After a six-year hiatus, daily passenger rail service between Tbilisi and Baku will resume on May 26.
This was announced in a statement by the Georgian government following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Baku.
Last year, the Georgian Ministry of Economy promised that the train would begin service on May 1, but that did not happen.
According to Georgian media reports, this information comes from the Georgian Government Administration.
This decision was announced following a meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, during which the parties discussed their strategic partnership and prospects for expanding cooperation.
Following the talks, a protocol of the Bilateral Coordination Council was signed. The document provides, in particular, for the full commissioning of the new section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, though the exact launch date is not specified.
The protocol was signed by Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvirivishvili and Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev.
As noted in the statement, daily passenger rail service between Tbilisi and Baku will resume on May 26 after a six-year hiatus.
International tourist arrivals in Georgia will grow at low single-digit rates in 2026, according to a new forecast from investment company Galt&Taggart.
Tbilisi in March
Regional Tensions and Travel Costs
Analysts say the Israel-Iran conflict will likely affect tourism in the first half of 2026. The situation has already pushed up airfare prices on several regional routes. Higher flight costs may discourage some long-haul travelers from visiting the South Caucasus.
Positive Drivers Remain Strong
Despite these headwinds, several factors support continued growth in Georgia’s tourism sector. Land border crossings from neighboring countries are rising. Air connectivity from China, the European Union, and Russia is expanding. These trends will help sustain overall visitor numbers throughout the year.
The potential resumption of rail service with Azerbaijan also presents new opportunities. Restored train links could attract more regional travelers and tour groups seeking affordable, scenic transportation options.
First Quarter Data Shows Mixed Signals
Georgia’s National Tourism Administration reported 1.3 million international visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026. This figure represents a 1.1% decline compared to the same period in 2025. However, the number of trips classified as “tourist visits” reached a record 1 million, up 4% year-over-year.
Tourism revenue in Q1 2026 grew 0.5% to a record $829.8 million. This suggests that while fewer people visited, those who came tended to spend more.
Full-Year Revenue Outlook
Galt&Taggart now projects total tourism revenue of $4.9 billion for 2026. This revises down an earlier forecast of $5 billion. The adjustment reflects assumptions that regional tensions will remain limited in duration and scope.
For context, Georgia earned approximately $4.7 billion from international travelers in 2025, a 5.9% increase over 2024. Russian visitors contributed the largest share of spending that year, at $697.3 million.
Broader Context and Industry Outlook
Georgia has positioned itself as a year-round destination, promoting winter sports in Gudauri and Bakuriani alongside summer offerings on the Black Sea coast and in historic regions like Kakheti and Svaneti. The government has also simplified visa rules for citizens of dozens of countries to encourage longer stays.
Industry observers note that diversification of source markets remains a strategic priority. While Russia and neighboring countries drive significant volume, growth from China, India, and Gulf states could reduce exposure to regional volatility.
Hotel development continues in Tbilisi, Batumi, and emerging destinations. New properties and upgraded infrastructure should help accommodate rising demand, provided global economic conditions remain stable.
What to Watch Next
Travelers and investors should monitor three key developments: the evolution of regional security dynamics, progress on cross-border transport projects, and airline capacity decisions for the summer and winter seasons. Georgia’s ability to adapt its tourism offering and marketing strategy will shape performance in the second half of 2026 and beyond.
For the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and flight schedules, visitors should consult official government sources and airline websites.
