Revenue from visits to Georgia’s protected areas increased by 48% in the first nine months of 2026, while the Protected Areas Agency’s own revenues also grew significantly year-on-year, according to Deputy Head Tamar Khakhishvili.
Deputy Environment Minister Zurab Ezugbaia said higher entry fees are increasing the agency’s resources, allowing it to finance new visitor services and improve existing ones from its own revenues. He said the government is also continuing to develop infrastructure and improve access to protected areas.
According to Ezugbaia, fee changes are preceded by research and the selection of specific visitor sites where charges are introduced. He said the policy aims to gradually increase the agency’s ability to provide services tailored to visitors’ needs without relying solely on the state budget.
Entry fees to several protected areas increased in April 2026. At Martvili and Okatse Canyons, the fee for Georgian citizens rose from GEL 12 to GEL 16; for foreign visitors, Martvili Canyon increased to GEL 40 and Okatse Canyon to GEL 30. At Prometheus Cave, fees rose to GEL 40 for foreigners and GEL 16 for Georgian citizens and residents, while the boat service for foreign visitors increased to GEL 30. At Sataplia, entry increased to GEL 30 for foreigners and GEL 15 for Georgian citizens and residents.
