By 
[Tbilisi, September 1, 2026] —
Tbilisi is preparing for a significant influx of global industry leaders as the HoReCA Expo Georgia 2026 takes place from 5 to 7 October. The event, hosted at ExpoGeorgia, serves as a critical barometer for the region's hospitality sector, coinciding with a period of unprecedented growth in Georgia's international tourism market.
Global Hospitality Hub in Tbilisi
The upcoming exhibition is designed as a comprehensive meeting point for professionals specializing in hotels, restaurants, cafés, and catering. The 2026 event will showcase the latest advancements in hospitality technology, commercial kitchen equipment, wellness services, textiles, and foodservice consumables.
Industry data indicates a substantial scaling of the event. The exhibition is expected to feature 250 companies, a significant jump from the approximately 150 firms that participated in the previous edition. This expansion reflects the growing appetite for international hospitality standards within the Caucasus region.
While a comprehensive list of all participating nations has not been fully released, reports confirm that 19 countries will be represented. Primary participation is expected from Georgia, the broader Caucasus region, Türkiye, Eastern Europe, and various CIS markets.
Georgia Tourism Market Hits Historic Milestones
The timing of the expo aligns with a broader trend of soaring international interest in Georgia. Data from the Georgian National Tourism Administration reveals that 2025 was a landmark year, with the country recording 7,803,239 total international traveler visits.
Of these, international tourist visits specifically reached 5,521,866, marking a year-on-year increase of 8.4%. This surge in volume translated into significant economic impact, with international travel generating approximately US$4.69 billion in tourism income throughout 2025.
The growth trajectory has remained steep into 2026. Between January and June 2026, Georgia saw 249,201 visits from the United Kingdom and European Union member states. This represents a 23.4% increase compared to the same six-month window in 2025, suggesting a strengthening bond between Georgian tourism and Western European markets.
Diversification of International Visitor Demographics
Georgia is no longer relying on a few primary source markets; instead, it is seeing a diversification of its visitor base. Government statistics from 2025 highlight particularly aggressive growth in arrivals from China, Azerbaijan, and Israel.
European demand has also shifted upward. Specifically, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom recorded substantial year-on-year increases in visitor numbers. This shift indicates that Georgia is successfully positioning itself as a versatile destination capable of attracting a wide array of global demographics.
Critical Entry Requirements for 2026 Travelers
For those planning to visit Tbilisi for the October exhibition or general tourism, there is a critical regulatory update regarding entry. As of 1 January 2026, the Georgian Tourism Administration requires all tourists entering the country to possess valid accident and health insurance.
Travelers are advised to verify their policy coverage and carry documentation to avoid complications at the border. Beyond the legal requirements, industry observers suggest that visitors should allocate extra time in their itineraries to explore the capital's historical sites, as the city's infrastructure is currently managing record-level crowds.
Strategic Tourism Opportunities in October
While the HoReCA Expo is primarily a B2B trade event, its presence in early October creates a strategic window for leisure travelers. The autumn period is often cited as an ideal time to visit the Caucasus due to milder weather and the harvest season.
Visitors attending the ExpoGeorgia event can leverage their stay to visit key regional hubs. Beyond the capital, high-traffic destinations include:
- Kakheti: The primary wine-growing region.
- Kazbegi: Known for high-altitude mountain landscapes.
- Mtskheta: The ancient capital and spiritual center.
- Batumi: The primary Black Sea coastal city.
- Kutaisi: A hub for history and nature.
HoReCA Expo Georgia Growth Metrics
The 2026 edition is positioned as a significantly larger operation than its predecessor across almost every key performance indicator. The jump in participating companies alone represents a growth rate of approximately 66.7%.
| HoReCA Expo Georgia indicator | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition space | 5,000 sq m | 5,000 sq m |
| Companies | 150 | 250 |
| Visitors | 7,500+ | 13,066 listed |
| Participating countries | Not publicly itemised | 19 |
| First-time professional visitors | 4,000 | Not yet available |
| Companies represented among visitors | 3,500+ | Not yet available |
| Visitors influencing purchasing decisions | 91% | Not yet available |
| Senior decision-makers | 60% | Not yet available |
| Event dates | Previous edition | 5–7 October 2026 |
Current projections show an increase of approximately 5,566 visitors compared to the 2025 attendance of 7,500+, although the 13,066 figure is currently a target/listed number provided by organizers rather than a final count.
Why This Matters
For the international traveler and business investor, these figures signal that Georgia is transitioning from a "hidden gem" to a mainstream global tourism powerhouse. The 23.4% spike in EU and UK visitors suggests that the region is now viewed as a viable, high-growth alternative to traditional European destinations.
From a logistical standpoint, the new mandatory insurance requirement starting January 2026 indicates a professionalization of Georgia's tourism infrastructure, moving toward standards seen in the Schengen Area. For the business traveler, the 66.7% increase in participating companies at HoReCA Expo demonstrates a rapid modernization of the local hospitality supply chain.
Ultimately, the convergence of record-breaking visitor numbers and a scaling professional expo suggests that Tbilisi is becoming a primary gateway for the Caucasus, blending high-volume tourism with sophisticated industry growth.
