Paata Kokaia, founder of Inn Group, says that without Indian and Chinese tourists, Gudauri hotels would currently be almost empty. According to him, these visitors are willing to travel even without snow, unlike classic ski tourists who usually arrive later in the season.
Kokaia notes that although Indian and Chinese tourists do not match European visitors in terms of spending or behavior culture, they play a crucial role in maintaining hotel occupancy. From December 15 through the end of January, hotel occupancy in Gudauri is around 90%, largely due to this segment.
This year, the ski season has been delayed because of a lack of snowfall. In previous years, the season opened around December 15–17, but in 2025 it is expected to start only on December 29, with better snow conditions traditionally arriving in February.
According to Kokaia, the shift in the tourism segment has created challenges for the hospitality sector, but hotels are trying to adapt their services to the preferences of the new types of visitors.
