In 2022, the number of domestic visits amounted to 16.3 million visits, which is 3.6% lower compared to 2021, and 14.6% higher compared to the pre-pandemic number, indicating a continuing increased demand for tourist activities from domestic visitors, albeit at a decelerating rate. By visited regions, the number of visitors to Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Shida Kartli declined significantly, while visits to Tbilisi and Kakheti increased notably in 2022 compared to 2021. In 2022, the average nights spent per visit fully returned to the pre-pandemic number, showing the reversal of the behavior of domestic visitors after the growth in the length of stay in 2020 and 2021.
The expenditure of domestic visitors reached GEL 3 billion, which is higher both compared to the previous year (by 9.8%) and 2019 (by 61.7%). In absolute values, in 2022, compared to 2021, the expenditures of domestic visitors on transport (by GEL 75.5 mln), accommodation (by GEL 43.7 mln), and food and drinks (by GEL 38 bln) increased significantly.
DOMESTIC TOURISM DYNAMICS
In 2022, the number of domestic visits declined by 3.6% compared to the previous year and amounted to 16.3 million visits. However, although there was a YoY decline, the number of domestic visits still exceeded the pre-pandemic number by 14.6%, indicating continuing increased demand for tourist activities from domestic visitors, albeit at a decelerating rate.
In 2022, the average nights spent per visit was equal to 1.9, which is 10.6% lower compared to the previous year and 5% lower compared to 2019 (i.e. pre-pandemic). Notably, since the pandemic broke out, the average number of nights spent per visit showed an increase in 2020 and 2021.
The distribution of domestic visitors by visited region in 2022 was similar to previous periods. In particular, the main destination for domestic visits was Tbilisi (22% of total visits), followed by Imereti (17%) and Adjara (11%). In absolute terms, the number of visitors to Mtskheta-Mtianeti declined significantly by 253,700 visitors, while in Shida Kartli this number dropped by 227,100. Meanwhile, visits to Tbilisi (140,600) and Kakheti (104,300) increased notably in 2022 compared to 2021.
DOMESTIC TOURISM INDICATORS
In 2022, the distribution of domestic visits by the main purpose of the visit was similar to recent years. The main purpose for the majority of visits (51%) was visiting friends/relatives, followed by visiting their second/holiday home (12%), and shopping (12%). Among the main categories of visits, “professional” amounted to only 3% of total visits.
The expenditure of domestic visitors reached GEL 3 billion, which is higher compared to the previous year (by 9.8%) and 2019 (by 61.7%). The expenditure distribution in 2022 was similar to recent years with most expenditures going on shopping (32%), food and drink (23%), and transport (21%). In absolute values, in 2022, compared to 2021, the expenditure of domestic visitors on transport (by GEL 75.5 million), accommodation (by GEL 43.7 million), and food and drink (by GEL 38 million) increased significantly.
HOTEL PRICE INDEX IN GEORGIA
In March 2023, in Georgia the hotel price index increased by 5.0% compared to February 2023. The 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star hotel price index increased by 7.9%, while for guesthouses, the price index by 5.4%. The monthly HPI was the highest in Mtskheta-Mtianeti (25.2%) and lowest in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti (-14.9%)
In March 2023, compared to March 2022, hotel prices in Georgia increased by 14.9%. The prices of 3*, 4*, 5* hotels increased by 16.4% and the prices of guesthouses increased by 20.3%. The yearly HPI was the highest in Shida Kartli (29.1%) and lowest in Imereti (0.9%) and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti (0.9%).
THE AVERAGE HOTEL PRICES IN GEORGIA
In Georgia, the average cost of a room in a 3-star hotel was 167 GEL per night in March 2023, while the average cost of a room in a 4-star hotel in Georgia was 275 GEL per night and the average cost of a room in a guesthouse was 122 GEL per night.
The average cost of a room in a 5-star hotel in Georgia in March 2023 was 456 GEL per night. In Tbilisi, the average price was 559 GEL, followed by Kakheti – 552, Samtskhe-Javakheti – 458, and Adjara –429.
