According to the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, Georgia ranks 40th among 110 economies worldwide, with an overall score of 4.32 out of 7. The country’s strongest result is in safety, while its lowest scores relate to business travel and certain aspects of tourism resources. What do these results reveal, and which areas should Georgia focus on?
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published its 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI). According to the report, Georgia ranks 40th among 110 assessed economies, with an overall score of 4.32.
This result provides an opportunity to compare the conditions for tourism development in Georgia with those of other countries. However, the index does not measure a destination’s popularity alone. It examines the environment, infrastructure, resources and policies that support the long-term development of tourism.
Georgia’s results are particularly interesting because the overall ranking reveals a mixed picture. The country has several competitive strengths, but there are also important areas where further development is possible.
The Tourism Development Index is an important international assessment for Georgia. It highlights not only the country’s existing advantages but also the areas where improvements could strengthen its competitiveness.
What Does the Tourism Development Index Measure?
The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index assesses the conditions countries need to support sustainable tourism development.
The 2026 edition covers 110 economies, 17 main pillars and 102 indicators. Its assessment is organised into five broad dimensions:
- Enabling environment: business environment, safety and security, health and hygiene, human resources and labour market, and ICT readiness.
- Travel and tourism policy and enabling conditions: prioritisation of travel and tourism, international openness, and price competitiveness.
- Infrastructure and services: air, ground and port infrastructure, as well as tourist services and infrastructure.
- Travel and tourism resources: natural, cultural and business travel resources.
- Sustainability: environmental, socio-economic and travel and tourism demand sustainability.
It is important to note that the index does not directly measure the number of tourists, tourism revenue or hotel occupancy rates. Instead, it evaluates the conditions that enable a country to attract visitors and provide them with quality services.
Official source: World Economic Forum – Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026.
Georgia in the Tourism Development Index: 40th Place and a Score of 4.32
According to the 2026 index, Georgia received an overall score of 4.32 out of a maximum of 7 points. This places the country 40th among 110 economies.
According to data published by Forbes Georgia, the country ranked 45th in the 2024 edition. However, comparing the two editions requires some caution.
The World Economic Forum explains that historical data were recalculated for the 2026 report. Data coverage changed, and the processing methods for some indicators were revised. Therefore, the organisation recommends using the recalculated historical data in the 2026 report when making comparisons with previous editions.
For this reason, Georgia’s 40th-place ranking should be understood as its position in the 2026 edition, rather than as definitive evidence of progress based solely on the previous ranking.
Georgia’s Strengths in the Tourism Development Index: Safety, Digital Readiness and Openness
Georgia received its highest score in safety and security, with 6.22 points.
This indicator is important for international travellers. Perceptions of safety can influence destination choice, travel planning and the overall visitor experience.
Other relatively high scores include:
- Health and hygiene – 5.97 points;
- Information and communication technologies – 5.70 points;
- Price competitiveness – 5.50 points.
In individual indicators, Georgia ranks 17th in international openness, 23rd in price competitiveness and 29th in safety and security.
These results show that Georgia has several advantages in creating an environment that is attractive to international visitors.
However, high scores do not automatically mean that all tourism services are equally developed. Improving the country’s competitiveness also requires investment in infrastructure, service quality and human resources.
Georgia’s Weaknesses in the Tourism Development Index: Business Travel and Tourism Resources
Georgia’s lowest score in the index is in the business travel resources pillar, with 1.68 points.
The country also received relatively low scores for cultural resources, at 1.99 points, and natural resources, at 2.02 points.
These indicators need to be interpreted carefully. The natural resources indicator does not simply assess whether a country has natural heritage. According to the WEF methodology, it also reflects the extent to which these resources have been developed and promoted as tourism products.
Therefore, Georgia’s low scores do not mean that the country lacks natural or cultural resources. Rather, they may point to the need to present existing potential more effectively through tourism products.
Georgia’s natural and cultural diversity is one of its major advantages. However, turning these resources into successful products for international markets requires infrastructure, marketing, professional services and well-developed visitor experiences.
Explore more Travel News articles on these topics:
- Tourism in Georgia – Destinations and a Complete Travel Guide
- Rural Tourism in Georgia
- Wine Tourism in Georgia
- Gastronomy Tourism in Georgia
Why Is Business Travel Important for Georgia?
Business travel is an important segment of the tourism industry. It includes business meetings, international conferences, exhibitions, corporate events and professional gatherings.
Developing this segment can also help reduce the seasonality of tourism demand. Business visits often take place at different times of the year, creating additional demand for tourism services.
Georgia has several opportunities to develop this area:
- Attracting international conferences and professional events;
- Developing MICE tourism;
- Strengthening modern conference and exhibition infrastructure;
- Expanding direct air connections;
- Encouraging cooperation between hotels and event organisers;
- Promoting the country’s opportunities to international business audiences.
Business travel development depends on more than the availability of hotels and conference venues. International connections, event management experience, transport accessibility and professional service quality are also important.
Natural and Cultural Resources: How Can Georgia Use Its Existing Potential?
Georgia’s natural and cultural diversity provides an important foundation for tourism development. However, having a resource and turning it into an international tourism product are two different processes.
For example, wine tourism is about much more than wine production. Visitors may want to explore a winery, meet the winemaker, learn about the history of Georgian wine, enjoy a tasting and discover local cuisine.
Similarly, nature-based tourism requires well-maintained trails, safety systems, professional guides, visitor information and appropriate environmental protection measures.
Important development opportunities for Georgia include:
Regional tourism products: Turning the distinctive resources of Kakheti, Svaneti, Racha, Guria, Samegrelo and other regions into well-designed visitor experiences.
Cultural tourism: Presenting historical monuments, museums, traditions and local culture more effectively.
Wine and gastronomy tourism: Connecting local products, wineries and regional cuisine into integrated tourism offers.
Nature-based tourism: Developing protected areas, national parks and mountain destinations responsibly.
Regenerative tourism: Connecting tourism activities with nature restoration and the well-being of local communities.
Read more about these topics:
- Regenerative Tourism in Georgia
- Tourism’s Share of Georgia’s GDP: A 10-Year Review and Outlook to 2030
What Does the Tourism Development Index Mean for Tourism Businesses in Georgia?
International rankings are important not only for assessing government policies. They also provide practical information for the private sector.
Tourism businesses in Georgia can use these findings to improve their services, infrastructure and international positioning.
First, businesses need to focus on service quality. Having an interesting tourism product is not enough in an increasingly competitive international market. Visitors also expect reliable, professional services that meet their needs and expectations.
The second area is digital visibility. International travellers often search online for information about hotels, wineries, tour operators, guides and local experiences before travelling. This makes a high-quality website, accurate information, online booking options and communication in foreign languages increasingly important.
The third area is cooperation. Hotels, restaurants, guides, tour operators and local producers can work together to create joint tourism products.
For more information about Georgia’s tourism markets and changing international demand, read the Travel News article: Georgia Tourism Markets in 2026: Nine-Month Trends and Key Source Countries.
Conclusion: Georgia’s Main Task Is to Develop Its Existing Potential
Georgia’s 40th-place ranking in the Tourism Development Index is an important indicator of the country’s international position. Its score of 4.32 shows that Georgia has competitive advantages, while also highlighting areas where further development is possible.
Safety, international openness and digital readiness are among the country’s strengths. At the same time, business travel and the development of natural and cultural resources as tourism products require additional attention.
Georgia’s main task is not simply to attract more tourists. It is important to turn the country’s natural, cultural and human resources into high-quality tourism products that generate economic benefits for large businesses, small regional companies and local communities alike.
Progress in these areas will help determine how successfully Georgia can transform its tourism potential into stronger international competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia’s position in the 2026 Tourism Development Index?
Georgia ranks 40th among 110 economies in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, with an overall score of 4.32.
What is Georgia’s strongest area according to the index?
Georgia received its highest score in safety and security, with 6.22 points.
Which areas received the lowest scores for Georgia?
The lowest score was recorded in business travel resources, at 1.68 points. Cultural resources received 1.99 points, while natural resources received 2.02 points.
What does the Tourism Development Index assess?
The index evaluates the environmental conditions, policies, infrastructure and resources that support sustainable tourism development. It does not directly measure tourist arrivals or tourism revenue.
