Russians Flock to Georgian Beaches as Demand Surges by Nearly 90%

Russian tour operators are reporting a dramatic spike in bookings for beach vacations in Georgia this summer, with some companies seeing demand jump by as much as 93% compared to last year. The surge, confirmed by the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), marks a sharp turnaround for the popular destination along the Black Sea coast.

Darya Domostroyeva, director of public relations at the tour operator Intourist, told RST that bookings for summer 2026 in Georgia have risen by 93% year-on-year. “The most popular choices are modern four- and five-star hotels with well-developed infrastructure right on the beach, as well as small apartment-hotels on the first line,” she said. Travelers are also increasingly requesting combined packages that mix beach time with sightseeing tours. The most sought-after route remains Tbilisi to Batumi, connecting the capital with the coastal hub.

Voskhan Arzumanyan, commercial director at Tez Tour, noted that his company has seen an 80% increase in the number of tourists wanting to visit Georgia. The highest demand centers on the Ajara coast, particularly Batumi. Industry analysts attribute the trend to eased travel restrictions, competitive pricing, and Georgia’s appeal as a nearby alternative to pricier European resorts.