Tourism in Georgia | 7 Popular Types
Georgia, a country stretching from the shores of the Black Sea to the snow-covered peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, is ..
Georgia, a country stretching from the shores of the Black Sea to the snow-covered peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, is one of the most important tourist destinations that attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. Tourism in Georgia is one of the most prominent and widespread activities, as Georgia enjoys a unique geographical location and distinctive weather. The four seasons pass over the same geographic area on the same day, earning it the title of the “Land of Four Seasons.” This weather allows for a variety of sports activities such as ice skiing. In this article, we will discuss the most important types of tourism in Georgia that you can engage in during your visit to this wonderful country. Stay with us.
About Georgia
The country of Georgia is located in the Caucasus region in Eurasia, at the crossroads between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Armenia to the south, and Turkey and the Black Sea to the west. Georgia enjoys a unique geographical location and is known for its mountains, coasts, and stunning natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and mountains. The country’s coastline extends along the Black Sea, with several major coastal cities, the most prominent of which is the city of Batumi. The Black Sea region is known for its subtropical climate and famous beach resorts.
Why Travel to Georgia?
Georgia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caucasus region, attracting travelers from all over the world. When you wonder what tourism in Georgia has to offer, you’ll find enchanting nature in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus regions, green forests, and national parks that house rare species of plants and wildlife. You’ll also find culture and history represented by ancient caves, Christian temples, delicious food, and the hospitality for which the Georgian people are known. Each region, city, and village in Georgia has its unique charm, making the experience of traveling to Georgia unforgettable.
The capital city, Tbilisi, is known for its charming streets, ancient architecture, and deep-rooted traditions. The ancient capital of Georgia, Mtskheta, is home to an ancient archaeological site in Armaztsikhe-Bagineti and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and Jvari Monastery. This is in addition to the beautiful beaches along the Black Sea, the city of Svaneti with its medieval tower houses, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ushguli.
Is Georgia a Safe Country?
When you think about traveling and tourism in Georgia, the first question that may come to mind is, “Is Georgia a safe country?” Yes, traveling to Georgia is safe. In 2017, the International Crime Index ranked Georgia as the 7th safest country in the world. The country was also honored by the World Economic Forum, ranking 34th in terms of national security. Security officers and police patrol cities continuously to ensure the safety of individuals and maintain order within the country. Tourism statistics in Georgia confirm its reputation as a safe country for travelers. Additionally, according to recent travel advisories issued by the US Department of State, Georgia is among the safest countries in the world for American travelers.
Tourism in Georgia
Tourism has become a significant industry in Georgia, as the country has attracted an increasing number of international visitors in recent years. Most visitors to Georgia come from neighboring countries, including Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. However, the number of visitors from Europe, Asia, and other countries has also been growing in recent years.
The capital city of Tbilisi and the coastal region of Adjara, particularly the attractive coastal city of Batumi, are among the most popular destinations in Georgia. Tourists also travel in large numbers to mountainous sites in Svaneti, Tusheti, Khikhani, and Kazbegi. The number of tourists is also increasing in regions like Imereti, Kakheti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Kvemo Kartli, Guria, and beyond. Overall, the tourism industry in Georgia is one of the most important activities in the Caucasus region.
A brief overview of tourism in Georgia:
- The tourism industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy, accounting for about 7% of the GDP in 2019.
- The most popular tourist destinations in Georgia include the capital city of Tbilisi, the coastal city of Batumi, and the mountainous region of Svaneti.
- The Georgian government has made efforts to develop tourism in the country, including investing in infrastructure and preserving and promoting cultural and natural landmarks.
- Georgia offers a range of cultural and natural attractions, including ancient monasteries and churches, stunning landscapes, and popular traditional cuisine.
Tourism in Georgia throughout the four seasons:
Georgia attracts tourists year-round, but the tourist trends vary depending on the places visited according to the seasons. However, in general, you can travel and explore Georgia at any time of the year as each season offers a unique type of tourism experience during your stay. These include:
- During winter, tourists are drawn to ski resorts in Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia, and Goderdzi.
- During autumn, the western region of Kakheti is particularly attractive to tourists.
- In summer, tourists flock to the Black Sea beaches or the cool high mountain regions of Georgia.
- Spring is one of the most enjoyable seasons to explore and enjoy the picturesque landscapes in Georgia.
Types of tourism in Georgia:
Tourism opportunities in Georgia are diverse, offering a wide range of activities. Some of the main types of tourism in Georgia include:
Historical and cultural tourism:
Georgia boasts a rich cultural heritage and a long history, from ancient castles and caves to old cities. When visiting Georgia, your tour will be filled with visits to ancient churches, monasteries, historical sites, UNESCO World Heritage sites, castles, watchtowers, unique treasures, folk heritage, and folk dances that reflect the historical development, culture, and traditions of this wonderful country.
Additionally, the abundance of museums, art exhibitions, theaters, and concert halls in Tbilisi and other major cities enriches your cultural journey to Georgia. The vibrant capital with its old town districts and remote, traditional mountain villages like Gudauri, and Ushguli, and fortified villages like Sighnaghi and Mtskheta add a touch of charm and beauty to your trip.
Adventure and nature tourism:
Georgia offers a diverse and stunning range of natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, rivers, and beaches. Visitors can engage in activities such as long-distance hiking, skiing, mountain biking in the mountains, exploring national parks and green valleys, relaxing on the Black Sea coast, discovering waterfalls amidst natural gorges, cave tours, and camping near flowing rivers.
If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience during your trip, you can embark on the road to Tusheti and venture into remote areas in this region. Svaneti and Kazbegi attract visitors year-round with opportunities for long-distance hiking, horseback riding, cycling, rock climbing in the beautiful Caucasus region in summer, and high-altitude helicopter skiing.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a growing sector in tourism in Georgia, where the country supports local popular tourism. The country’s rich heritage and diverse ecosystems will fill your journey with unforgettable experiences, but you should help in preserving the environment during your trip.
It is worth noting that around 40% of Georgia’s land is covered by forests, and approximately 20% of the country’s land is protected areas. These national parks serve as unique places for ecotourism, providing safe hiking trails, horse riding paths, camping sites, and more than 330 bird species. Ecotourism offers an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy nature alone or with family and friends.
Each region in Georgia enjoys its diverse and different nature. In Kakheti, you can enjoy the beauty of Lago Lajhudi National Park or visit the David Gareja Desert to observe the birds. Tusheti National Park offers stunning nature amidst the towering Caucasus Mountains. Meanwhile, remote mountain villages preserve ancient traditions and old recipes for delicious food.
Winter Tourism
Georgia offers stunning tourist experiences throughout the year, but the experience of tourism in Georgia during winter is entirely different. You can start your winter tour by exploring the capital city of Georgia, Tbilisi, where the temperature rarely drops below freezing, keeping the city vibrant throughout the year. You can also enjoy the warmth of famous sulfur baths on a cold winter day or indulge in a hot Khachapuri drink in a cozy restaurant surrounded by lively traditional Georgian songs. Museums, art exhibitions, theaters, and opera houses provide a unique entertainment experience on special winter nights in Tbilisi.
In addition to winter tourism in the capital city of Tbilisi, Georgia is home to several world-class ski resorts, including Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mitarbi, Goderdzi, Mestia-Hatsvali, and Tetnuldi. Each of them offers unique skiing experiences from early December to late March.
Religious Tourism
If you are looking for a religious tour and want to see ancient religious sites, and historical churches, and hear the ringing of bells, and sacred songs, then Georgia is the right place. The country is a popular destination for religious tourism, where strong beliefs have been preserved through many invasions. Some tourists come to learn about the Jewish heritage of the country, while others visit temples of different denominations. Most religious tourists are interested in getting to know Georgian Orthodox Christianity, the dominant religion in the country, through tours of cathedrals, monasteries, and unique churches in the country.
Georgia became one of the first countries to adopt Christianity as its official religion in 337 AD. Since then, Christianity has played a central role in shaping Georgian identity, traditions, history, politics, education, and way of life. Today, you can find sacred and unique places in every region of Georgia. One of the most important is the Nikortsminda Monastery in the Kakheti region, which is the oldest church in Georgia, built in the 4th century. In Bodbe Monastery, you can find the tomb of St. Nino, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia, making it an important pilgrimage site. In Mtskheta, the religious center of the country, it is believed that part of the holy robe of Christ is preserved in the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gelati Monastery in western Georgia showcases unique mosaic frescoes. In mountainous areas, small churches are painted with colors both inside and outside, showcasing the beautiful architecture of Georgian churches adorned with religious symbols and sculptures.
Medical Tourism
Traveling to Georgia for medical treatment is one of the prominent forms of tourism in the country. Georgia is known for its natural hot springs, therapeutic mineral waters, and sulfur baths where visitors can relax and rejuvenate in various health resorts across the country.
Culinary Tourism
Culinary tourism is one of the most delightful forms of tourism in Georgia. Local culinary traditions artistically express the country’s heritage and culture. Georgians are renowned for their hospitality, showcased through delicious food, lavish feasts, and festive social gatherings centered around fresh dishes and baked bread. Due to its location at the crossroads of civilizations and trade routes, Georgia has endured invasions from Greeks, Romans, Iranians, Arabs, Byzantines, Mongols, Ottomans, and Russians over the years, all of which have influenced Georgian cuisine, reflecting the rich history of the country. Georgian cuisine is known for its abundant use of spices, aromatic herbs, and diverse fruits. It also includes vegetarian dishes and is considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
The more you travel within the country, the wider the range of culinary experiences you will encounter. Each region in Georgia has left its unique mark on Georgian cuisine. From upscale restaurants to street food, some of the famous traditional dishes that reflect Georgian culture include Khachapuri and Khinkali.
In conclusion, we have covered the main forms of tourism in Georgia, which you can enjoy during your stay. The tourism options range from historical and environmental tourism to winter tourism, adventure tourism, religious tourism, culinary tourism, and finally, medical tourism. Whatever your purpose for visiting Georgia, you will find a type of tourism that suits your nature, interests, and most importantly, your budget, as the cost of living and accommodation in Georgia is very low compared to other European countries. Now, the International team is here to assist you in your journey to Georgia, so feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries.