Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, spoke at an Economic Forum panel titled “The Country’s Tourism and Investment Potential, Importance of Strategic Projects and Initiatives, Opportunities and Challenges.” She outlined Georgia’s economic priorities, current progress, and long-term development goals.

Kvrivishvili emphasized the government's target to expand the national economy to GEL 130 billion by 2028 and reduce unemployment to 4%, highlighting energy independence as a core objective.

She updated participants on key infrastructure and economic sector developments, noting record-breaking growth in tourism and aviation:

In 2024, Georgia saw 7.37 million international visits (+4.2% YoY) and USD 4.4 billion in tourism revenue (+7.3%).

In Q1 2025, tourism receipts hit a record USD 826 million.

Civil aviation in 2024 experienced a 24% increase in passenger traffic, exceeding 7.4 million passengers, with continued growth in early 2025.

Over 60 airlines now operate nearly 100 routes through Georgia’s airports.

Kvrivishvili also underlined the importance of major infrastructure projects, including new highways, the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, and a new international airport, as crucial for sustaining momentum in tourism and investment.

“We’ve reached achievements in tourism and aviation that even more developed countries are still striving for,” she noted. “Our commitment to strategic infrastructure is central to Georgia’s long-term sustainable development.”