26/11/2025
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26/11/2025
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Georgia is rapidly emerging as a top destination for Kuwaiti travelers, thanks to visa-free access and convenient direct flights. With the number of Kuwaiti visitors to Georgia jumping by 38% in just one year, the Caucasus country is leveraging its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality to captivate Gulf tourists. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Tbilisi, the coastal beauty of Batumi, or the serene mountain villages, Georgia offers an accessible, diverse, and unforgettable getaway just a few hours from Kuwait.
Georgian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Noshervan Lomtatidze
Speaking at a Tourism Promotional Forum in Kuwait, Georgian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Noshervan Lomtatidze, highlighted Georgia’s scenic landscapes, moderate climate, and visa-free access for Kuwaiti citizens as key attractions.
Direct flights by Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways to Tbilisi and Batumi have boosted arrivals, with plans to expand routes further. Kuwait is Georgia’s second-largest Gulf tourism market, after Saudi Arabia, and the forum aimed to strengthen bilateral tourism ties and promote investment opportunities in Georgia’s travel sector.
The Georgian Tourism Promotion Forum held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel
Arab Times conducted an exclusive interview with Ms. Elene Gogelia, Chief Coordinator (Ministry of Economy & Sustainable Development of Georgia, Georgian National Tourism Administration)
Ms. Elene Gogelia, Chief Coordinator (Ministry of Economy & Sustainable Development of Georgia, Georgian National Tourism Administration)
Q: Georgia is rich in culture, history, and nature but is still not widely known internationally. What steps is the ministry taking to raise Georgia’s profile in key global markets?
A: The Georgian National Tourism Administration is actively implementing a multi-layered global marketing strategy to strengthen Georgia’s visibility. This includes large-scale digital campaigns, international media collaborations, and participation in leading travel fairs across Europe, the Gulf region, and Asia.
We are also working closely with airlines and travel partners to launch joint promotional initiatives, improve connectivity, and increase the number of direct flights. In addition, we host familiarization trips for influencers, journalists, and tour operators to ensure that Georgia’s authentic story reaches new audiences engagingly and credibly.
Q. Despite being Muslim-friendly, Georgia’s tourism is seasonal. How are you promoting year-round tourism, especially from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, during quieter months?
A: Georgia has a huge potential as a year-round destination, and we are actively promoting off-season experiences tailored to travelers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Our campaigns highlight autumn and spring travel, emphasizing nature, wellness, gastronomy, cultural tourism, spa resorts, and adventure activities such as hiking, skiing, and thermal experiences.
We also work with airlines and travel agencies to develop attractive off-season packages, ensuring that visitors can enjoy Georgia’s mild climate, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences throughout the year.
Q. Cities like Tbilisi and Batumi have seen infrastructure upgrades, but rural and mountain areas remain difficult to access. Are there plans to improve infrastructure in these regions?
A: The development of regional and mountain tourism is a national priority. Significant investments are being made in road rehabilitation, improved transportation links, and enhanced visitor facilities in rural destinations.
New infrastructure projects include upgraded mountain roads, improved safety measures, improved signage and expanded accommodation options that support sustainable tourism growth. These efforts ensure that visitors can access Georgia’s most unique regions comfortably and safely while supporting local communities.
Q. How is Georgia enhancing Muslim travelers’ experiences through halal food options, local cuisine adjustments, and dining hospitality?
A: Georgia offers a welcoming and tolerant atmosphere for travelers from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. We collaborate with hospitality providers to broaden the availability of suitable food options, including halal-friendly offerings, in key tourism areas.
Local hospitality providers enhance cultural sensitivity, ensuring that dietary needs, privacy, and prayer facilities are properly accommodated. Our goal is to provide an inclusive and comfortable experience for visitors from the GCC and beyond.
By John Fernandes, Arab Times - Online Media Manager
