Abkhaz authorities reported an increase in tourist flow from Russia.

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Last year, more than 1.6 million tourists from Russia visited Abkhazia, which is 20% more than in 2024.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", at the beginning of 2023, the Abkhazian authorities abolished the resort tax, which had been in effect since 2006. The authorities concluded that it negatively impacts the tourism industry's image and creates an additional burden on tax authorities, without producing a significant positive financial effect.

More than 1.6 million tourists from Russia visited Abkhazia last year, said Astamur Logua, head of the republic's Ministry of Tourism, whose words were quoted by RIA Novosti on January 4.

According to Logua, in 2024, that is, the year before, 1.3 million Russians visited the republic, thus, the tourist flow increased by 20% over the year.

The head of the Ministry of Tourism also expressed hope that the number of tourists will increase even more in the new year, which should be facilitated by improved transport infrastructure and the development of tourism products.

As a reminder, on May 1, 2025, the first regular flight in 32 years from Moscow to Sukhumi (the Georgian name UVT Aero operated the flight from Moscow to Sukhumi. Forty-nine passengers boarded the 50-seat flight. Social media users pointed out that the high cost of flights to Sukhumi reduces the benefits of regular air service between Russia and Abkhazia; it is much cheaper to fly to Sochi and then travel to Abkhazia from there. Prices for flights from Moscow to Sukhumi significantly exceed the cost of a flight from Moscow to Sochi, the Caucasian Knot found.

Earlier, Kristina Lakerbaya, head of a department at the Ministry of Tourism, stated that many tourists spend relatively small amounts. "They come and buy instant noodles, but we want them to buy souvenirs and our agricultural produce," the official said in a published video. The employee's words do not reflect the ministry's position, stated Tourism Minister Astamur Logua. Following these remarks, Lakerbaia was suspended from his post.

Aleksandr Basaria, head of the Abkhaz Cinema Fund, made a similar statement, stating that tourists visiting Abkhazia buy cheap travel packages, prefer to relax in hotels, avoid excursions, and avoid spending money in clubs and parties. Basaria called the actions of large tour operators in Abkhazia "a threat to economic security." In his video message, he apologized for his critical remarks.