The Georgian National Tourism Administration has kicked off a major B2B roadshow in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to attract more visitors from the Gulf region. This effort, starting in late 2025, mixes online webinars and live events to connect with travel agents and boost leisure and business trips to Georgia.
Roadshow Aims and Structure
This roadshow focuses on building ties with GCC tour operators, online travel agencies, and MICE planners. It offers market insights, supplier meetings, and joint marketing ideas to grow tourism from the Gulf.
Events run through the fourth quarter of 2025, with webinars sharing details on Georgia’s spots and in-person gatherings for networking. Travel pros get tools to promote Georgia, tapping into the GCC’s rising outbound travel market.
The push comes as GCC travel spending is set to hit $158.8 billion by 2034, more than double current levels. Georgia wants a slice of this growth, highlighting its culture, value, and easy access.
Surge in Gulf Visitors to Georgia
Georgia has seen huge jumps in arrivals from the Gulf in recent years. Triple-digit growth shows strong interest, with Georgia now in the top 10 spots for GCC travelers in 2025.
In the first half of 2025, 2.9 million international tourists came to Georgia, bringing in $826 million in the first quarter alone. This added 7.2% to the nation’s GDP, showing tourism’s key role.
Forecasts point to even more growth. Experts predict Georgia’s tourism revenue could reach $4.6 billion for the full year of 2025, driven by strong early results.
Recent reports note a record 4.3 million international visitors in the first three quarters of 2025. This surge fuels jobs and local economies, especially in eco-tourism areas.
Top Draws for GCC Travelers
Georgia stands out with its mix of mountains, beaches, and cities, all close together. Visitors can ski in the Caucasus, relax on the Black Sea, or explore Tbilisi in one trip.
Affordability draws crowds, with costs 30 to 40% lower than similar European places. Luxury hotels and mid-range options offer great value without skimping on quality.
Visa rules help too. GCC nationals enter visa-free, and residents get quick e-visas, making trips simple.
Key attractions include:
- Tbilisi’s old town with sulfur baths and wine spots.
- Batumi’s subtropical coast and botanical gardens.
- Martvili Canyon’s stunning nature for adventure seekers.
These spots blend history, nature, and modern vibes, perfect for families and business groups.
Boost in Air Links and Infrastructure
Flight options between the GCC and Georgia keep expanding. Airlines like Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, and Flynas add routes, making travel easier.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi now flies eight times a week to Tbilisi and Baku. Etihad Airways plans eight weekly flights from Abu Dhabi to Tbilisi starting March 2026.
Airport upgrades in Georgia support this growth, handling more passengers smoothly.
This ties into broader GCC tourism trends, like the planned unified visa for seamless travel across Gulf states by late 2025.
MICE Focus and Economic Benefits
Georgia pushes MICE tourism as a growth area. Modern venues in Tbilisi and Batumi, plus unique sites like castles and vineyards, suit conferences and incentives.
This strategy aims to draw high-spending business travelers, adding to leisure gains.
Tourism already boosts local jobs and sustainable projects. Eco-tourism efforts help communities while protecting nature.
Here’s a quick look at Georgia’s 2025 tourism stats:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| International Visitors (First 9 Months) | 4.3 million |
| Q1 Revenue | $826 million |
| GDP Contribution | 7.2% |
| Projected Full-Year Revenue | $4.6 billion |
| GCC Arrival Growth | Triple-digit in recent years |
These numbers show tourism’s vital role in Georgia’s economy.
Looking Ahead for Georgia Tourism
With rising GCC interest, Georgia positions itself as a top spot for 2025 and beyond. The roadshow could spark new partnerships and more visits.
Experts see continued growth, especially in sustainable and adventure travel. As global tourism rebounds, Georgia’s unique appeal shines.
Share your thoughts on Georgia as a travel spot in the comments below, and pass this article to fellow travelers for trip ideas.
