Visa-Free Travel and Direct Flights Boost Kuwaiti Tourism to Georgia

23/11/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: Georgia is witnessing a surge in Kuwaiti visitors, with tourist numbers rising by 38 percent last year, according to the Georgian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Noshervan Lomtatidze. He spoke during a Georgian Tourism Promotional Forum held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, attended by representatives of Georgian tourism companies and their Kuwaiti counterparts. The event aimed to showcase Georgia’s rich tourism potential and highlight investment opportunities in the sector.

Ambassador Lomtatidze emphasized that the forum, organized in collaboration with the Georgian National Tourism Administration, reflects Georgia’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Kuwaiti market. “Georgia is welcoming more Kuwaiti tourists each year thanks to its scenic landscapes, moderate climate, geographical proximity, and ease of travel,” he said. Kuwaiti citizens can enter Georgia visa-free for up to 365 days, while residents with valid Kuwaiti residency permits can stay for 90 days. He encouraged travelers to consult the Embassy’s website for specific requirements depending on passport type.

The Ambassador also highlighted the role of direct flights by Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways to Tbilisi and Batumi, which have significantly boosted tourist arrivals. During the summer, flight frequencies increase to two daily services to meet demand. Georgia plans to expand cooperation with these airlines and increase routes, with Batumi serving as a major attraction for Kuwaitis seeking coastal destinations.

Kuwait ranks as Georgia’s second-largest Gulf tourism market, after Saudi Arabia, based on visitor numbers during the first three months of 2025, according to Elena Gogelia, head of branding and promotion at the Georgian National Tourism Administration. She explained that the promotional tour, which also included Dubai and Riyadh, concluded in Kuwait to strengthen bilateral tourism ties and highlight Georgia’s diverse offerings.

Gogelia said Georgia has already welcomed six million visitors, surpassing post-pandemic levels, and aims to attract 11 million by 2026, provided airline support and direct flights continue. She described the ongoing marketing campaign in the Middle East, which includes outdoor advertising, digital media initiatives, exhibitions, forums, and workshops, aimed at promoting Georgia’s tourism products.

During the promotional roadshow, Gogelia highlighted Georgia’s natural, cultural, and culinary diversity. “Georgia is in Europe and has a lot to offer Kuwaiti travelers—from nature to ancient culture and history, stunning landscapes, and delicious gastronomy,” she said. She pointed out that Tbilisi, the capital, blends ancient and modern traditions and offers attractions such as natural sulfur baths. Batumi, known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea,” is a popular summer destination, while the country boasts 13 seaside resorts with black magnetic sand, rocky beaches, and mountainous coastlines.

The promotional materials also showcased Georgia’s seasonal diversity: summer offers sunny Black Sea shores and mountain villages; spring brings blooming wildflowers and waterfalls; fall celebrates food and traditional grape harvests; and winter features snow-covered resorts in Gudauri and Bakuriani, alongside festive events in Tbilisi. “We hope these events and campaigns will show travelers from the Middle East that ‘Hi! We’re Georgia and you can be here in three hours,’” Gogelia said.