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Two Years of Pandemic (Georgian Perspectives)
Mariam Tsitsagi1*, Sofiko Dzhvarsheishvili1, Nana Kvirkvelia1, Aleksandre Shakhnazarovi1

Abstract

Modern society faces many challenges, including the pandemic caused by COVID-19, which has changed many 

aspects of public life. The article discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Georgia's economy and demography and 

the challenges the country faces in the post-pandemic situation. The pandemic had a burdensome impact on the 

already fragile economy of Georgia. This has affected tourism, putting people employed in the tourism and 

hospitality sector under severe financial pressure. Small businesses were affected, unemployment increased, and 

a large migration followed. The pandemic has burdened the health sector and increased the death rate. The 

country's economy is trying to regain its strength post-pandemic. However, the region has now found itself the 

harbinger of another challenge: the subject of a separate study.

Keywords: COVID-19, Demography, Tourism. Economy, Georgia

Introduction

Any epidemic, especially a pandemic, does not end without a trace and leaves a more or less deep 

mark on the economies of the countries affected. After that, it directly depends on the fragility of the 

country's economy to either eliminate this footprint or live with it. Pandemics of the historical past are 

proof of this [1].

The first officially confirmed case of COVID-19 was recorded on December 31, 2019 [2]. On March 

1, 2020, it was officially declared a global pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused some 

economic shocks around the world. These restrictions (quarantine, travel bans and restrictions, social 

distance enforcement, and lockdown—closure of public places and cancellation of public events) 

affected the economies of different countries differently. Some economies are more fragile at such 

times, and others are more resilient.

Tourism was particularly vulnerable to the pandemic [3, 4]. It took longer than expected to restore it 

worldwide [5]. In countries where tourism was still developing, weaknesses were especially 

highlighted, and specialists began to develop future strategies for their elimination [6].

When discussing the effects of an epidemic, the first thing that comes to mind is the negative 

economic consequences and disruption of the normal rhythm of society's life. However, not everything 

is defined only from an opposing point of view. For example, a study in the USA confirms a decrease 

in anthropogenic (NOx) emissions in March–June 2020, which can be explained by the economy's 

slowdown related to COVID-19 [7].

Georgia is no exception. COVID-19 has affected the economy in large numbers and changed many 

social aspects of the country. The article attempts to gather existing statistical data and publications 

published during the pandemic to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on Georgia's economy, tourism, 

demography, and other aspects of public life.

Methods and Materials

The research is based on statistical data from various sources and literature analysis. Maps were

created in Arc map 10.8 and Adobe Illustrator to illustrate the data. 

Results

The analysis of the data revealed that the pandemic had a severe impact on the population of Georgia. 

These influences manifested themselves in almost all aspects of life. Figure 1 shows the essential 

decisions and actions taken at the beginning of the pandemic by the government. The scenario discussed 

in detail below is the result of the backlash inside and outside the country.

Demography

In 2020 and 2021, particularly in 2020, negative natural population growth was recorded in Georgia

for the first time since the 2014 Population Census. The natural population decline was approximately

 
1 TSU, Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography, Tbilisi, Georgia 

* Corresponding author: mariam.tsitsagi@tsu.ge 

 



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

4,000 people, while in 2021 the natural population decline was around 14,000. The phenomenon 

continues and results from the population decline tendency in Georgia for the last several decades due 

to natural population decline and emigration (negative net migration). However, the natural population 

change data according to the type of settlement (urban and rural settlements) shows that in 2020 and 

2021, the natural decline was recorded both in urban and rural settlements, while in 2016-2019, the 

natural population change in urban settlements was mainly stable, with an annual natural increase of 4-

5 thousand being recorded (Table 1). 

 
Figure 1. COVID-19 timeline in Georgia during the first lockdown. Data source [8]

The increased number of deaths essentially caused the mentioned. Since the 2014 Population Census,

Georgia's annual number of deaths has been mostly stable with a slight reduction tendency. However, 

in 2020 and 2021, the number of deaths in Georgia significantly increased. In 2021, almost 60 thousand 

people died in Georgia, which is 13 thousand more compared to 2019 (Table 2). This increase was 

remarkably well observed in urban settlements, although a growing tendency was also recorded in rural 

settlements.

Table 1. Natural population increase by settlement type. Data source [9] 

Year Urban Settlement Rural Settlement

2015 7759 2369

2016 5439 359

2017 5000 471

2018 5469 -855

2019 4583 -2946

2020 859 -4876

2021 -6027 -7933

This rapid and significant increase in the number of deaths should be considered a result of the 

COVID-19 pandemic. According to National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat) data, in 2020 and 

2021, the number of COVID-19-related deaths was 13,867, or 12.6% of the two-year cumulative deaths. 

The mentioned share was even higher in 2021 and accounted for almost 19% of all deaths recorded in 

Georgia. In addition, it is noteworthy that in 2020–2021, COVID-19 was the cause of death in 15% of 

death cases in urban settlements, while the share of COVID-19-related deaths was 9.6% in rural 

settlements.

For more details, the number of COVID-19-related deaths in 2020 was 2,587, of which 1,458 were 

males and 1,129 were females. In 2021, the number increased to 11,280, including 5,213 males and 

6,067 females. Therefore, the number of COVID-19-related deaths in Georgia was higher in 2021 

compared to 2020 by approximately 8,700 people [10]. 

                 

                                                

      

                     

      

                             
                            
                           
       

      

                                
                            
                      

      

                                  
                               
                                

      

                                    
            
                                   
              

      

                                   
                          
                               
                              
                        

   

                              
                

    

    

    

    

        

    



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

In this regard, it is also essential to analyse the change in the number of deaths in 2019–2021 in terms 

of sex and age, which would enable us to indirectly assess the possible effect of COVID-19 on death 

based on gender and age.

The comparative analysis of the 2019–2021 death data reveals that in the mentioned period, the death 

rate increased in all age groups for both sexes, except the 0–14 age group. The increased mortality was 

highest in the 45 and older age groups, particularly in the 65-84 age group, and the increase was almost 

32%. Based on the age-sex analysis, the increase in mortality was exceptionally high in the 65–84 and 

85+ age groups for males. In the case of females, the excess mortality was significant in the 45–64 age 

group, and the number of deaths increased by 48%. Regarding gender, it should also be noted that the 

difference between the mortality growth rate for men and women was almost 30% in the 45-64 age 

groups, which is a huge difference. The difference in death rates was also significant in the 25–44 age 

group.

Table 2. Number of Deaths by Settlement Type. Data source [9] 

Year Urban Settlement Rural Settlement

2015 26139 22983

2016 26788 23983

2017 25326 22496

2018 24737 21787

2019 24688 21971

2020 27053 23484

2021 33497 26409

It is also noteworthy that the COVID-19 pandemic affected life expectancy as well. In 2019, the life 

expectancy at birth was 74.1 years; in 2021, it decreased to 71.4 years. In the case of males, the life 

expectancy decreased by 2.3 years, while in the case of females, the decrease was three years. Therefore, 

the effect of COVID-19 on life expectancy could be significant for both sexes.

Added to all this, even after introducing vaccines against COVID-19 into the country, the level of 

vaccination was relatively low, even among health workers [11].

Table 3. Change in Number of Deaths by Gender and Age. Data source [9] 

Age Groups 2019 2021 2021/2019 (% Change)

Both Males Females Both Males Females Both Males Females 

0-14 541 310 231 537 304 233 -0.7% -1.9% 0.9% 

15-24 277 208 69 311 236 75 12.3% 13.5% 8.7% 

25-44 1,701 1,328 373 1,961 1,466 495 15.3% 10.4% 32.7% 

45-64 9,439 6,829 2,610 11,967 8,101 3,866 26.8% 18.6% 48.1% 

65-84 24,468 12,122 12,346 32,214 15,798 16,416 31.7% 30.3% 33.0% 

85+ 10,233 3,222 7,011 12,916 4,251 8,665 26.2% 31.9% 23.6% 

Total 46,659 24,019 22,640 59,906 30,156 29,750 28.4% 25.6% 31.4%

Economics

The two years of the pandemic triggered health and economic problems in Georgia and throughout

the world. This period in Georgia was characterised by economic shocks such as a raised unemployment 

rate, decreased foreign direct investments, and decreased gross domestic product, especially at the 

beginning of the spread of the coronavirus infection [12]. In the first stage of the pandemic, the major 

lockdown in social and economic life caused a big failure in the market mechanism of the entire country 

[13]. The current analysis focuses on the effects of two years of the pandemic on the economy of 

Georgia in a regional context.

One of the most important macroeconomic indicators is Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is 

recognised and accepted internationally. According to the Geostat, GDP measures the total market value 

of all final goods and services produced during a specific year.

The data from Geostat illustrates that in the last decade, just before the spread of the coronavirus 

infection, the real GDP growth rate was always positive. The GDP growth rate decreased from 2011 

until 2016, but after 2016, it started to increase, and in 2019, it was equal to 5%. This is its highest level 

in the last seven years. In 2020, the actual growth rate of GDP was negative and equaled equalled -6.8 

%. This data shows that during the pandemic time in 2020, Georgia had an economic recession [15]. 

From the beginning of the pandemic, according to different restrictions, there was little demand for 

various items [16]. Some companies closed their activities, and many businesses tried to put off



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

investments and everything, leading to a decline in GDP [13]. Although the economy is beginning to 

recover, in 2021, the situation improved, and this indicator again showed a positive rate of 10.4%. (fig. 

2). The present has largely remedied the severe effects of the COVID-19 depression, but this crisis has 

not yet been fully fixed [17].

 
Figure 2. Real GDP growth rates compared to the same period of the previous year %. Data source [14]

The most damaged sector in Georgia and different regions during the pandemic was the service

sector, especially accommodation and food service activities [12]. According to data from Geostat, in 

2020, the share of GDP of economic activities such as accommodation and food service in comparison 

with the previous year declined sharply, almost 46%, but some economic sectors increased, including 

mining and quarrying; household activities as employers; undifferentiated goods and services producing 

activities of the household for own use; and education.

 
Figure 3. GDP share by regions in 2020. Data source [14].

In Georgia, the share of GDP among the regions is unequal. As evident from Fig. 3, the largest share

of GDP by region in 2020 is held by Tbilisi, followed by the Adjara Autonomous Republic (AR) and 

Imereti in third place. Activities such as wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and 

motorcycles, real estate activities, construction, transport, and storage contribute 54% of the GDP in 

Tbilisi. During the pandemic, Tbilisi's three most damaged economic activities were: 1. accommodation 

and food service; 2. administrative and support service; 3. water supply, sewerage, waste management,



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

and remediation activities; In the Adjara AR, the central part of GDP was concentrated in real estate 

activities (16.2%), followed by construction (14%), wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor 

vehicles and motorcycles (0.1%). The most damaged activities in Adjara were: 1. accommodation and 

food service; 2. administrative and support service; and 3. construction. In Imereti, the main components 

of the GDP were: agriculture, forestry, and fishing (14%); manufacturing (12.9%); and real estate 

(12.2%). Furthermore, in Imereti, the most damaged sectors were: 1. administrative and support 

services; 2. water supply; sewerage, waste management, and remediation activities; and 3. information 

and communication. 

 
Figure 4. Number of active enterprises by regions. Data source [22]

Georgia's small and medium businesses were expanding firmly prior to the pandemic. Data from

Geostat show that, before the pandemic, from 2014 to 2019, Georgia's business sector, especially 

production value, had substantial growth of approximately 45%. However, the COVID-19 crisis created 

challenges that decreased the number of active organisations. The production value of the business 

sector in 2020, compared with 2019, decreased, too, by approximately 3%. By the beginning of March 

2020, practically all businesses will continue their activity online using various web platforms [18]. 

Many of them, especially in the service sector, were closed. Surveyed organisations started using digital 

platforms to sell their products through online channels. Enterprise sales fell due to the pandemic, 

whereas sales through digital channels rose [19]. The pandemic's main challenge was Lockdown, which 

caused a transformation in entrepreneurial activity. The feature of digital entrepreneurship that 

distinguishes it from traditional entrepreneurship is that the parties involved in a deal can contact each 

other and complete the necessary transaction on a digital platform [20]. This business started developing 

actively in Georgia during the pandemic [21]. The number of active enterprises in 2020 decreased by 

1.4 % compared to the previous year, equaling 165,300 firms. Therefore, in the private sector, many 

people lost their jobs. The number of employees in the business sector in 2020 decreased due to 

pandemic restrictions. The rate was reduced by 7 %, equaling 703,9 thousand people.

Tbilisi has historically been the centre of the economy. Evidence from fig. 4 shows that a significant 

part of active enterprises, approximately 42%, concentrate in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, followed 

by Imereti -14% and Adjara AR-10%. During the pandemic in 2020, the active number of enterprises 

in all regions of Georgia decreased. As a result of anti-pandemic restrictions, turnover of the small 

enterprises in comparison with the previous year, 2019, decreased by 3%, and employed persons in this 

type of organization also decreased by 15%.



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

Compared with the previous year, the number of employed persons in 2020 in the business sector in 

Tbilisi significantly decreased by approximately 5% and equalled 443272 people (fig. 5), followed by 

Adjara and Imereti the reduction was respectively 9% and 8%.

Georgian government try to support entrepreneurship and the business environment. In this regard, 

it is essential to draw attention to the World Bank's "Doing Business" ranking, in which Georgia was 

ranked in the seventh position for its sustained improvement of the business environment over numerous 

cycles [24]. Also, Georgia was classified as a "Mostly Free" country in the Heritage Foundation's "Index 

of Economic Freedom," where it was ranked 12th in 2020 [25]. A substantial network of free trade 

agreements has been built by the government of Georgia [26].

 

 
 

Figure 5. Number of employed persons in business by regions. Data source [23]

As evident from Fig. 6, Georgia's external trade turnover from 2016–2019 displayed a trend towards

growth. During this period, it increased 1.2 times; by 2019, this indicator had reached 13.3 billion USD. 

In 2020, external trade turnover will comprise 11.4 billion USD. Over the previous year, there was 

about a 15% reduction; in 2021, this indicator increased and peaked for the last five years. Concerning 

import and export in 2020, compared with the previous year, these indicators fell too, respectively, by 

15% and 12%, comprising 8.1 billion USD and 3.3 billion USD.

Georgia must raise the production of domestic goods that will be competitive enough to meet 

domestic demand. It is also essential to support industrialization, focusing on exports [28].

By the year 2020, the five most significant export products were: copper ores and concentrates 

(23.35% of total export), motor cars (12.08% of total export), ferroalloys (7.40% of total export), wine 

of fresh grapes (6.29% of total export), undenatured ethyl alcohol, spirits, liqueurs, and other spirituous 

beverages (3.96% of total export), while the five major export countries in 2020 were: China (14.3% of 

total export), Russia (13.2% of total export), Azerbaijan (13.2% of total export), Bulgaria (9.4% of total 

export) Turkey (5.7% of total exports). As for imports, the five main imported products were: motor 

cars (9.71%), copper ores and concentrates (7.23% of total import); petroleum and petroleum oils 

(6.19% of total import); petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons (3.91% of total import); and 

telephone sets, including telephones for cellular networks or other wireless networks (2.05% of total 

import). The five major import countries in 2020 were: Turkey (17.5% of total import); Russia (11% of 

total import); China (8.8% of total import); USA (6.9% of total import); and Azerbaijan (6.4% of total 

import).



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

 
Figure 6 External Merchandise Trade. (Million USD). Data source [27]

Due to the Foreign Trade Agreement between China and Georgia [29], which was signed on May

13, 2017, business owners in Georgia are free to export their goods to China without paying extra taxes. 

Therefore, in 2020, China was Georgia's top exporting business partner. Georgia's foreign trade 

turnover was $11.34 billion in 2020, a 14.8% decline from the previous year. The value of imports 

dropped by 15.9% to $8.1 billion, while exports decreased by 12% to $3.34 billion. In 2020, the external 

merchandise trade indicators were entirely changed, caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Economic and financial losses for the world economy and individual states define this period [30].

Georgia's significant challenge is the growth and development of the nation's economy, which 

requires active work in many areas, such as the intensification of free trade and investment processes 

internationally.

Since Georgia has a low rate of saving, in these types of countries, foreign direct investment is the 

primary driver of economic growth and recovery [26].

 
Figure 7. Dynamics of FDI, remittances and reinvestments in Georgia (Million US Dollars). Data source [31]

As evident from Fig. 7, the rate of foreign direct investment has been varying from 2013–2021. From

2017, Foreign direct investment (FDI) had a downward tendency, and in 2020 they reached their 

minimum of 500.3 million USD, mainly due to the pandemic, which was 54.3% less than in 2019. In 

2020, the following two sectors: the financial sector (69%) and mining (16.7%) received more than half 

of all foreign direct investments, while the largest investor countries were: the United Kingdom (51.4% 

of total investment) and the Netherlands (35% of total investment); Let us talk about Georgia's



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

geographical differences in terms of foreign direct investment. According to the Geostat, Tbilisi, Adjara 

AR, and Kvemo Kartli regions received substantial foreign direct investment in 2020, respectively 

44.2%, 21.2%, and 13.4%, due to the unstable situation in the country. In 2020, reinvestment also 

decreased, but according to the data from the national bank of Georgia, remittances from 2015 have 

been increasing and in 2021 reached their high point. 76.52 % of all money transfers in October of 2022 

came from Russia – 59.62%; Italy – 7.12%; the USA -5.97%; Greece – 3.81%. In Georgia, remittances 

continue to be crucial for stabilising the economy [32].

On November 19, 2020, the Georgian government approved the state initiative to increase foreign 

direct investment in specific economic sectors such as the production of electrical and electronic 

engineering products, the manufacture of aircraft parts and components, the manufacture of vehicles 

and equipment as well as their parts, the export of business services, the development of warehouses 

and logistic centres, and aircraft repair and maintenance. The programme's objective is to encourage 

the growth of foreign direct investments, the infusion of technology, and the creation of new jobs in the 

country [25].

We can infer from the information above that Georgia has had great difficulty during the pandemic: 

people lost their jobs, the unemployment rate has increased, and GDP, FDI, and reinvestment have 

significantly decreased. Despite these unfavourable facts, positive aspects, such as a surge in 

remittances in 2020 as they reached a high level, can also be seen. It should be noted that the Georgian 

government implemented innovative programmes that will help attract more foreign capital in the 

future, which will help create more new positions with the highest income and opportunity levels in a 

regional context [33].

 
Figure 8. Unemployment rate in Georgia %. Data source [35] 

Unemployment continues to be a severe social and economic problem for Georgia.

Georgia changed to the new standard of unemployment definition that the International Labour 

Organisation (ILO) requires. The ILO has created a new approach for calculating unemployment, which 

the Geostat uses. An unemployed person is 15 years of age or older, has not worked (even for one hour) 

for seven days before the interview, has been looking for work for the past four weeks, and is prepared 

to start working in the next two weeks. In particular, according to the new standard of the International 

Labour Organisation, the definition of unemployed covers all economically active populations. Who 

were: 1. "without a job," that is, not engaged in self-employment or paid work; 2. "currently available 

for work," meaning they could have found a job or worked for themselves throughout the reference 

period; 3. "seeking work," having taken particular actions recently to look for paid employment or self-

employment.

It is noticeable that the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and the following limitations had a 

detrimental impact on Georgia's employment and unemployment rate. The official data state that the 

employment rate during 2019–2021 decreased from 42.7% to 40.4%. The unemployment rate is even 

more alarming in Georgia, and in 2021 it increased by 2.1% compared to the previous year's 

corresponding period, equaling 20.6%, and reached its highest point over the last four years (Fig. 8). It 

also should be noted that the number of economically active people fell, which could have happened 

because of 1) an increase in international labour migration and 2) the "ageing" of the population [34].



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

The unemployment in Georgia is higher for men than for women. The fig. 9 presents the 

unemployment by sex during 2010-2021.  

 
Figure 9. Unemployment rate by sex%. Data source [35]

In 2021 compared with 2019, unemployment increased for women and men by 1.8% and 3.8%,

respectively. This illustrates women's motivation to pursue more and better chances during pandemics. 

Additionally, there are substantial regional differences in unemployment rates. According to the 

Geostat, in 2021, the number of unemployed amounted to 316.2 thousand persons. Urban areas account

for 65 % of the country's total unemployment.

 
Figure 10. Unemployment rate by regions (%). Data source [36]

As evidenced by Fig. 10, Tbilisi and its unemployment growth rates especially distinguish Kvemo

Kartli. In 2021, about 30% of the total unemployment is in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, 

followed by Kvemo Kartli (25.2%) and Tbilisi (23.8%). An extreme reduction in the number of 

unemployed persons in 2019–2021 was observed only in Kakheti, Mtskheta–Mtianeti, Racha–

Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti. The economy of Georgia was significantly harmed by unemployment, 

which raised the poverty rate and exacerbated the country's economic imbalance.



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

It should be underlined that in order to reduce poverty in our country, we should implement an active 

labour market policy, which will be organised by the government, and an adequate system of social 

protection for unemployed persons. Such as access to healthcare services and the implementation of 

focused government training programmes, which help unemployed persons in the future find a good 

job [37].

Tourism

Despite the impact of the pandemic [38, 39], the tourism industry in Georgia is steadily returning to

its old performance. According to the statistics for 2021, the number of visits by international

travellers amounted to 1,881,271 (+7.7%). The number of visits by international travellers includes

the number of visits made by international visitors: 1,721,242 (+13.7%), and other visits (non-tourist): 

160,029 (-31.5%). Of the visits made by international visitors, 1,577,463 (+45.1%) were tourist visits 

(overnight visits), and 143,779 (-66.3%) were one-day visits [40].

 

Figure 11. Visits made by international visitors 2019-2022. Data source [41]

In the second quarter of 2022, the number of international visitors reached 765.3 thousand, an

increase of 189.4% compared to the same period of the previous year. In the reporting period, 

international visitors made 749.3 thousand tourist-type visits, which is 145.0% more than the indicator 

for the same period of the previous year. 81.8% of international visitors were only tourists (a tourist is 

a visitor who spent the night in the territory of Georgia). The share of only excursionists (an excursionist 

who does not spend the night in the territory of Georgia) was 14.8%, and 3.5% of visitors were both 

tourists and excursionists. In the second quarter of 2022, the most significant number of visitors, 147.7 

thousand, was recorded from the Russian Federation, or 19.3% of the total number of visitors. Turkey 

is in second place with a 14.9% share, and Armenia is in third place with a 12.1% share. Accordingly, 

the most significant number of visits was made by citizens of the Russian Federation (175.4 thousand), 

Turkey (158.3 thousand), and Armenia (136.8 thousand). Most visitors (48.5%) belonged to the 31–50 

age group. Women made up 37.0% of the total visitors [42].

Most international visits were made via air transport at 877,158 (51%), followed by ground transport 

at 826,355 (48%). The number of visits by rail and sea was 10,879 (0.6%) and 6,850 (0.4%), 

respectively. The busiest border was Tbilisi Airport, with 568,149 (33%). Sarfi follows it with 253,859 

(14.7%), Batumi Airport with 221,853 (12.9%), Kazbegi with 220,788 (12.8%), and Sadakhlo with 

125,047 (7.3%). The largest share of international visits comes from these five border checkpoints: 

80.7% of all international visits.

 



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

The number of international visits from EU countries amounted to 139,157 (+96.7%). The most visits 

were made from Poland: 30,988 (+189.9%), Germany 21,194 (+127%), and France, 10,646 (+103.9%). 

The majority of international visits were made by men, at 1,186,831 (69%), while women's visits 

accounted for 534,411 (31%). Representatives of the 31–50 age group made the most visits, with 

885,473 (51.4%). It is followed by the 51-70 age group with 428,309 (24.9%) and the 15-30 age 

segment with 385,563 (22.4%)—the youngest age group, 71 and older, only accounts for 1.3% of visits,

amounting to 21,897 visits.

The share of international visits in the number of international travellers has increased, and the share

of tourist visits in the number of international visits has increased. The share of international visits in 

the number of international travellers increased from 86.6% to 91.5%, mainly due to fewer visits by 

under-15s, while also increasing the share of tourist visits from 71.8% to 91.6% [43]. In second quarter 

2022, most visits (52.0%) were made for leisure, entertainment, and recreation purposes. Most of the 

visits were made in Tbilisi and Adjara AR, respectively, with 512.7 thousand and 375.3 thousand. The 

chart below shows the percentage distribution of the number of visits by region visited.

 

Figure 12 Distribution of the average monthly number of visits made by non-resident visitors of Georgia aged 15 and older 

by regions visited2. Data source [44]

The average number of nights spent during visits made in the second quarter of 2022 amounted to 

6.2 nights. 70.5% of the visits were repeat visits. 58.9% of visitors express satisfaction. In 2021, the 

average monthly number of tourists made by Georgian resident visitors to the territory of Georgia was 

determined at 662.6 thousand, which is 37.9% more than the previous year's figure. Domestic visitors 

made 16.9 million visits in the given period, an increase of 35.8% compared to the same period of the 

previous year. The highest number of visits (41.8%) was recorded from Tbilisi. Most of the internal 

visits were made in the direction of the main cities in Georgia. The average duration of the visit was 

two nights. The average length of Tbilisi residents' visits was the highest at 2.9 nights, while for other 

regions, this figure was one night. Residents of Georgia made 46.9% of the internal visits to visit friends 

and relatives. The trip's primary purpose was to visit the second home, which accounted for 15.9% of 

the visits, and shopping visits represented a significant share of 13.2%. As for the visits made for 

treatment or health, 8.9% were made, while 8.1% were made for rest, entertainment, and recreation. 

Other frequently reported goals included business and professional activities at 3.5%. The total number 

of overnight stays made by domestic visitors amounted to 35.5 million. Among them, visitors spent 

46.4% of overnight stays in a friend's or relative's apartment, 41.5% in their own home, and 4.3% in a 

guest house or hostel. The total expenditures made by domestic visitors exceeded 2.7 billion GEL, and 

the average expenditure incurred during one visit was 160.1 GEL. The largest share of expenses, 35%, 

was recorded for shopping [41]. Fig. 13 shows the distribution of the average monthly number of 

Georgian resident visitors aged 15 and older by age groups.

 
2 Note In order to avoid the risks related to the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia, the field 

work of the statistical survey of foreign visitors by Geostat was temporarily suspended. Accordingly, data from 

the II quarter of 2020 to the IV quarter of 2021 is not available. 



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

 

Figure 13. Distribution of the average monthly number of Georgian resident visitors aged 15 and older by age group in 

2021. Data source [45]

According to STR Global, the occupancy rate of hotels in Georgia in 2021 was 45.7%, an increase 

compared to the previous year was +106.8%. The highest load was observed in July at 73.1%, August 

at 65% and June at 58.4%, while the lowest was January at 16.1%, February at 18.8% and March at 

23.9%. The data of SHG Global allows analysis of three categories: Tbilisi, Batumi and the rest of 

Georgia. Among them, Batumi leads with the load factor of 55.4%, followed by the rest of Georgia 

with 50.2% and Tbilisi with 41%. During 2021, 589,098 visitors visited protected areas, an increase of 

145.2% compared to the previous year. The number of foreign visitors to protected areas was 311,014, 

an increase of 1,077%. Ukrainians (13.7%), Jews (13.3%), Russians (12.1%), Belarusians (11.3%) and 

Latvians (9.5%) prevailed among foreign visitors.

 
Figure 14. Number of total and international visitors according to popular tourist destinations 

As evident from fig. 14 the most visitors visited Martvili Canyon (19.8%), Prometheus Cave (17.7%) 

and Kazbegi National Park (11.4%). The foreign visitors mostly visited Prometheus Cave (26.5%), 

Martvili Canyon (26.2%) and Okatse Canyon (12.5%). An interactive map (fig. 15) created based on 

these statistics offers photos of the mentioned popular protected areas. 



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

 
Figure 15. Most visited Protected areas in Georgia 

The income received from tourist services of the protected areas amounted to 5,832,764 GEL, an 

increase compared to the previous year is 548.8%.  

Table 4. Income from tourist services for the most popular protected areas 

 Tourist destination Income 

from tourist 

services 

(GEL) 

1 Prometheus Cave 2,365,460 

2 Martvili Canyon 1,850,180 

3 Okatse Canyon 650,076 

4 Sataplia 351,428 

 

Table 4 shows revenues from popular protected areas.  
The share of foreign visitors to protected areas increased from 11% to 53%. The increase in the 

number of foreign visitors amounted to +1,077%, while the increase in Georgian visitors amounted to 

30%. As a result, the share of foreign visitors in the number of visitors to protected areas increased. The 

largest increase in the number of visitors was observed in the cases of Martvili Canyon, Prometheus 

Cave, and Okatse Canyon (Table 5). The increase of Georgian visitors in Martvili Canyon was 16,896; 

in Kazbegi National Park, 13,912; and in Sataplia, 9,918. 

Table 5. Increased number of visitors and income in according to protected areas 

 Tourist destination Increase of 

visitors 

Increase of 

international 

visitors 

Increase in 

income 

Increase in 

income (%) 

1 Prometheus Cave +84,767 +75,320 +2,074,871 42.1% 

2 Martvili Canyon +94,931 +78,035 +1,594,536 32.3% 

3 Okatse Canyon +40,438 +36,464 +558,319 11.3% 

 

Prometheus Cave had the most significant increase in income in terms of protected areas (Table 5). 

The total increase in the revenues of the protected areas amounted to 4,933,688 GEL.  


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Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

Among the visitors, 47% are Georgian (278,084), and 53% are foreigners (311,014). According to 

the data of 2021, Georgian visitors compared to 2020. The number has increased by 30%, and the 

number of foreign visitors has increased by 11.7 times. See Fig. 16. 

 

Figure 16. Number of visitors in protected areas 2020-2021. Data source [45]

The pandemic has affected small and medium enterprises [46, 47]. Their sales decreased significantly

during the lockdown, but online sales increased across the country, and businesses that quickly adapted 

to the online platform saw relatively less loss.

The education system is worth noting among the many components of the pandemic. It should be 

emphasised that the system responded quickly, and the learning process moved to the online platform 

[48]. The famous TV School project was created. However, various difficulties were also revealed. 

These included limited access to technology and the Internet (especially in remote villages), a lack of 

willingness on the part of some staff, and a lack of skills to adapt to the online platform. Here, the issue 

of personnel readiness has relatively improved over time.

The financial instability associated with unemployment, the constant stressful background, and the 

interrupted socialisation due to the lockdown resulted in the deepening of mental problems in society 

[49]. Studies of college students have shown high levels of depression and anxiety [50]. It is also noted 

that, despite their vulnerability, international students coped with this challenge better than local 

students. This fact has its own logical explanation, which we will not dwell on in this article. More 

detailed studies on the consequences of the pandemic in the field of education will be needed to put it 

more clearly into perspective.

Discussion

Generally, COVID-19-related data and scholarly articles highlight that case fatality rates were higher

among men than women in most countries due to biological factors, such as immune response, and 

behavioural risk factors related to particular habits [51]. However, there are exceptions when a higher 

case fatality rate is recorded among women in countries like India, Nepal, Vietnam, and Slovenia. 

Researchers explain this by incomplete data, other demographic factors, or the health system profiles 

of the countries [51]. In the case of Georgia, as it has already been mentioned, 2020–2021 Geostat data 

indicates that the total COVID-19 death number was higher among women by 525 (6671 males 

compared to 7196). However, in this regard, it is crucial to consider the average population and sex 

ratios in Georgia for 2020 and 2021, as the number of women exceeds the number of men. After 

conducting the necessary calculations, the combined COVID-19-related death rates for men and women 

could be considered roughly equal for 2020 and 2021.

Concerning the difference in death rates by sex in 2020 and 2021 (as two different tendencies could 

be observed: in 2020, more men died from COVID-19, and in 2021, more women died), it is difficult 

to draw a clear conclusion and provide an explanation for this observation due to a lack of relevant data 

and evidence. A clear explanation could not be provided for why, in 2021, excess female mortality was 

recorded for ages 25–64, particularly in the 45–64 age group, for the same reason. Therefore, if more



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

comprehensive data and information becomes available, further research would be essential to 

understand the factors that determine these processes' determinants.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, the tourism industry in Georgia is steadily returning to its old 

performance. This is evidenced by the statistical data presented in the article.

It should be noted that despite the pandemic, the citizens of neighbouring countries and the world do 

not lose interest in Georgia. The number of international visitors has increased. Russians, Turks, and 

Armenians share the first, second, and third places among them. Geographical location and good 

neighbourly geopolitical relations with these countries contribute to the flow of tourists. Among the 

international visits from EU countries, the most visits were made from Poland, Germany, and France.

The average monthly number of tourist-type visits made by Georgian resident visitors to the territory 

of Georgia has also increased. Most visits were recorded from Tbilisi. Most of the internal visits were 

made in the direction of the main cities in Georgia. The occupancy of hotels has also increased. It is 

known that Tbilisi is the centre of migration. Accordingly, there is a seasonal flow of population in the 

regions. Different goals of the visits were highlighted. Among them, the most are for visiting friends 

and relatives. Therefore, visiting the second home leads to the trip's primary goal. Also, the visits made 

for the purpose of shopping represented a significant share. Treatment/rehabilitation visits are 

distinguished. Relatively less was recorded for rest, entertainment, and recreation.

It should be noted that during the pandemic period, after lifting various restrictions, especially 

isolation, the largest share of spending by domestic visitors was recorded on shopping. The load factor 

of hotels also increased. People had an extreme desire to leave their familiar environment.

Post-pandemic travel and recreation in open spaces are becoming relevant and popular. Accordingly, 

foreign and local visitors' interest in protected areas has increased. Citizens of Eastern European 

countries predominated among foreign visitors: Ukrainians, Russians, Belarusians, and Latvians.

Most visitors visited Martvili Canyon, Prometheus Cave, and Kazbegi National Park. Accordingly, 

the income received from the tourist services of the protected areas has also increased. Prometheus Cave 

had the most significant increase in revenue. This may be because the cave of Prometheus can be visited 

at any time of the year due to its stable temperature. One of the factors determining the popularity of 

Kazbegi National Park is its geographical proximity to Tbilisi.

Conclusion

As evidenced by this article, it is already noticeable that the pandemic negatively influenced

Georgia's economy. As a result of the widespread lockdowns and quarantine restrictions, some 

economic sectors have experienced significant losses [52]. During the pandemic, Georgia had a high 

unemployment rate; individuals lost their jobs, reducing consumption. When demand declines, other 

industries reduce production since their goods are no longer required as intermediary goods, especially 

in the business sector. Therefore, some enterprises decided to delay investments, other companies 

terminated their operations, and the overall effect was a fall in GDP [53]. Based on statistical 

information provided by Geostat, in 2020, we noticed a decline in export and import volumes, but in 

2021, external turnover increased. The Georgian economy's cornerstone is remittances. During the 

pandemic, they rose too and reached their maximum level. Before the pandemic, there was a declining 

trend in foreign investments, but in 2020, its shocking effects reached Georgia. Attracting international 

investments is the responsibility of the national government. As a result, the Georgian government will 

aim to increase the foreign investment it receives in the future. Therefore, they set up many creative 

initiatives to entice foreign investors, which will aid the government in lowering the unemployment rate 

and helping develop various regional economic sectors.

Despite the impact of the pandemic, the tourism industry in Georgia is steadily returning to its old 

performance. Russian, Turkish, and Armenian citizens are leading among international visitors in the 

region. Most visitors (48.5%) belonged to the 31–50 age group. From the EU countries, most visits 

were made from Poland, Germany, and France. Most of the visits were made for rest, entertainment, 

and recreation. Most of the visits were made in Tbilisi and Adjara AR. The increase in the load factor 

of hotels in Georgia compared to the previous year amounted to +106.8%. The highest load was 

observed in July, August, and June. The protected areas of Georgia do not lose their relevance. Most 

foreign visitors visited Prometheus Cave, Martvili, and Okatse Canyons. After the pandemic, rest and 

recovery from the energy spent at work are very important. Especially with so many restrictions and 

isolation, people have an increased desire to travel, socialise, and get healthy. The statistical data



Tsitsagi et al. Georgian Geographical Journal 2022, Vol.2 (1) 

reviewed in the article prove that tourism retains its relevance, and it is crucial to utilise and use the 

tourist potential of our country rationally. 

Competing interests 

The authors declare that they have no competing interests. 

Authors’ contribution 

M.T. developed the theoretical framework. A. S. performed the calculations of demographic data. 

S.D. and N.K preformed the numerical calculations. M.T. wrote the manuscript with input from all 

authors. 

Appendix A 

1. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

SARS‑CoV‑2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that is contagious in humans. 

2. The National Statistics Office of Georgia, or simply Geostat, the legal entity under public law, 

carries out its activities independently. It is an institution established to produce the statistics and 

disseminate the statistical information according to Georgian legislation. The National Statistics Office 

of Georgia is established by the Law of Georgia, dated December 11, 2009, on Official Statistics. 

3. STR is the leading provider of premium global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace for 

the global hospitality industry. 

4. The Agency of Protected Areas (APA) underwent several stages of development and structural 

reforms before becoming what it is today. The objective of the agency is to improve the management 

of protected areas, ensure the functionality of territorial administrations, supervise the process of 

following legally established regulations, and plan, create, and develop new protected areas. 

5. The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is the central bank of Georgia. Its status is defined by the 

Constitution of Georgia. The main objective of the National Bank is to ensure price stability. 

6. Since Kazbegi has been renamed as Stepantsminda, the national park remains known by the 

original title of Kazbegi National Park. 

 

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