The Role of Tourism in the Economic Development of Samtskhe–Javakheti

Abstract

The Samtskhe–Javakheti region, located in the southern part of Georgia, constitutes one of the significant components of the country’s economic space. The region is distinguished by its strategic location, which positions it as a transit and trade hub, particularly in the context of economic relations with Turkey and Armenia. Traditionally, the backbone of the regional economy has been agriculture: the production of potatoes, grains, and livestock products forms an essential element of national food security.

In recent years, tourism has emerged as a leading direction of economic development. The Borjomi resort, the rock-hewn city of Vardzia, and other cultural and natural monuments have endowed the region with the status of an international tourist destination. The growth of tourism contributes to employment, the expansion of the service sector, and the strengthening of small businesses.

Despite this progress, the region continues to face challenges such as population migration, unemployment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and the seasonality of the economy. Nevertheless, Samtskhe–Javakheti possesses considerable potential for the modernization of the agricultural sector, the enhancement of eco-tourism and cultural tourism, the expansion of its transit function, and the development of small enterprises.

Accordingly, the economic profile of the region demonstrates that, under the conditions of sound investment policies and development strategies, Samtskhe–Javakheti can become not only a local but also a nationally significant driving force of economic growth.