Georgia is positioning itself as a go-to destination for Gulf travellers who want more than a standard city break, according to a release from its tourism representatives in the region. Adventure in the mountains and wellness retreats are leading the appeal.
The numbers
The country recorded 145,513 visits from GCC countries in 2025, up 3.4% on the previous year. Visits from Gulf countries reached a record 26,397 in the first half of 2026, according to the release, which does not say how the two figures are counted.
Mountains and wellness
Mountain retreats in Gudauri and Svaneti, Black Sea escapes in Batumi and wine tourism are among the experiences drawing GCC visitors. Summer is the busiest season, with visitors coming for cool mountain air and green landscapes, while winter tourism from the Gulf is growing, with snow experiences increasingly popular among UAE travellers.
Wellness is a growing draw too, including spa resorts and therapeutic destinations such as Borjomi, Tskaltubo and Sairme. In Tbilisi, sulphur baths in the old town make the capital a natural stop for rest and recovery.
Getting there
Direct flights and visa-free entry make Georgia one of the most accessible destinations for Gulf travellers, with about 154 flights a week, and it sits around four hours from major Gulf countries. Georgia is investing in more premium hotels with international chains and in eco-tourism and adventure products, and Georgian tourism companies have joined roadshows in Dubai, Riyadh and Kuwait City.
If you want a taste of Georgia in Dubai first, read about Shvili opening in DIFC. For other getaways, see Raffles The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia and the Colours of Oblu festive seasons in the Maldives.
Image: courtesy of Georgia tourism representatives.