Georgian PM: Chinese visitor numbers rose 83% after visa-free travel introduced

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the introduction of mutual visa-free travel between Georgia and China has driven a sharp increase in tourism, air connectivity and broader cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at a government briefing, Kobakhidze said the visa-free regime, introduced following the signing of the Georgia-China strategic partnership agreement, had provided a significant boost to travel and economic exchanges.

According to the prime minister, the number of Chinese visitors to Georgia increased by 83% in 2024, followed by a further 44% rise in 2025. During the first quarter of 2026, visitor numbers were up by another 49% compared with the same period a year earlier.

Kobakhidze said the growth in passenger traffic had encouraged airlines to expand direct connections between the two countries.

He noted that three Chinese airlines are now operating in the Georgian market. Air China added the Beijing-Urumqi-Tbilisi route last year, while China Southern is scheduled to launch a similar service in July. China Eastern is also due to begin direct flights between Shanghai and Tbilisi on 15 July.

The prime minister described the expansion of air links as an important factor in strengthening tourism, business and people-to-people contacts.

Kobakhidze also highlighted Georgia's participation in ITB China, one of Asia's largest tourism exhibitions, where this year's event opened alongside Georgia's national tourism stand in Shanghai.

According to him, the move reflected growing Chinese interest in Georgia as a tourism and investment destination.

Beyond tourism, the prime minister said cooperation between the education ministries of Georgia and China had also deepened significantly.

He announced that the two sides are preparing a memorandum of understanding aimed at supporting partnerships and exchange programmes between Georgian and Chinese universities and colleges, introducing joint youth initiatives and expanding Chinese language education in Georgia.

Kobakhidze said these developments demonstrate the practical benefits that Georgia has gained since establishing a strategic partnership with China, which was recently upgraded to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.