Imedi /  21 April 2026, 13:18 / Reliable source

Georgia’s tourism revenue hits record high in Q1 2026

Georgia's tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, reaching record-breaking financial milestones in the first quarter of 2026. According to the latest data released by the ministry of economy and sustainable development, the country generated $829.8 million in tourism revenue during the January-March period.

Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their subsequent negative impact on global travel trends, Georgia’s tourism industry has remained resilient. The revenue for Q1 2026 represents a 0.5% increase compared to the same period last year, signaling steady growth even in a volatile international climate.

Growth from the European Union and the United Kingdom was particularly impressive. Tourist spending from these markets increased by 36.4%, totaling $140.7 million. Notably, the European Union ranked first in tourism revenue share, accounting for 17% of total income.

Revenue from visitors arriving from Turkey increased by 12.2% in the first quarter, reaching $120.1 million. Tourism income from Ukraine grew by 34.2%, while revenue from Saudi Arabia rose by 47.6%.

In 2025, total revenue from travel (tourism) increased by 6.0% year-on-year, reaching $4,690.2 million.

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Photo: dw.com

11 June 2026, 14:40

Economy

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Photo: Imedi TV

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Politics

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Photo: Getty Images

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Economy

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Photo: Parliament of Georgia

11 June 2026, 12:12

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker: EU being driven toward Soviet Union-like model

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11 June 2026, 11:58

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker says Brussels seeks to eliminate China as competitor through propaganda campaign

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Photo: Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia

10 June 2026, 21:34

Economy

Georgian Deputy Economy Minister: Georgia-China strategic partnership boosts trade, deepens economic cooperation

Tamar Ioseliani, Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, on Wednesday said that the comprehensive strategic partnership between Georgia and China was significantly strengthening economic ties and contributing to strong growth in trade, exports, and investment.

Photo: Parliament of Georgia

10 June 2026, 21:16

Politics

Georgian Parliament official: blackmail over visa-free travel will only fuel skepticism toward EU

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Photo: Georgian Government

10 June 2026, 16:58

Politics

Georgian PM: US President advocates closer China ties while his party members criticise Georgia’s cooperation with Beijing

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10 June 2026, 16:18

Foreign policy

Georgian PM says comprehensive strategic partnership with China will bring major political and economic benefits

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with China would mark a new stage in deepening bilateral relations and bring significant political and economic benefits to Georgia.

Photo: Government Administration

10 June 2026, 15:53

Politics

Georgian PM: Georgia-China strategic partnership delivers tangible benefits, based on mutual respect, equality

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Photo: Parliament of Georgia

10 June 2026, 14:31

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker criticises EU for turning visa-free travel into political tool

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday sharply criticised the European Union, accusing it of applying unfair political pressure on Georgia and violating international agreements.

Photo: Parliament of Georgia

10 June 2026, 14:07

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker: if Brussels does not support politically motivated crimes, there will be no such crimes

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said that politically motivated offences in Georgia are being encouraged and financed from abroad, and argued that if Brussels and other foreign capitals stop supporting such actions, both the offences and the resulting punishments would disappear.

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10 June 2026, 13:41

Justice

Tbilisi Police Chief: 119 arrested in nationwide drug crackdown

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Photo: Parliament of Georgia

10 June 2026, 12:53

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia’s future must be determined solely by Georgian people

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10 June 2026, 12:34

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker: healthy partnerships between countries based on aligning national interests, not serving foreign agendas

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said that healthy relations between countries are based not on one side serving the interests of another, but on the search for alignment of national interests, stressing that “this is the essence of sovereignty”.

Photo: Parliament of Georgia

10 June 2026, 12:15

Politics

Georgian Parliament Speaker: dynamic Georgia-China ties have produced major achievements in recent years

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said that relations between Georgia and China have been so dynamic that the two countries have achieved significant results in just a few years.

Photo: Presidential Administration

09 June 2026, 20:18

Politics

Georgian President announces elevation of Georgia–China relations to comprehensive strategic partnership

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Tuesday addressed Chinese President Xi Jinping in a formal letter announcing the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new stage in Georgia–China cooperation.

Photo: Government of Georgia

09 June 2026, 17:15

Politics

Georgian PM: Georgia and China enter new phase of comprehensive strategic partnership

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Photo: Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia

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Politics

Georgia’s Economy Ministry: foreign direct investment has increased by 47.7% in first quarter of 2026

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Foreign policy

Georgian PM: Armenian PM has played special role in deepening Georgia-Armenia relations

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