"Bookings have been cancelled, and projections for new bookings are very low" according to one restauranteur. Georgia's summer season has begun but a significant share of visitors are missing: Israelis. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has meant Israelis are less able or unwilling to travel internationally.
This drop in numbers is being felt in Georgia which usually welcomes many visitors from Israel. "The loss is noticeable. The situation in the region has affected the number of tourists from Israel," says Levan Giorgadze from Tbilisi Free Walking Tours.
"Compared to previous years, the number of tourists from Israel has decreased noticeably. I wouldn't say that they don't come at all anymore, it's just, of course, in smaller quantities." Georgia's capital is popular year-round with tourists, while the beaches along the Black Sea coast are a popular summer holiday destination.
Shota Burjanadze, Chairman of the Georgian Restaurateurs Association, expressed similar worries: "Bookings have been cancelled, and projections for new bookings are very low. Therefore, unfortunately, this year will not live up to expectations." But not everyone agrees.
Maia Omiadze, Head of Georgia's Tourist Association, believes the summer will be busy, bustling and successful. She notes that the 15 places from which tourists visit the most include 's neighbouring countries, Persian Gulf nations and the European Union. "The data for the first quarter of 2024 was very positive.
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