In the third quarter of 2018, the total expenditure by the international visitors amounted to 3.1 billion GEL and the average expenditure per visitor came to 1,179 GEL.
Most of the international visitors in Georgia come from the neighboring countries, but visitors from United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Germany spend comparatively more money when visiting Georgia.
In the third quarter of 2018, the total expenditure by the international visitors amounted to 3.1 billion GEL and the average expenditure per visitor came to 1,179 GEL.
According to the information provided to Forbes by the National Statistics Office, during the reporting period, the citizens of the countries listed below spent the most amount of money in Georgia:
- United Arab Emirates: Average expenditure per visit – 2656 GEL
- Israel: 2613 GEL
- Germany: 2391 GEL
- Iran: 2116 GEL
- Kazakhstan: 1965 GEL
- Russia: 1513 GEL
- Ukraine: 1411 GEL
- Turkey: 654 GEL
- Armenia: 565 GEL
- Azerbaijan: 430 GEL
The largest share of the expenditure goes on food and beverages (30.1% of the total expenditure) and on accommodation (25.8%). A significant amount was spent on recreational and cultural activities (18.8%), and only 11.2% was spent on shopping.
Based on the average expenditure per tourist, Georgia is behind the countries with a similar economy, where the average expenditure per tourist comes to 500-800 USD. According to the 2018 World Bank data, average expenditure per tourist in countries of the world is as follows:
· Hungary - $ 1400
· Azerbaijan - $ 1400
· Turkey - $ 900
· Cyprus - $ 900
· Armenia - $ 750
· Czech Republic - $ 750
· Latvia - $ 700
· Poland - $ 650
· Greece - $ 600
Although the revenue generated from tourism in Georgia is not higher than in other countries, its contribution to GDP of Georgia exceeds 15% (2016). In Montenegro, this indicator is over 21%, and in Croatia over 19%. Based on the contribution of tourism to GDP, Georgia is ahead of Greece (8%).
