Batumi Receives World Travel Awards for the Fourth Time

Batumi has received the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive time in the category of Europe's Leading All-Season Destination. The Georgian resort beat Salzburg, Stockholm, Budapest, Geneva, Munich, Oslo and Tallinn. The winners were announced at a ceremony in Montenegro on October 17, 2026.

World Travel Awards: An International Tourism Prize

The World Travel Awards is a prestigious international award in the tourism and hospitality industry. Founded in 1993 by Graham Cooke, it recognizes outstanding achievements and high standards of service. The awards honor cities, countries, hotels, airlines, tour operators and other representatives of the sector.

Winners are selected first at the regional level, across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and other parts of the world. Award ceremonies take place annually in different countries, with the season culminating in an international grand final to announce the global category winners. In 2026, that event is scheduled for December 12 in Tanzania.

The World Travel Awards was presented for the 33rd time in 2026. For the first time, one of its ceremonies was held in Montenegro. The European winners were announced on October 17 at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in the city of Kotor.

Batumi's History of International Awards

Batumi has consistently ranked among the winners of the World Travel Awards. Beginning in 2019, the Black Sea resort was named Europe's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination for five consecutive years. In 2022, it added the corresponding global title to its list of achievements.

In 2023, the capital of Adjara hosted a gala ceremony marking the awards' 30th anniversary. That year, the city was named Europe's Leading All-Season Destination for the first time and later received worldwide recognition in the same category. Batumi Botanical Garden was also among the winners, taking the top honor in its respective European category.

The resort retained both titles in 2024 and 2025. Another award in 2026 extended its run of European victories to four consecutive years. Over this period, Batumi collected seven awards for its year-round tourism appeal: four regional and three global.

Tourism in Batumi Beyond the Beach Season

Batumi is best known as a seaside resort, but its attractions extend well beyond summer holidays. Visitors come for the historic center, architecture, museums, theaters and local cuisine. One of the main sights is the Botanical Garden, where the subtropical climate allows some plants to bloom even in winter.

In autumn, the migration of birds attracts particular interest. More than 1 million birds of prey pass through Adjara each year between August and October. Dedicated observation platforms are available, while an international festival in September draws ornithologists, photographers and nature enthusiasts from different countries.

In winter, the focus of outdoor recreation shifts to mountainous Adjara. The Goderdzi ski resort, 115 km from Batumi, typically offers skiing and snowboarding from December through April. The combination of the Black Sea coast, urban amenities and scenic mountain areas enables the region to attract visitors throughout the year.

Tourist Arrivals in Adjara

In 2025, Adjara ranked second in Georgia by the number of international visits, with 2.7 million compared with 3.8 million in Tbilisi. Activity traditionally peaked in summer, although international visitors also came to the Black Sea coast in other seasons.

Between January and June 2026, foreign travelers made 927,300 visits to Adjara, including 621,300 in the second quarter. The region again ranked behind only the capital in visitor numbers.

During the first seven months, the total number of visitors exceeded 2 million, according to local authorities. Air connectivity also expanded: Batumi Airport handled 906 flights in July, up 31% from the same month in 2025. Approximately 3,000 international flights were operated from the beginning of the year.

From January to September 2026, tourist arrivals to Georgia reached a record 4.4 million visits, an increase of 2.3% year on year. The flow from EU countries and the United Kingdom grew particularly strongly, reaching 473,620 (+20.1%).

Tourism and Hospitality Outlook

International Investment analysts note that international recognition raises Batumi's profile in overseas markets and helps promote the city among travelers, tour operators and organizers of business events. Tourism development creates new opportunities for the hospitality industry and encourages major foreign developers to enter the market.

A major project already planned in Adjara is Gonio Yachts & Marina by UAE-based Eagle Hills. The 260-hectare site is intended to become a waterfront district with a yacht marina, luxury residences, five-star hotels, retail galleries and public spaces. The developer's announced investment in Georgia, including Tbilisi, exceeds $6.5 billion.

The Wyndham Grand Batumi Gonio, a major five-star hotel complex under an international brand, is also under construction nearby. It will include several hotels, residences, villas and facilities for family holidays, wellness and business travel. Management is planned to be entrusted to Aimbridge Hospitality.

Investors are drawn to premium branded hotels for their high service standards, professional management and access to global booking channels. These advantages help maintain steady occupancy and create opportunities for strong returns, including outside the summer season.

Batumi's fourth consecutive World Travel Awards honor strengthens its international reputation and its position in the tourism real estate market.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What did Batumi win at the World Travel Awards 2026?

The city won Europe's Leading All-Season Destination award for the fourth consecutive time.

When and where were the European World Travel Awards 2026 winners announced?

On October 17, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Kotor, Montenegro.

What other World Travel Awards has Batumi received?

From 2019 through 2023, the resort won Europe's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination five times. Between 2023 and 2025, it also received the global award for all-season tourism three times.

What makes Batumi attractive outside the beach season?

Autumn brings nature tourism and birdwatching, while the city's sights and local cuisine can be enjoyed year-round. In winter, visitors can head to the Goderdzi ski resort in mountainous Adjara.

Which major developments are planned in the Gonio area?

UAE-based Eagle Hills has unveiled Gonio Yachts & Marina, a waterfront district with a marina, residences and five-star hotels. Wyndham Grand Batumi Gonio, a major hospitality complex, is also under construction nearby.

Why do branded hotels appeal to investors?

International standards, professional management and global booking platforms can help sustain occupancy and returns. Financial performance nevertheless depends on demand, costs and management agreements, not solely on brand recognition.