Responsible tourism in Georgia
Tourism in Georgia has grown rapidly over the last five years, with international visitor numbers increasing from 2.8 million in 2011 to almost 7 million in 2017. Not surprising, as it has a lot going for it: the dramatic expanse of the Caucasus Mountains, wildlife filled nature reserves and rushing rivers. Culturally, too, it’s appealing, with UNESCO World Heritage sites aplenty, ancient towns carved out of rock, famously delicious cuisine, most of which is locally sourced, and well preserved cultural traditions.
However, Georgia’s cultural and natural wealth has not yet translated into wealth for its all of its inhabitants, and there are big divides between rich and poor, old and young, rural and urban. If not managed responsibly, tourism could end up destroying the very things that draw tourists to the area in the first place; with particular impact on rural communities and the environment.
Our Georgia Holidays
Holiday in Georgia, tailor made
Discover the dramatic and picturesque landscapes of Georgia
From
£1995
11 days
ex flights
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia holiday
A scenic journey through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
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£2915
15 days
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Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia tour
Small group tour of the Caucasus
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£2970 to £3295
19 days
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Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan small group tour
A comprehensive tour through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
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£2599
20 days
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Georgia cultural holiday, Georgia Explorer
Trek amongst Georgia's untouched villages and mountains
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£2115
15 days
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Georgia & Armenia cultural holiday
Journey to the furthest reaches of Europe
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£2245
16 days
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Georgia and Armenia holiday
Churches, monasteries, snow capped mountains, lakes and waterfalls
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£1999 to £2049
14 days
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Georgia and Armenia small group tour
The cultural and scenic highlights of Georgia and Armenia
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£1949
14 days
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Georgia and Armenia tour
Journey through the Caucasus region of Central Asia
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£2175 to £2429
16 days
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Bishkek to Istanbul overland tour, 78 days
Follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
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£3285
11 weeks
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Caucasus holiday, Armenia and Georgia
Experience the Caucasus in all it's beauty
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£1795 to £1950
12 days
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Istanbul to Ashgabat overland tour
Overland adventure through Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Turkmenistan
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£2175
44 days
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Georgia wine tour, small group
Discover an ancient history of Georgian wine making.
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£514
6 days
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Georgia and Armenia overland tour, 18-35
Encounter a welcoming land of mountains and monasteries.
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£1290
12 days
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Georgia highlights holiday, small group
Explore all beauties of Georgia in a short time!
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£844
8 days
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Svaneti Mountains walking holiday in Georgia holiday
Tread a land of mystery and mountains on our Svaneti walk
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£1545
10 days
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Armenia & Georgia hiking tour
Discover the culture & nature of Armenia and Georgia.
From
£1609
11 days
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Georgia Armenia & Iran tour
Unforgettable journey around the three majestic countries.
From
£2616
17 days
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Armenia and Georgia motorcycle tour
Enjoy Armenia & Georgia by motorbike ride
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£3772
16 days
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Caucasus tour
20 day tailor made tour to Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia
From
£3990
20 days
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Caucasus holiday, Armenia, Azerbaijan & Georgia
Journey through three Caucasus states
From
£2990
14 days
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Istanbul to Ulaanbaatar Silk route tour by overland truck
Overland the entire Silk Road and then head up to Mongolia
From
£7028
120 days
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Oman to Georgia tour, Persian Caravan
Overland from the Arabian Peninsula to the dramatic Caucasus
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£5670 to £5835
27 days
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Georgia hiking tour
Explore the country gifted with the amazing natural beauty
From
£650
8 days
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Armenia and Georgia cultural holiday
Armenia - Georgia tailor made tours in 2019
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£1795
10 days
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Georgia horse trekking holiday
An adventure suitable for moderate to experienced riders
From
£1645
9 days
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Caucasus small group tour
Charms and contradictions of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
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£2595
15 days
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People & culture in Georgia
Well managed tourism penetrates rural areas and undeveloped regions and offers sustainable employment to marginalised communities and women without destroying cultural ties and traditions. The money that it brings to rural communities can prevent migration to cities, encourage children to remain in school as their parents now have an income, and promote the creation of crafts, cuisine and other cultural traditions, which are now given greater value by tourism.
What can you do?
You can help ensure that tourist revenue gets to the people who need it by support businesses run by local communities. For example, when you’re in Georgia try to stay in locally run guesthouses and home stays rather than in international chains, where much of your money won’t stay in the country. Eat and drink at locally owned restaurants and bars, use local guides and shop at local markets and shops – perhaps buying some of Georgia’s handmade textiles while you’re at it.
As Mark Huggins, from our supplier Undiscovered Destinations, explains, small group tours are a great way to ensure your money ends up where it’s most needed:
“Some rural mountain villages may not be so used to tourism and numbers are increasing all the time, so this needs to be properly managed. Fortunately, we operate very small groups of maximum 12 clients and only three or four departures a year. We use locally owned accommodation such as the fantastic range of guesthouses in the High Caucasus Mountains. You can be sure of good food and a warm welcome.”
And remember that travelling responsibly means respecting the local culture. Georgia is a conservative country, so dress modestly, especially if in rural areas, and avoid public displays of affection.
Wildlife & environment in Georgia
Georgia has a diverse selection of plant, bird and animal life that’s impressive for a country of such diminutive size. Add to this the dramatic Caucasus mountains and lush green national parks and it’s unsurprising that the country’s wild landscapes are drawing increasing numbers of visitors. While the main threat to Georgia’s environment currently comes from big business, such as the logging industry, tourists can also play their part in preserving the county’s natural beauty.
What can you do?
The most important thing you can do is to dispose of your waste responsibly. Never drop litter, whether in the town or the countryside, and try to avoid single use plastics by carrying a reusable water bottle. If you’re walking in the mountains, remember to stick to the proscribed paths so as not to disturb the landscape or the wildlife.
Jonny Bealby, from our supplier Wild Frontiers:
“I don’t think Georgia is different to anywhere else that is emerging from the shadows of poverty to become a wonderful tourist destination. Travellers should be respectful of local cultures, try to use local suppliers – guides, cooks, drivers – so their tourist dollars stays with the local communities they are visiting. If walking and camping, have regard for the environment and use and discard as little single use plastic as possible. Georgia is finally becoming a lot more popular. In the last couple of years tourist numbers doubled, this does put a strain on limited tourist infrastructure meaning it is better wherever possible to book before you go.”
“I don’t think Georgia is different to anywhere else that is emerging from the shadows of poverty to become a wonderful tourist destination. Travellers should be respectful of local cultures, try to use local suppliers – guides, cooks, drivers – so their tourist dollars stays with the local communities they are visiting. If walking and camping, have regard for the environment and use and discard as little single use plastic as possible. Georgia is finally becoming a lot more popular. In the last couple of years tourist numbers doubled, this does put a strain on limited tourist infrastructure meaning it is better wherever possible to book before you go.”
Responsible tourism tips
More about Georgia
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