Georgian businesses see no decrease in tourist flows after Russian sanctions

The ban on direct Russia-Georgia flights resulted in a decrease in the number of Russian tourists, but it was compensated by the increase of tourist inflow from Europe, the Georgia's Association of Entry Tourism has reported. Russian tour operators have reported that they found alternatives to the Georgian direction.

Since July 8, 2019, no airline has operated direct Russia-Georgia flights, the Russian National Civil Aviation Agency has confirmed.

There are no fewer tourists, but fewer Russians are seen in the streets, hotel owners in Batumi told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Difficulties are experienced by the part of the tourism industry, focused on Russians. After the cancellation of direct Russia-Georgia flights, the "Time for Georgia" Company, specializing in group and individual tours to Georgia, began mastering new tourist markets. According to Alexander, a company's representative, after the cancellation of direct flights, about half of the clients refused from their tours.

Irina Buzina, a deputy head of the "Travel Store" Project, believes that finding an alternative to Georgia is not difficult – these are Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Northern Caucasus.