The number of international travelers increased by 185.5% in June 2022, compared to the same period of 2021, and declined by 49% compared to the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of international visitors increased by 164.4% (2022/2021) and declined by 46.7% (2022/2019), and the number of international tourists3 increased by 126.7% (2022/2021) and declined by 35.9% (2022/2019).
In June 2022, the top countries of origin of international visits were Russia (90 239 visits), Turkey (62 192 visits), and Armenia (61 974 visits). Among the major tourism markets, the number of international visits from Uzbekistan (283.4%), Belarus (85%), and Kazakhstan (50.6%) significantly exceeded the pre-pandemic figure (June 2019). Besides, the number of international visits from Israel (-0.7%) and Saudi Arabia (-3%) has almost returned to the pre-pandemic figure.
ENTRIES AND EXITS OF RUSSIANS, BELARUSIANS, AND UKRAINIANS
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the border crossing statistics have shown significant differences in the number of entries and exits by Russians, Belarusians, and Ukrainians. However, in May 2022, the gap between the number of entries and exits declined significantly for Ukrainians, as the number of exits increased, and entries declined compared to previous month. Moreover, for Russians and Belarusians, the number of exits exceeded the number of entries in May 2022.
In May 2022, there were approximately 20,500 fewer entries from Russia compared to exits, while the corresponding figure for Belarus was around 1,700. This development could be attributed to a significant number of travelers from Russia and Belarus returning to their home countries in May 2022 due to slightly improved expectations regarding the economic situation in Russia and Belarus.
On the other hand, throughout March-May 2022, the total number of entries into Georgia by Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians still considerably exceeded the number of exits. The difference (i.e. more entries than exits) was especially high for Ukrainians in this period, in contrast with previous months when this difference was highest for Russians. A significant proportion of travelers from the three selected countries have not left Georgia since arriving.
INTERNATIONAL VISITS BY COUNTRY
In 2022, a significant recovery in international tourism has been visible so far. The return to the pre-pandemic values of 2019 has been gradual and in June 2022 international visits to Georgia reached 387,781, which is more than half (53%) of the corresponding figure for 2019.
In the first half of 2022, the main source countries for international visits were Georgia’s neighboring countries, together contributing to 53% of total visits. From January to May 2022, Turkey was the largest source market for international visits to Georgia.
However, in June 2022, the share of Russia as a source market in total visits increased significantly, notably exceeding the shares of Turkey and Armenia. The number of visits from Russia reached 90,239, which is 23% of all visits to Georgia in June 2022. Compared with the average for the previous five months of 2022 (15%), this marks a significant increase of 8pp. In the first half of 2022, other significant source markets for international visits were Israel (with an average share of 6%), Ukraine (4%), Kazakhstan (3%), Belarus (3%), Iran (3%), and Saudi Arabia (2%).
TRAVEL RECEIPTS BY COUNTRIES
Another indicator used to analyze travel dynamics and to compare travel expenditures by source country is the travel receipts. Throughout January-May 2022, Russia was the leading country in terms of share of total income from foreign travel. Specifically, since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, travel receipts from Russia have shown a significant increase (rising by 29.1% in March 2022 compared to February 2022).
Elsewhere, in March 2022, travel receipts from Belarusians experienced a drastic jump of 552% compared to the previous month and this high level has been maintained for the following three months.
Considering that the number of international visitors from Belarus is relatively low compared to the main source markets, it can be concluded that a large share of the Belarusians entering Georgia intends to have a long stay in the country. Ultimately, the two main contributing source markets in the increase in total income from foreign travel over the covered period were Russia and Belarus. In addition, in May 2022, compared to the previous month, significant increases in travel receipts were recorded from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan.
HOTEL PRICE INDEX IN GEORGIA
In June 2022, in Georgia the hotel price index increased by 7.5% compared to May 2022. The 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotel price index decreased by 7.6%, while for guesthouses, the price index decreased by 9.8%. The monthly HPI was the highest in Guria (23.9%) and Adjara (19.4%) and the lowest in Racha (-8.5%).
In June 2022, compared to June 2021, hotel prices in Georgia increased by 10.2%. The prices of 3*, 4*, 5* hotels increased by 8.4% and the prices of guesthouses increased by 15.2%. The yearly HPI was the highest in Racha (23.1%) and Kakheti (12.9%) and the lowest in Kvemo Kartli (-32.3%).
THE AVERAGE HOTEL PRICES IN GEORGIA
In Georgia, the average cost of a room in a 3-star hotel was 157 GEL per night in June 2022, while the average cost of a room in a 4-star hotel in Georgia was 245 GEL per night and the average cost of a room in a guesthouse8 was 110 GEL per night. The average cost of a room in a 5-star hotel in Georgia in June 2022 was 519 GEL per night. In Guria, the average price was 702 GEL, followed by Kakheti – 575, Tbilisi – 568 GEL, and Adjara – 552 GEL.
