The Holiday Inn Telavi hotel has temporarily closed, citing low occupancy as one of the main reasons for the pause, according to founder Shalva Eristavi. The hotel plans to resume operations in April, and its official website states that the closure is due to technical and renovation works.
The temporary closure reflects a broader trend in Kakheti, where many hotels are facing similar challenges due to changes in tourist geography and declining visitor numbers. According to Shalva Alaverdashvili, founder of the Hotels Federation, Kakheti has increasingly become a “weekend tourism” region, making extended stays less common.
Alaverdashvili noted that 2025 was generally positive for Georgia overall, but for the Kakheti region, it was a difficult year. “Unfortunately, the region’s only branded hotel, Holiday Inn Telavi, temporarily closed. Several other hotels are close to shutting down as well. Owners chose to close for 3–4 months to reduce expenses,” he said.
Reopening in mid-April will pose challenges, including rehiring staff and restarting operations. Despite the difficulties, hotel operators hope to restore services and attract more tourists during the upcoming season.
