Sustainable Tourism in Georgia Country

With so-called “overtourism” becoming a hot topic worldwide, more and more responsible travelers are looking for eco-friendly experiences that support local communities and preserve natural resources. Georgia and its rich cultural heritage have been attracting international travelers for a while now. And considering how many of its heritage sites are surrounded by virtually untouched wilderness, the country could very well become a top destination for green tourism.

Local governments are beginning to understand and take advantage of the wider appeal of their villages, towns, and countryside. However, as places become more popular, the dangers of overtourism increase. Sustainable tourism in Georgia is key to preserving its beauty and its appeal as a travel destination. 

In the article below, we break down the increasing efforts being made to promote responsible tourism, how it can be used to counter overtourism, and how visitors can still fully enjoy the country while minimizing their ecological footprint. 

What is Sustainable Tourism? 

First things first, let’s define what we mean by “sustainable tourism.” Sustainable tourism refers to the type of travel (be it local or international) that minimizes negative environmental impacts and provides economic benefits to local communities as well as respecting and helping to preserve local cultures. 

The key principles here include protecting natural resources, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that tourism contributes positively to the well-being of the local people. In Georgia, a relatively small country with limited land resources and where tourism is integral to the economy, particularly in rural areas. So taking a sustainable approach is vital to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of biodiversity and cultural relics. 

Local entrepreneurs and governments alike have a vested interest in turning the country into a model for eco-travel in the South Caucasus. Currently, numerous private and public initiatives are already promoting green tourism in Tbilisi and beyond. 

Georgia's Commitment to Sustainable Tourism 

Georgia has made significant progress in developing sustainable tourism practices over the last decade. A country that scarcely registered on the international tourism radar at the beginning of the 2010s now attracts millions of travelers every year, with the eco-travel angle being one of the fastest-growing types of tourism.

With the increased interest in Georgia’s mountains, canyons, and national parks, there is also a growing recognition that harnessing economic growth through tourism without making efforts to preserve natural and cultural heritage cannot be sustainable in the long term. 

Many tour operators and accommodation providers are already adopting eco-friendly practices, such as sourcing only local products and minimizing waste. Environmental education and community involvement are increasing, particularly in rural areas and near protected landscapes. Some have even focused entirely on developing their regions as green tourism destinations, forming local networks to support attractive sustainable practices. 

The public sector has been putting increased effort into fostering international partnerships and knowledge exchange to help build capacity and introduce innovative approaches. Crucially, the Georgian government has even acknowledged sustainable tourism as an important economic strategy.

How to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler in Georgia

Contrary to what some may think, practicing green tourism in Georgia isn’t very hard. In reality, all it takes is a little conscious effort. From choosing sustainable transportation to supporting local businesses, small actions can go a long way.

- Sustainable Transportation in Georgia

Traveling around sustainably is one of the easiest parts of the assignment, although it does require giving up some comfort. While taking a car can be faster and more convenient, using public transportation can be an easy and more eco-friendly way to reach rural areas. Inter-city travel in Georgia is well supported by networks of trains, buses, and marshrutkas (minivans). 

If, however, you’re determined to rent a car, consider at least renting an electric or hybrid vehicle. Cycling and hiking in Georgia are also excellent alternatives when it comes to exploring nature without impacting heavily upon the environment. Even if you’re sticking to urban areas due to limited time, doesn’t mean you cannot engage in sustainable practices. To be a green tourist in Tbilisi, use buses, metro, and bikes to reduce your travel footprint.

- Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Georgia offers a variety of eco-friendly accommodation options, particularly in rural areas, where large hotels are relatively scarce. 

Eco-lodges and cottages with their energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and waste-reduction practices have become something of a trend in recent years (and most of them are owned by local families). 

But usually, the local small guesthouses would be your easiest choice and best bet. Local families typically prepare rooms in their own homes to receive guests, and many of them are engaged in sustainable practices, such as using only local and organic products and implementing water conservation measures simply due to the living conditions in their areas. These accommodations are beginning to combine traditional Georgian hospitality with modern eco-friendly approaches.

- Sustainable Food and Dining 

The food scene in Georgia’s rural areas has always been pretty eco-friendly, but more efforts are still being made to up the standards. With that in mind, several places now make a conscious effort to get their ingredients directly from nearby farms, if they don’t produce their own.

Many small entrepreneurs are bringing back old-school winemaking too. When going on a food tour or taking a cooking class, you'll probably hear about the environmental benefits of Georgian food. It's a cool way to learn about the culture and eat some great food at the same time.

Food waste is one of the more difficult issues to address, especially due to the famous supra (feast) culture (traditionally, it calls for more food on the table than the guests would ever dream of eating in one sitting). But improvements are being made in this direction too - most places now put leftovers to good use, whether it be feeding animals, composting (though this practice is still rather niche), or something else. 

- Practical Tips for Sustainable Travel in Georgia 

Regardless of where you are, you can always be more eco-friendly simply by following a few basic rules:

• Pack a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to minimize waste, especially when hiking; 

• Pack biodegradable toiletries if you can; 

• Be mindful of your waste - not many areas in Georgia have access to recycling, so try to minimize trash; 

• Try to support local small businesses by eating at family-run restaurants and staying in guesthouses; 

• Buy souvenirs directly from craftspeople or local markets;

• Consider using the services of a local guide for hikes or tours - this helps local communities and they know the area better than anyone, so it’s a win-win!

But don’t see it as “all or nothing.” If you’re unable to follow all of the recommendations, then at least practicing some of them can still make a difference. Little steps can go a long way, and have a big cumulative effect, so simply try to do as much as you can.

Challenges and Future of Sustainable Tourism in Georgia

The success of sustainable tourism in Georgia hinges on skills, networking, and high environmental standards. It also demands professional training and peer-to-peer exchanges to develop local expertise. In particular, networking among local businesses, such as winemakers, guesthouses, and tour operators, would likely strengthen green tourism value chains. At the same time, rural and remote areas would benefit from small grants and start-up consulting to adopt green technologies successfully.

Finally, destination management also plays a crucial role here. Strategic land-use planning, monitoring of tourism activities, and officially assigning areas for different types of tourism all help to avoid conflicts. Investments in waste management and wastewater treatment infrastructure are also essential for maintaining environmental integrity. Eco-friendly travel in Georgia will only thrive if there’s a coordinated approach emphasizing the importance of responsible travel. Luckily, both the private and public sectors seem to share a similar determination to advance in the right direction.