Georgia’s Black Sea Coast Becomes a Hot New Escape for Russian Travelers

Russian tourists are flocking to Georgia’s beaches in record numbers, with travel operators reporting a doubling in demand for trips to the neighboring country. According to the Russian Union of Travel Industry, bookings have surged as travelers look beyond the popular city of Batumi to explore lesser-known coastal spots like Kobuleti, Ureki, Chakvi, Gonio, and Kvariati. Darya Domostroeva, public relations director for the tour operator Intourist, noted that interest in Georgia has jumped 93 percent year-over-year. “Many travelers are booking last-minute trips—leaving within the next week or two,” she said.

Most visitors are opting for modern four- and five-star hotels with full amenities right on the water, or small apartment-style hotels along the first shoreline. They’re also snapping up packaged tours, such as a three-day “Discover Georgia: Tbilisi” trip starting at 32,500 rubles, a 10-day “Georgia with a Seaside Vacation” combo covering Tbilisi and Batumi from 110,400 rubles, and a “Wellness Georgia with Borjomi Visit” from 85,900 rubles. Flights are typically on regular routes operated by Russian carriers Azimuth and Red Wings, or Georgian Airways, with round-trip tickets starting around 50,000 rubles if booked early.

The boom got an extra boost in June, when demand for Georgia trips rose nearly 30 percent after Kanye West announced a concert there. The event sold 70,000 tickets within eight hours of going on sale, underscoring the growing pull of the country as a quick getaway for Russian travelers seeking sun, sea, and a change of scenery.