European destinations continue to dominate among Georgian travelers planning Christmas holidays abroad, according to Baia Gigauri, operator of the tourism company OK Travel. Speaking to BM.GE, she noted that cities known for their festive markets and winter activities, particularly Vienna, Prague and Budapest, remain the most sought-after options in December.
Gigauri explained that the appeal of Europe’s traditional Christmas villages and seasonal events consistently drives demand during the holiday period. At the same time, a segment of Georgian travelers prefers warmer climates for winter escapes, choosing destinations such as Dubai, Sharm el-Sheikh and Doha.
However, she reported that overall demand has slightly decreased compared to last year, though it is still too early to quantify the decline. According to Gigauri, interest dropped most noticeably when the European Union announced it would reassess Georgia’s visa-liberalization status, creating temporary uncertainty among travelers. Despite reduced demand, the cost of holiday packages has risen by roughly 15%, continuing a trend of annual price increases.
Prices for packages to popular European destinations currently range from 1,000 to 1,300 GEL, Gigauri said. She added that OK Travel’s plans for the coming year will depend heavily on developments within the country and the stability of the broader environment, both of which directly affect consumer behavior and the tourism sector’s outlook.
