Georgia benefits greatly from its wine tourism

Nestled between the vineyards of Kakheti and the old streets of Tbilisi, Georgia weaves a story that is perhaps even richer than its famous Qaviori wine. Galt & Taggart, an investment firm, now projects that tourism revenue will reach $4.6 billion by 2025 – a slight increase from their previous estimate of $4.5 billion. It celebrates a sector that is not only recovering but actually shaping the country’s future economy.

With impressive data for the first nine months of the year, this growth confirms the tourism destination as a powerful engine, foreign currency collection, job creation, and growth growth that make Georgia better than other countries.

The update, found in Galt & Taggart’s most recent weekly investment review, isn’t just a shot in the dark. It is based on a concrete development: The National Bank of Georgia reports that $3.6 billion in tourism receipts from January to September represents a 5.1 percent year-over-year increase. The third quarter alone brought in an impressive $1.7 billion—up 6.6 percent from 2024—suggesting that people are choosing Georgia for summer and fall travel. “Based on actual figures for the first three quarters of 2025, our expectation is that tourism revenue will be $4.6 billion,” the report said, noting how strong demand is despite some global uncertainties.

Georgia’s tourism is a pillar of prosperity

Tourism is not a small part of Georgia’s economy; It is centralized, supports foreign exchange reserves and provides employment opportunities. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the industry has grown, with revenues reaching $2 billion in the first half of 2025 – a 3.8 percent increase over 2024, or even more impressive, a 35.4 percent increase over pre-Covid levels in 2019. There are now many direct flights from Europe and serving the Martmarket and the Gateshead markets. Soviet history, the influence of the Silk Road, and the composition of the Black Sea coast.

This growth is accompanied by broader economic developments. Georgia’s GDP is projected to grow by an impressive 9.4 percent by 2024, making it one of the fastest growing economies. Since 2000, GDP per capita has increased by 370 percent, with the Batumi Project predicting that it will increase by 500 percent by 2030. Analysts at Galt and Taggart foresee other forms of tourism in the future – with specialty tourism such as eco-tourism and cultural experiences – helping the sector stay strong. In a region plagued by ongoing conflicts, Georgia’s focus on hospitality brings reliable income that provides stability and highlights the country’s “peaceful future” goals.

Kakheti’s wine tourism creates a luxury legacy

Central to its success is Kakiti, the heart of Georgia in the southeast, and the main wine-producing area, which makes up 75 percent of the country’s wine. Previously little known among wine lovers, this region now attracts high-end visitors looking for a unique and historic “wine experience”.

Wine tourism here isn’t just about basic tastes; It’s about exploring 8,000 years of history, from wine fermented in clay to unique wineries that also serve as art galleries.

The progress is clear. Between 2020 and 2022, several new wine-focused hotels have opened in Kakheti’s main town of Talwi, combining luxury services with local charm. About 20 high-quality properties are planned across the country for 2025-2028, transforming quiet villages into exciting destinations. This development reflects an increase in exports – in 2024, 95 million liters were exported, generating $276.1 million in revenue, a 6 percent increase in volume and a 7 percent increase in revenue. New markets such as the United Arab Emirates (+80 percent), Turkey (+62 percent), and the United Kingdom (+42 percent) are turning to Georgian wines, although Russia still consumes nearly two-thirds of exports.

Wine production, Georgia’s second largest export sector (after mining), is closely linked to tourism, as are the vines in the supporting framework. Visitors don’t just sample wine; They become part of it – they walk in the vineyards. Perhaps by engaging in traditional winemaking classes, or sharing stories of hardship amid authentic culinary experiences. “Georgians have a strong sense of faith in their viticulture” is a common sentiment, and this belief seems to be proving successful, drawing an affluent demographic that may soon rival the prestigious wineries of Bordeaux.