Business
Georgia Targets Regional Hospitality Hub Status at Tbilisi Investment Forum
April 3, 2026
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Min
Georgia's Minister of Infrastructure has officially launched the Hospitality Investment Forum Tbilisi 2026, signaling an ambitious vision for the country's next phase of tourism and hospitality development. The forum, which is attracting interest from international hotel chains and real estate investors, is designed to accelerate the expansion of Georgia's hospitality infrastructure and strengthen international investment cooperation.
The event comes as Georgia rides a wave of tourism growth that has made the sector one of the country's most important economic drivers. In 2025, a record 5.5 million tourists visited Georgia, and the country has set its sights on even higher numbers in 2026 with the expansion of direct air routes and visa-free travel agreements.
"Georgia is uniquely positioned to become the hospitality hub of the South Caucasus and the broader Black Sea region," said the Infrastructure Minister during the forum launch. "We have the culture, the natural beauty, and the strategic location — now we need the world-class infrastructure to match."
The Caspian Post reported that the forum will feature investment presentations from major international hotel brands, panel discussions on sustainable tourism development, and bilateral meetings between Georgian government officials and foreign investors.
Several major investments are already in the pipeline. Eagle Hills, the Abu Dhabi-based developer, has committed $6 billion to two large-scale mixed-use projects: Krtsanisi Park near Tbilisi and a coastal development near Batumi. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 on both sites, creating thousands of jobs and adding significant hotel capacity to the Georgian market.
Airline connectivity has also improved dramatically. Etihad Airways announced it would add 14 additional weekly flights to the UAE-Georgia route beginning in March 2026, joining a growing list of international carriers expanding service to Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports. The improved air access is expected to boost visitor numbers from the Gulf states, a high-spending tourism segment.
Georgia's hospitality sector currently accounts for a significant share of GDP and employment, particularly in regions like Adjara, Kakheti, and Svaneti. However, analysts note that the country still faces challenges in workforce development, quality standardization, and infrastructure outside major cities.
The Georgia Today noted that tourism and technology conferences like Global Tech Weekend are increasingly positioning Tbilisi as a dual-purpose destination for business and leisure travel, a trend that could further diversify the tourism revenue base.
