Georgia recorded 1.2 million visits by international visitors in the first quarter of 2026, down 0.2% year-on-year, while the number of international visitors was 994,800, up 2.5% compared to the same period last year, with visitors from Russia accounting for the largest share at 20.3% (202,400), according to data published by the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) on April 30.
“International visitor” is defined as a traveller aged 15 and above who came to Georgia for less than a year, excluding certain categories such as those travelling for employment purposes. The number of “international non-resident travellers,” a broader category encompassing everyone moving between different geographic locations for any purpose and any duration, stood at 1.3 million, down 1.1% compared to the same period last year.
In the reporting period, international visitors made 997,500 tourist-type visits, which, according to Geostat, is 4% higher compared to the same period of the previous year.
85.6% of international visitors were “only tourists,” meaning they stayed at least one night in Georgia, while 11% were “only excursionists” who did not include an overnight stay. According to Geostat, 3.3% of visitors were both tourists and same-day visitors.
By the number of visitors, those from Russia accounted for the largest share at 20.3% (202,400 visitors), followed by Turkey at 18.5% and Armenia at 11.8%.
By the number of visits, Turkish citizens recorded the highest number (238,400 visits), followed by Russians (230,700) and Armenians (160,500).
Visitors aged 31-50 made up 47.4% of the total, while women accounted for 38.2%.
Holiday, leisure, and recreation were the main purposes of visits, cited by 46.5% of travelers. Tbilisi and the coastal region of Adjara were the most visited destinations, receiving 698,600 and 306,000 visits, respectively.
Total spending by international visitors reached GEL 2.2 billion, down 5.2% year-on-year. Average spending per visit declined by 5.1% to GEL 1,897.1 (about USD 705).
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