Tourist season in Adjara

According to official data from January till September this year 1.3 million tourists visited Adjara, 30% more than the same period last year. There was an increase in tourists from Turkey, Armenia and Russia. The current government is cheerful about the statistics. Local guesthouse owners struggled this season, however as they saw a sharp decline in business. Guesthouses are mainly patronized by Georgian tourists, whereas foreign tourists generally prefer to stay in hotels. Because of high prices many Georgian tourists could not afford to visit Adjara this year, those who can afford instead preferring to travel abroad. Due to the downturn in business approximately 400 guesthouse owners are in debt.