118) per night.

Tourism in Georgia: Demand Is Growing

New Year travel prices provide only part of the picture. Recent statistics offer a broader view of the tourism sector ahead of the winter season. In July 2026, cashless payments at hotels in Georgia through TBC Bank channels increased by 30%. Foreign visitors accounted for 85% of transactions, while their spending rose by 35%. The average transaction made by non-residents reached GEL 693 ($257).

In August, international tourism revenue increased by 8.8% to $695 million. During the first eight months of 2026, the sector generated $3.2 billion, 1.6% more than in the same period of 2025. Galt & Taggart expects the figure to reach around $4.9 billion by the end of the year. Aviation activity also remains strong. From January through August, Georgia’s international airports handled 5.2 million passengers, 1% more than during the same period last year. This was the highest January–August figure recorded in at least a decade.

International Investment analysts note that the figures indicate sustained interest in travel to Georgia not only among Russians but also among visitors from other countries. The country attracts travelers throughout the year. Tbilisi and Batumi welcome visitors in every season, ski resorts operate during the winter, while national parks, mountains, lakes, rivers and the Black Sea coast offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Historical landmarks, wine tourism and gastronomic routes further broaden the country’s appeal beyond the traditional holiday seasons.