Georgia is seeing a notable increase in tourist arrivals from Uzbekistan, - Check-in Travel, a local tour operator, says the results reflect years of targeted effort in the Central Asian market.
According to the latest data from the National Tourism Administration, 29,376 visits from Uzbekistan were recorded in the first six months of 2024, a 14.5% year-on-year increase. Uzbekistan now ranks 14th among the top 15 countries by visitor numbers to Georgia.
“We anticipated growth from Uzbekistan, about 10%, but the actual increase was even higher. We’re very pleased. Our work has paid off,” Ia Gedevanishvili told bm.ge.
She explained that Check-in Travel has an exclusive partner in Uzbekistan and has made significant long-term investments to promote Georgia as a tourist destination among the Uzbek population.
“We’ve spent considerable funds every year to build awareness and trust in Georgia as a travel destination. Together with our Uzbek partners, we’ve introduced the Georgian experience to thousands of travelers. It’s taken years of consistent effort, and now we’re seeing the results.”
According to Gedevanishvili, Georgia appeals to Uzbek tourists for several reasons: the cooler climate, the diverse landscapes, the Black Sea, and the visa-free travel between the two countries.
“Uzbekistan can be extremely hot in summer. In contrast, Georgia offers sea, mountains, and cooler weather. Many of our Uzbek clients are especially interested in seaside vacations, so Batumi is a major destination, although we also receive many arrivals in Tbilisi,” she said.
Check-in Travel is also eyeing broader expansion in the Central Asian market. While Uzbekistan and Tajikistan remain their top-performing markets, the company sees potential across the wider Asian region.
“The Asian market is very interesting for us. Right now, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are leading, but we are continuing to explore new partnerships and opportunities,” Gedevanishvili added.
As Georgia strengthens its position as a destination for regional travelers, companies like Check-in Travel demonstrate how strategic partnerships, sustained investment, and market-specific outreach can yield lasting results in international tourism.
