Galt & Taggart: Baku–Tbilisi train relaunch to bring $200 million boost to Georgia tourism

The resumption of passenger train services between Baku and Tbilisi is expected to generate a significant financial boost for Georgia’s tourism sector, bringing in an additional $200 million, according to estimates by investment company Galt & Taggart.

In its latest review, the firm projects that the relaunch of the rail connection will increase tourism revenues from Azerbaijan to $435 million in 2026. The route is seen as a key driver of regional travel recovery and cross-border tourism growth.

“The opening provides a timely boost and compensates for the decline in tourist flows from the Middle East, improving our annual forecast,” the review says.

Galt & Taggart also pointed to pre-pandemic data to highlight the route’s importance. In 2019, around 19,000 tourists travelled to Georgia via the Baku–Tbilisi train, with 47% of those coming from third countries, underlining the route’s role not only in bilateral travel but also in attracting international visitors.

The renewed rail link is expected to strengthen tourism flows, support revenue growth, and partially offset recent declines from other regions.

By Tamilla Hasanova