Georgian Ecotourism Association

The Georgian Ecotourism Association (GEA) is a nonprofit, membership-based organization founded in 2012 to promote ecotourism as a pillar of sustainable development in Georgia. Its mission is to develop and popularize tourism products that protect natural and cultural heritage, conserve authentic environments, and create long-term economic benefits for local communities. The association works to ensure that tourism growth supports environmental conservation while improving livelihoods in rural regions.

GEA develops ecotourism products and destinations through research, planning, training, and community engagement. Its activities include creating hiking trails and greenways, supporting small tourism businesses, developing agro- and ecotourism initiatives, conducting research and educational programs, and promoting sustainable tourism standards. The organization also advocates for ecotourism at the national level, collaborates with government agencies and international partners, and helps local communities participate in and benefit from tourism development.

Greenways Georgia is an initiative of the Georgian Ecotourism Association that aims to develop a network of ecological, non-motorized routes across Georgia. The project revives historic roads, village paths, former trade routes, and other forgotten corridors, transforming them into sustainable travel routes for walking, cycling, and nature-based tourism. As part of the international Greenways movement and aligned with European Greenways principles, it promotes environmentally friendly mobility, cultural preservation, and improved quality of life for local communities.

The initiative positions Georgia as a new destination within the global Greenways network by connecting travelers with the country’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and rural traditions. Rather than focusing solely on transportation, the routes are designed as immersive experiences that link visitors with family guesthouses, wineries, local food producers, artisans, historic sites, and traditional communities. The project emphasizes slow travel and meaningful engagement with Georgia’s history, landscapes, and local culture.

Georgia is a member of the Council of Europe.

Contact info:

Vasil Barnovi st. №30 Tbilisi, 0114, Georgia

Contact persons:

Natalia Bakhtadze Engalnder, Chair of the Board

Ilia Okromelidze, Executive Director

Read the interview with Natalia Bakhtadze Englander, chairwoman of the Georgian Ecotourism Association on: “Telling Stories Through Ecotourism and Greenways”

>>> More about Greenways in Georgia 

SPECIAL JURY MENTION AT THE EUROPEAN GREENWAYS AWARD 2025

🌿⭐️🇬🇪The jury gave a special mention to the two following candidacies presented by Georgian Ecotourism Association for: Akhmeta greenway (presented in Excellence category) and Tianeti greenway (presented in category Initiatives).