Hotel prices in Gudauri have increased by 10–15% year-on-year due to higher operating costs, hotelier Maia Murachashvili told BMGTV. She attributed the increase to rising fuel and food prices, as well as higher wages, stressing that it is intended to offset expenses rather than boost profitability.
Murachashvili expects visitor numbers to grow this winter, citing strong booking interest. Advance bookings, particularly prepaid reservations, typically become more active from early December. Foreign tourists continue to dominate, although the share of Georgian guests reportedly rose from 3–5% in previous years to 10–12% last season.
Hotels remain cautious about accepting large group bookings in advance due to weather uncertainty and regional geopolitical tensions, relying instead on individual travelers who tend to book closer to the season.
Gudauri's winter season is scheduled to open on December 20. Planned improvements include two new ski lifts, six kilometers of new slopes, artificial snowmaking infrastructure and lighting for night skiing.
