Georgia recorded 145,513 visits from GCC countries in 2025, a 3.4% increase on the previous year, according to a report by the TradeArabia News Service carried by Zawya. The report cited the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) and said the country welcomed 7.8 million international tourists overall in 2025.
What the figures show
The Gulf total equals about 1.9% of the 7.8 million international visitors. By country, Gulf Times reported on 19 July 2026, in an interview with GNTA head Maia Omiadze, that arrivals from Saudi Arabia grew 9.1% in 2025, which placed it among Georgia’s top 15 source markets. Arrivals from Qatar rose 4.6%, and visitors from the United Arab Emirates increased 0.7%.
The same interview said tourism revenue reached USD 4.7 billion in 2025 and that tourism contributes 7.4% of Georgia’s GDP, according to the figures Gulf Times reported.
Entry and flights
According to the TradeArabia report, GCC nationals get visa-free entry, with simplified e-visa procedures also available.
TradeArabia said Georgia is about a four-hour flight from major Gulf hubs, which it described as a “convenient short-haul option for leisure and family holidays”. Gulf Times reported that Georgia continues to expand direct air links with Europe, the Gulf and Asia and has an open-skies policy.
What draws Gulf visitors
The TradeArabia report named Batumi for the coast, Gudauri and Svaneti for the mountains, and Kakheti for wine tourism. It said the GNTA’s Middle East strategy highlights nature, culture and family-friendly experiences, and that the agency works with regional travel agencies on packages combining luxury stays, cultural activities and outdoor adventures.
Gulf Times said Georgia launched a large-scale marketing campaign across the Gulf in 2025, run with its regional representative office, and highlighted the cooler climate, lush green mountains and wellness resorts as an escape during the hot Gulf summer. It also mentioned the Gemo Fest cultural festival and the destinations Tbilisi, Batumi and Kakheti.
According to TradeArabia, Tripadvisor ranked Tbilisi the world’s second most trending destination for 2026, and more than 300 new hotels, including international brands, are expected across the country by 2028, in Tbilisi, Batumi and Sighnaghi.
In the GNTA head’s words
Maia Omiadze told Gulf Times: “The GCC region has become an important tourism market for Georgia”. Her closing message to Gulf travellers was: “Georgia is closer than you think and it offers much more than you expect”.
Wellness and the winter season
A press release circulated to UAE media by representatives of Georgian tourism said wellness is a growing draw for Gulf travellers, naming spa resorts and the therapeutic destinations of Borjomi, Tskaltubo and Sairme, and sulphur baths in the old town of Tbilisi. The release said summer is the busiest season for Gulf visitors and that winter tourism from the Gulf has been growing, with snow experiences increasingly popular among UAE travellers. The same release said Georgian tourism companies have joined roadshows in Dubai, Riyadh and Kuwait City.
