Martvili Canyon, one of Georgia’s most popular protected areas, has welcomed more than 1.7 million visitors since opening as a natural monument on July 16, 2016, according to the Agency of Protected Areas.
Over the past decade, significant tourism infrastructure has been developed at the site, including a visitor center, tourist facilities, a boating area, night lighting, a zipline, and a café. A virtual reality (VR) system is also being introduced to further enhance the visitor experience, while the renovation of the visitor center is planned.
The development of Martvili Canyon has also contributed to the local economy, creating new jobs and supporting tourism-related businesses. According to the agency, the number of restaurants in the area increased from one to 13, family hotels from one to 200, while 15 high-standard hotels and seven wine cellars have been established. The site itself provides 150 jobs, with around 350 people engaged in self-employment.
In 2019, Martvili Canyon was recognized as a winner of a European landscape competition under the Council of Europe’s Landscape Convention. The attraction offers visitors a 700-meter walking route and a 300-meter boat trip along the Abasha River, allowing guests to explore the canyon’s unique natural environment.
