Tourist Spending Grows, but Average Expenditure per Visit Falls to 2,187 GEL

The proposed changes to the Law on “Official Statistics” were introduced by MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party. According to the draft, the clause that prohibits the same individual from holding the post of Executive Director for more than two consecutive terms will be eliminated entirely.The explanatory note to the bill outlines several key justifications: Retention of experienced leadership: The authors argue that the current cap prevents effective and high-performing directors from continuing their work within the institution. Institutional stability: The proposed amendment aims to promote long-term continuity, organizational growth, and professional consistency within Geostat. Merit-based renewal: Under the new approach, the reappointment of an Executive Director would be based on performance, professional reputation, and trust—rather than a pre-determined numerical limit on terms. The amendment was submitted to Parliament by MPs Shota Berekashvili, Levan Machavariani, Anton Obolashvili, Irakli Mezurnishvili, Giorgi Barvenashvili, and Tornike Berekashvili.According to the initiators, the proposal will contribute to improving the quality of official statistics and ensuring better alignment with international standards in the long run.Geostat is currently headed by Executive Director Gogita Todradze, who was first appointed to the position in 2018. His second term began in 2022, meaning that under the existing legislation, his mandate would have expired in 2026. The proposed amendment would allow him, and future directors, to remain in office beyond the previously established two-term limit.

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Out of the total entries, international visitors accounted for 1.5 million visits, reflecting an 8.3% year-on-year growth. The number of international visitors reached 1.3 million during 4Q25, up 9.1% compared to the previous year. Tourist-type visits also rose significantly, hitting 1.2 million, a 10.5% increase.A vast majority of international visitors , 79.5%  were tourists, while 16.5% were same-day visitors, and 4% fell into both categories.Russia remained the top source market in 4Q25, with 280.6 thousand visitors, accounting for 22.1% of the total. It was followed by Turkey (17.1%) and Armenia (12.7%). In terms of total visits, the highest numbers were made by citizens of Russia (334,000), Turkey (285,200) and Armenia (228,100).Most visitors (46.2%) were between 31 and 50 years old, while women accounted for 40.2% of all international visitors.Leisure, entertainment, and recreation were the main purposes of travel, representing 43.7% of all visits. The majority of visits were concentrated in Tbilisi (866.8 thousand) and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara (466.9 thousand).The average length of stay during 4Q25 amounted to 4.95 nights, down 1.9% from 5.05 nights recorded in 4Q24. Additionally, 82.1% of all visits were repeat visits.Total spending by international visitors in the fourth quarter reached 3 billion GEL, a modest 1% annual increase, yet average spending per visit decreased by 6.8%, falling to 1,946.7 GEL.

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According to the statement, Germany expressed concern during the UPR process — a mandatory review each UN member state must undergo — noting a rapid deterioration of human rights in Georgia. Germany cited serious restrictions on freedom of assembly, association, expression, and speech, enabled through “repressive legislation” and the misuse of administrative and criminal proceedings. Berlin also highlighted the lack of accountability for violent attacks on protesters and journalists.Germany recommended that Georgia thoroughly investigate reports of excessive force used against demonstrators, including allegations of torture and ill-treatment by police, and ensure victims have access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation. The German delegation further urged the Georgian government to remove obstacles to civil society activity and to repeal or amend the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,” the “Law on Registration of Foreign Agents,” and recent amendments to the “Law on Grants.” Berlin also called for revisions to changes made to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, as well as to the Administrative Offences and Criminal Codes, arguing that the current versions restrict the right to peaceful assembly and contradict international legal standards, Venice Commission recommendations, and the EU’s 2025 Enlargement Report.Additionally, Germany requested the repeal or substantial amendment of changes to the broadcasting legislation and the laws governing freedom of expression and speech. The embassy emphasized that Georgia, as a member of international organizations, is obliged to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms and warned that current developments contradict these commitments.Germany is among the 24 countries that on January 29 activated the OSCE’s “Moscow Mechanism” to launch an expert mission to examine human rights developments in Georgia. The joint statement explains that the mechanism was triggered due to worsening human rights conditions and urges the Georgian government to cooperate fully and facilitate the mission’s work. The countries noted that although the OSCE’s “Vienna Mechanism” was invoked in December 2024 to seek information and express concern, Georgia’s responses have not alleviated the growing worries about its adherence to international human rights obligations.In a letter to the OSCE Director, the 24 delegations reaffirmed their engagement with Georgia throughout 2025 and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue. The mission, they said, will aim to document recent human rights developments; assess their impact on civil society, media freedom, the rule of law, judicial independence, political pluralism, and other structural components of democratic governance; and issue recommendations on how to address the identified concerns.

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More than 70% of all permits were concentrated in four regions. Tbilisi accounted for the largest share with 46.2% of planned construction works, followed by Kvemo Kartli (10.1%), Kakheti (9.8%), and the Adjara Autonomous Republic (6.9%).In 2025, construction permits were issued for a variety of projects, including multifunctional residential complexes, commercial facilities, hotels, industrial enterprises, agricultural buildings, and other types of structures.GeoStat also reports that 3,393 buildings were granted occupancy permits in 2025 — 5.9% fewer than the previous year — but the total completed area increased by 8.1%, reaching 3.5 million m².Two-thirds of all completed buildings were located in four regions: Tbilisi (34.4%), Mtskheta-Mtianeti (13%), Kakheti (11.5%), and Kvemo Kartli (8.8%).

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GeoStat reports that in December 2025, sectors such as manufacturing, information and communication, transport and warehousing, as well as hotels and restaurants, significantly contributed to the growth. Meanwhile, a downward trend was observed in the construction sector.

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Liberty Bank’s income is the most growing. In 2024, the income made up 5.5 million. In 2025, it exceeded 14 million. Significant growth has been recorded by Chinese capital "Basisbank" (L / Y - 17 million)) and Georgian "Cartu" (L / Y - 10.7 million).The profit of the Bank of Georgia and TBC is stable (2024 - 369 million, 356 million).TOP-7 banks by profit from buying and selling currencies (2025)

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In total, Georgia welcomed 6.9 million international visitors in 2025, up 6.2% year-on-year, including 5.5 million tourists (+8.4%) and 1.3 million one-day visitors (-2.2%).Tourism revenue reached $1.1 billion in Q4 2025, up 9.2% YoY, driven mainly by Israel (+37%), EU countries (+26.6%), neighboring countries excluding Russia (+17.8%), and Asian markets. However, despite more visitors from Russia, revenue from this market fell 23.7% YoY, while revenue from Iran remained nearly unchanged (-1.2%).For the full year 2025, tourism revenues increased 6% YoY to $4.7 billion. Looking ahead, Galt & Taggart forecast 6.1 million tourists in 2026 and tourism revenue rising to $5 billion.

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He explained that the decision followed preliminary consultations with the university rectors.“The launch of a significant reform in the higher education system is founded on thorough analysis, international best practices, and the long-term interests of the country’s development.Recently, a comparative evaluation of academic programmes, research specialisations, and infrastructure across state universities was carried out. Based on this process and preliminary consultations with the rectors, we have decided to merge Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University. This merger is a vital step towards establishing Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University as a leading centre for academic and scientific advancement in the region, and will markedly enhance its international rankings,” Givi Mikanadze noted.As Givi Mikanadze explained, by order of the Minister, a temporary management body, the Council, will be established to oversee the merger. An acting rector, together with deputy rectors, will be appointed to manage the reorganisation process.Furthermore, a new position of Lead Professor will be established as part of the higher education reform. Selected through a competitive process, individuals appointed to this role will provide strategic leadership for teaching and research, fostering quality improvement and supporting the development of young academic staff.

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