STEP INN in Kazbegi is already around 60% booked through the end of September, according to the hotel's founder, Ani Alibegashvili.
She told BMG that this season's demand is being driven primarily by group bookings from tour operators, while individual reservations have declined. Despite an increase in bookings over the past two weeks, she described the season as challenging for hotels in Kazbegi.
Alibegashvili said lower tourist arrivals from Israel have had a significant impact on occupancy. Last year, Israeli visitors accounted for around 60% of the hotel's business, but that share has fallen to about 25% this season due to fewer flights and fewer visitors.
She added that the share of Russian guests has remained stable at around 15%, while the number of visitors from Georgia and several European countries, including the UK, Poland, and Germany, has increased. Given current market conditions, the hotel is not planning new investments this year and is instead focusing on retaining staff and maintaining service quality.
