Hotel chain INN Group, which operates in Tbilisi, Gudauri, Gori and Kutaisi, expects 2026 to outperform last year despite geopolitical challenges, Executive Director Erekle Kokaia said on BMGTV. Georgia welcomed 4.4 million tourists in the first nine months of 2026, up by 2.3% year-on-year, while international travel revenues reached $3.8 billion, increasing by 4.4%.
Kokaia said geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, negatively affected bookings between March and May, especially from Israel, Gulf countries and India. However, declining demand was offset by growth in other markets, particularly China, Germany, Poland, the UK and Arab countries.
October became the company's strongest month on record, outperforming September. Gudauri INN also maintained occupancy above 80% during most of the winter season, while low-season occupancy reached around 70%.
For the upcoming winter season, INN Group expects strong demand, with Israel likely to remain a leading source market. The company also anticipates visitors from Lithuania, China and Arab countries, alongside a growing share of domestic Georgian tourists.
