Georgia's medical wellness resort Bioli faced a difficult first half of 2026 after the conflict in the Middle East significantly reduced arrivals from its highest-spending markets, founder Tamaz Mchedlidze told BMG.
According to Mchedlidze, visitors from Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai made up a large share of the resort's premium clientele, and regional tensions sharply curtailed travel from those countries. While Georgia's overall tourism indicators declined by around 2–3% in the first half of the year, he said Bioli was affected much more severely.
Despite its focus on medical wellness, Mchedlidze revealed that more than 60% of the resort's revenue now comes from its event venue, Bioli Hall, which hosts weddings and celebrations. Since opening, the resort has hosted more than 200 weddings, with around 80% of wedding clients being Georgian citizens.
Mchedlidze said accommodation and the resort's restaurant are the second-largest sources of income. Looking ahead, he declined to make forecasts for the remainder of the year, citing continued global uncertainty. Bioli has attracted $52 million in investment to date, with plans for an additional $25 million in future investment.
