Insight on Tourism Trends for 2018 Q3

The number of international non-resident travelers to Georgia reached 3.2mln in Q3 of 2018 - a 8.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Majority of the revenues (41.2%) were attributed to 31-50 age group expenditure. Moreover, the largest share of visits (22%) are attributed to those coming from the Russian Federation, a 1.8% increase compared to last year’s results.

In terms of type of activity, 50.8% visited Georgia due to leisure, recreation or relaxation purposes. While 15.7% accounted for visits to friends or family, 7.7% to business trips, 4.5% to shopping activities and 2.2% for medical reasons.

Tbilisi and Adjara region were the most popular tourism destinations, with 32% and 27% of visitors traveling these areas respectively. The two regions were followed by Mtskheta-Mtianeti (12%), Kvemo Kartli (8%), Kakheti (6%), Samtskhe-Javakheti (5%) and Imereti (4%).

The average number of nights spent by tourists in the third quarter was 4.9, which actually decreased from 5.2 nights in 2017.

Expenses incurred totaled GEL 3.1 bln, a 36.5% surge compared to the same period of 2017. This amount can be divided into different categories (in GEL mln): Accommodation (805), Entertainment (587), Food and Beverage (941), Shopping (350), Transport (210), Merchandise (144), High-value Items (10) and Other (73).

By Anna Zhvania

Source: GeoStat

Photo: Wander Lush