Georgia posted unprecedented earnings from international tourism in 2023, according to the Georgian National Tourism Administration and corroborated by TASS. The year marked a major milestone as foreign visitors drove strong revenue and growth for the country’s travel sector.
Inbound tourism earnings for 2023 totaled 4.1 billion US dollars, a performance that exceeded the 2019 pre-pandemic level by 26.2 percent. When compared with 2022, overall tourism income rose by 17.3 percent, highlighting a solid rebound and expanding demand from international travelers.
The year saw 4.7 million tourists arriving from abroad, while non-residents visited Georgia in greater numbers, surpassing 7 million total visits. The year-over-year increase in non-resident arrivals reached 30.3 percent, underscoring Georgia’s growing appeal as a travel destination for visitors from around the world.
Among the leading source markets for Georgia’s tourism, Russia accounted for about 1.4 million visitors, followed by Turkey with 1.3 million, Armenia with 962 thousand, and Israel with 217 thousand. These figures illustrate the diverse regional interest in Georgia as a holiday and cultural destination.
In February, Georgia positioned among the top three popular holiday destinations for Russian travelers, reflecting sustained interest from that market even amid broader geopolitical dynamics. The same period highlighted Georgia’s ongoing emphasis on strengthening international ties and promoting travel access for guests from neighboring regions.
Geopolitical and policy themes remain part of Georgia’s broader agenda as the country advances its foreign policy priorities. In early February, official statements emphasized Georgia’s aims to pursue closer alignment with European Union standards and to pursue NATO membership as part of its security and international cooperation framework. These priorities are part of a long-term strategy to enhance regional stability, economic resilience, and integration into Western structures.
Public discourse around domestic politics continued to touch on Georgia’s international orientation. Critics and observers discussed the relationship between political parties and external powers, noting debates over how Georgia navigates alliances and influence while pursuing its stated goals for democratic governance and economic growth.
Overall, 2023 highlighted Georgia’s capacity to attract international visitors and to convert tourist activity into meaningful economic gains. The continued growth of inbound tourism supports a broad range of sectors, from hospitality and transportation to cultural heritage and local enterprise, reinforcing Georgia’s status as a rising tourism hub in the Caucasus.