One million direct tourists - an 11 percent increase from the same period in 2023 - were part of the figure, with the number of international visitors from European Union countries at a “record high”, she said.Kvrivishvili said the numbers showed the domestic tourism sector had “completely recovered” from the Covid-19 pandemic.Compared to the same period in 2019, there has been a seven percent increase in international visitors, she also noted.The Deputy Minister added tourist flows from European countries - in particular Germany and Poland - as well as Gulf states were increasing.“The tourism industry in Georgia is maintaining an important dynamic, with diversification playing a key role [...] The country is continuing its policy of diversification to promote itself on the international scene and attract even more international travellers and income from the tourism industry”, she said.The number of visits from EU countries and the United Kingdom has seen “record growth” with a 44.4 percent increase from 2019 figures, the National Tourism Administration said.Poland was the origin of the highest number of visits in the first quarter with a 67.1 percent increase from 2019, followed by Germany with a 46.1 percent increase and the United Kingdom with 27 percent growth, the body said.The number of visits from “high-spending” tourist markets has also increased, with a 27.9 percent increase from Gulf countries compared to 2019, a 33.5 percent increase from Saudi Arabia and a 66.3 percent increase from Kuwait, the Administration added.The body said the data was calculated according to methodology developed based on recommendations of the World Tourism Organisation and measured completed visits. 

1713789400

According to the Union of Georgian Airports, Kutaisi Airport served 127,569 passengers in March (91,802 passengers in March 2023).In addition to the passenger flow, there was an increase in the number of flights at the Kutaisi International Airport at the beginning of the year. Flights at the airport increased by 23% in March compared to the same period last year and served 374 flights (March 2023 - 304 flights).In the first quarter of 2024, the passenger flow at Kutaisi International Airport increased by 57%, and the number of flights - by 42%.According to the information of the Union of Georgian Airports, 5 airlines operate from Kutaisi International Airport at this stage. Flights are fulfilled to 39 destinations in 20 countries.

1712915306

“Batumi is amongst the trendiest destinations of 2024. Forget Barcelona and Berlin, Batumi is so much more surprising, more exciting, more affordable and more exotic. History rubs shoulders with modernity, the cosmopolitan city rubs shoulders with untouched nature in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, the Adjara Region. For lazy days on the beach, for an exciting nightlife, for a romantic stay, with friends, with family, for wellness or for the culinary riches of this region rich in flavours, Batumi is a real sensory journey, a unique and unforgettable destination in the world,” the European Best Destinations notes.The platform highlights Adjara’s favourable climate, and stunning landscapes, including the mountainous terrain of Adjara, the Batumi Botanical Garden, the charming architecture and the vibrant city lifestyle.“The architecture of the city was shaped and designed by European architects in the 19th century when Batumi became a port city called “Porto Franco” (freeport). Batumi is home to diverse cultures and religions, where Christian Orthodox, Catholic, or Armenian churches, mosques, and synagogues have lived in harmony throughout the centuries, a way of life we would do well to emulate today.Batumi has a splendid mix of beautiful scenery of sea and high mountains, ancient cultural monuments, monasteries, mediaeval arch bridges, beautiful lakes, and authentic villages to travel back in time,” it adds.

1712912038

Georgian private companies presented their tourist services at the fair, which aimed to establish contacts and cooperation with Polish companies.The Polish tour operators expressed interest in the Black Sea resorts, cuisine, and adventure tourism activities.The Wroclaw Fair had approximately 13 thousand visitors. Up to 200 tourist organizations and companies took part in it.

1712073420

 the past year, seventy-five solar panels and 200 solar water heaters have been installed in the villages, benefitting 1,200 residents and significantly reducing reliance on fuelwood for energy needs.These initiatives promise tangible benefits for both the local communities and the environment. By transitioning to renewable energy, Machakheli Valley is poised to save up to 900 m3 of fuelwood annually, preserving 300 trees and mitigating 7 tons of CO2 emissions per year.During a visit to Machakheli Valley on 26 March, Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia, alongside Zaza Shavadze, Minister of Agriculture of the Ajara Autonomous Republic, and Zaza Diasamidze, Mayor of Khelvachauri Municipality, explored various villages within the Machakhela National Park support zone. Engaging directly with residents, they witnessed firsthand the impact of renewable energy solutions on local communities."Machakheli Valley is a jewel of Georgia, boasting unique Colchic Forests and breathtaking natural beauty. Yet, it is also a delicate ecosystem that demands our protection. Our collaboration with the Japanese Government aims to safeguard this natural treasure while providing sustainable energy solutions to local communities," stated Anna Chernyshova.The UNDP's support in Machakheli Valley draws on a Japan-funded initiative focused on bolstering forest protection measures and promoting renewable energy. This 12-month, US$545,000 project, implemented in partnership with Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Ajara Autonomous Republic, and the administration of Khelvachauri Municipality, underscores a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability.By engaging with central, regional, and municipal authorities, UNDP and Japan are fostering community ownership and participation in the sustainable management of forest resources. Particularly, efforts are directed towards empowering women and youth to play an active role in environmental conservation.Moreover, this project aligns with Georgia's commitment to the Paris Agreement, aiming to increase forest carbon-capturing capacity by 10 percent and reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 30-35 percent by 2030, in comparison to 2015 and 1990 levels respectively.

1711633560

According to their own reports, the number of visitors increased by 6.2% during the mentioned period, and the number of visits made by them is 17.5% higher than the similar indicator of 2022."In 2023, the average monthly number of tourist-type visits made by resident visitors of Georgia to the territory of Georgia was determined at 693.2 thousand, which is 8.1% more than the similar indicator of 2022.In 2023, 36.6% of visitors belonged to the 31-50 age group. In addition, the number of women was 54.5% of the total number of visitors.According to the results of the survey, 34.6% of visitors to St. Tbilisi residents, 16.9% come from Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions, 9.6 percent - from Kvemo Kartli region, and the rest of the regions are represented with a relatively low share in the structure.In 2023, the majority of visits (47.2%)were made to visit friends/relatives.In the reporting period, the largest part of the visits was carried out in St. in Tbilisi (on average 368.2 thousand visits per month) and in Imereti region (on average 342.6 thousand visits per month).The volume of average monthly expenses incurred during visits in 2023 was determined at 278.0 million GEL. This indicator is 12.0 percent higher than the similar indicator of last year. In addition, the average cost per visit has decreased by 4.7 percent and is equal to 173.8 GEL", the document reads.

1709207641

Hosted by Traverse, a London-based agency with tens of thousands of digital influencers and content creators, the event brought together bloggers, YouTubers, Instagrammers, podcasters, videographers and photographers to the city.Maia Omiadze, the Head of the Administration, said she hoped the coverage of Georgia on social media and other platforms would be “effective” following the event.“In European countries [and] on various platforms, articles and posts about Georgia [were shared on] social networks. We hope that similar measures will yield results. We think that Georgia's awareness of similar activities in these countries and in the world in general is constantly increasing”, she noted.Linda Lime, a blogger from Austria with 1.6 million followers on social media, praised Georgia's “hospitality” and “friendship”, as well as its “amazing” food and “beautiful places”, during the visit.“We have snowy mountains in Austria, but I really liked Kazbegi, Gudauri. I will share with my Austrian, German and Swiss subscribers the impressions I got here and tell them how beautiful Georgia is”, she said.Beside Tbilisi, the influencers were hosted in the highland town of Mestia in the north-west, the ski resort of Gudauri and other destinations to explore visitor attractions, local cuisine and wine, the Administration said.

1708522935

The number of outbound visits by Georgian visitors3 from above-mentioned number made up 607.5 thousand, which is 12.7 percent higher compared to the data from the same period of 2022.Outbound visitors have made 374.4 thousand tourist-type visits, which is 28.6 percent higher compared to the data from the same period of previous year. The chart below shows the distribution of visits made by outbound visitors by the type of visit.The majority of outbound visits, 49.2 percent, were made by the visitors of 31-50 age group. The number of visits made by women equaled to 45.9 percent of the total number of visits.In IV quarter of 2023 the purpose of the majority of outbound visits (37.6 percent) was shopping.The majority of outbound visits were made in Turkey and Armenia, 258.7 thousand and 98.5 thousand accordingly. The chart below illustrates the distribution of outbound visits by the visited countries.In IV quarter of 2023 the average number of nights spent during the visits equaled to 6.6 nights, which is 10.0 percent higher than the figure indicated in IV quarter of 2022 (6.0 nights). 97.7 percent of outbound visits was repeating visit.The expenditures during the visits made in IV quarter of 2023 equaled to 557.9 million GEL, which is 5.1 percent higher compared to the data from the same period of previous year. Average expenditure on the visit decreased by 6.8 percent compared to IV quarter of 2022 and amounted to 918.3 GEL.

1707476427

The number of visits by international visitors from above-mentioned number made up 6.2 million, which is 31.2 percent higher compared to the data of 2022.In 2023 the number of international visitors equaled to 5.1 million that is 30.9 percent higher compared to the data of previous year. In the reporting period, international visitors have made 4.7 million tourist-type visits, which is 27.8 percent higher compared to the data of previous year. The chart below shows the distribution of visits made by international visitors by the type of visit.75.2 percent of international visitors were only tourists. The share of excursionists5 amounted to 20.8 percent, while 3.9 percent of visitors were both tourists and same-day visitors.In 2023 the largest number of visitors (1.2 million visitors) was from Russian Federation, which amounts to 23.2 percent of total number of visitors. On second place is Turkey with 21.4% share and on third place – Armenia with 13.5% share. Correspondingly, the largest number of visits were made by the citizens of Russian Federation (1.42 million), Turkey (1.40 million) and Armenia (962.5 thousand).The majority of visitors (47.8 percent) belonged to the age group of 31-50 years. The number of women equaled to 40.4 percent of the total number of visitors.In 2023 the purpose of the majority of visits (52.3 percent) was holiday, leisure and recreation.The majority of visits comes on Tbilisi and Adjara A/R, 3.0 million and 2.7 million accordingly. The chart below illustrates the distribution of visits by the visited regions.In 2023 the average number of nights spent during the visits equaled to 5.4 nights, which is 13.6 percent lower than the figure indicated in 2022 (6.2 nights). 72.8 percent of visits was repeating visit. The chart below shows the distribution of visits by the level of satisfaction in 2023.The expenditures during the visits made in 2023 equaled to 12.9 billion GEL, which is 20.5 percent higher compared to the data of previous year. Average expenditure on the visit decreased by 8.1 percent compared to 2022 year and amounted to 2 097.4 GEL.

1706628180

The Administration said the Georgian stand at the exhibition promoted tourist products of the country, with “interest” shown by travel companies from Finland and Scandinavian countries.The Tbilisi City Hall, the Tourism Department of the Black Sea Adjara region, destination management organisations of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Svaneti regions and travel companies from Georgia also featured in the fair.About 50,000 visitors were hosted at the three-day fair in Helsinki, with 850 travel companies featured, the GNTA said.

1706012131