Georgia Records Slight Drop in International Visits in Q1 2026, with Russia Leading by Visitor Share

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).

Also Read:

• 18/01/2026 – Georgia Sees Nearly 7 Million International Visits in 2025, Most From Russia
• 30/04/2025 – Russia Tops List of Georgia’s Visitors in Q1 2025 -Geostat

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