Official conference of Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia

Useful information

Practical information for attendees

Everything you need to know before you travel to Batumi.

Venue

The Georgia International Maritime Forum 2026 will be held at the Sheraton Batumi Hotel, on the first coastline along the Front Boulevard of Batumi.

All conference sessions take place at the Sheraton Batumi Hotel. A shuttle service will run between recommended hotels and the venue during conference hours.

Accommodation

Hotels

We are delighted to present a curated accommodation experience for distinguished guests attending the Georgia International Maritime Forum (GIMF 2026). Located on the first coastline, directly on the Front Boulevard of Batumi, both properties offer a seamless blend of comfort, style, and premium hospitality.

15–20% offThe Grandeur Hotel Batumi

The Grandeur Hotel Batumi

First coastline · Front Boulevard, Batumi

A premium stay directly on the Batumi seafront, featuring access to Orchid Spa (located in The Grandeur Hotel) and a heated outdoor swimming pool (located separately in the complex).

  • Single Room70 USD
  • Double Room80 USD
  • Triple Room110 USD
  • Additional Amenities
  • 4 different cuisine restaurants
  • 24-hour markets
  • Free parking
  • Prime Location
  • First coastline
  • Front Boulevard, Batumi
  • Daily breakfast
  • VAT included
  • Access to indoor pool, gym, hamam & sauna
  • 20% discount on all spa treatments
15–20% offIbis Styles Batumi

Ibis Styles Batumi

First coastline · Front Boulevard, Batumi

Stylish, comfortable rooms on the Front Boulevard with access to Orchid Spa (located in The Grandeur Hotel) and a heated outdoor swimming pool (located separately in the complex).

  • Single Room65 USD
  • Double Room70 USD
  • Triple Room85 USD
  • Additional Amenities
  • 4 different cuisine restaurants
  • 24-hour markets
  • Free parking
  • Prime Location
  • First coastline
  • Front Boulevard, Batumi
  • Daily breakfast
  • VAT included
  • Access to indoor pool, gym, hamam & sauna
  • 20% discount on all spa treatments
Your discount code arrives with your forum ticket.

Reservations

Both properties are located on the first coastline along the Front Boulevard of Batumi. To book at the delegate rate, call +995 595 505 380 and quote the discount code included with your forum ticket.

Getting to Batumi

Batumi International Airport (BUS) is located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre by road. Direct flights connect Batumi with major European and regional hubs.

Delegates may also arrive via Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), with onward connections by air, rail, or road. The road journey from Tbilisi to Batumi takes approximately six hours.

Your gateway to Batumi

Three airports, endless connections.

Depending on where you're flying from, you have three solid options to choose from.

  • Closest, most convenient

    Batumi International Airport

    9 km from the city

    Handles both international and domestic flights, with major carriers keeping it well-connected. Routes cover Tbilisi, Istanbul, Baku, Dubai, Riyadh, and more.

    Carriers
    Turkish Airlines, Georgian Airways, Flydubai, Pegasus, Azerbaijan Airlines, Arkia, Flynas, El Al, Yan Air, Scat Airlines

    batumiairport.com

  • Budget-friendly entry from Europe

    Kutaisi International Airport

    115 km — approx. 1h 45min by road

    Wizz Air operates a huge network of low-cost routes from here, linking the wider Batumi region to Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Milan, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, and many more. The road trip is a pleasant introduction to Georgia's scenery.

    kutaisi.aero

  • Georgia's main international hub

    Tbilisi International Airport

    370 km — connected by train, bus, or domestic flight

    20 km from the capital and built to full ICAO standards. Direct flights arrive from across Europe and the Gulf, including Munich, London, Geneva, Paris, Nice, Vienna, and Warsaw. From Tbilisi, reach Batumi by train, shared taxi, bus, or domestic flight.

    tbilisiairport.com

Visa Requirements

Citizens of many countries may enter Georgia without a visa. Visa requirements vary depending on nationality, and some travelers may also be eligible to enter visa-free if they hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by certain countries.

We recommend checking the latest entry requirements before making travel arrangements via the official Georgian e-Visa portal or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

Check entry requirements

Local Transport

Batumi is compact and walkable. Licensed taxis and ride-hailing services operate widely. A shuttle service will run between recommended hotels and the conference venue during conference hours.

Public transport includes a network of buses and minibuses. Most signage is provided in Georgian and English.

Currency and Payments

The local currency is the Georgian Lari (GEL). ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Currency exchange offices are located at the airport, in the city centre, and at the conference venue. The conference does not endorse any specific exchange operator.

Practical Batumi

Everything you need before you arrive.

Quick facts, weather, safety, and the city pass that pays for itself.

At a glance

Population
180,000 – 235,000
Language
Georgian
Time zone
GMT+4
Currency
Georgian Lari (GEL)
Exchange
≈2.64 GEL / USD · 3.02 GEL / EUR
Electricity
220V / 50Hz · plugs C, F
Emergency
Dial 112

Batumi has a subtropical climate. Rain can come at any time, so a light jacket is always worth packing.

Weather by season

  • Spring12–23°C
  • Summer21–31°C
  • Autumn15–24°C
  • Winter5–17°C

Feeling safe

One of the region's safest cities.

Batumi ranks with a Safety Index of 81.66 (Numbeo, 2024) - peace of mind whether you're exploring solo, as a couple, or with family.

The Batumi Card

Your key to the city.

Valid for 10 days, the card unlocks discounts across attractions, museums, hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Ajara - plus 10 free public transport rides, a free SIM card with 1 GB of data, and up to 40% off at partner venues.

card.visitajara.com

Getting around

Easy to navigate.

Buses, taxis, electric scooters, and bicycles make Batumi straightforward and enjoyable. Nine Tourist Information Centers across the city offer free maps, travel guides, and local expertise.

batauto.gevisitbatumi.com

By train

Comfortable, scenic, affordable.

Daily trains run from both Tbilisi and Kutaisi to Batumi Central station - a comfortable and affordable way to arrive in style. Book tickets in advance, check schedules and fares, especially during peak season.

railway.ge

Emergency Contacts

Single emergency number: 112 (police, fire, and ambulance).

Conference on-site contact: +995 558 01 86 86. Available during conference hours.

Language Tips

Conference sessions are held in English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided where indicated in the agenda.

Georgian is the official language. Common greetings: გამარჯობა (gamarjoba) — hello; მადლობა (madloba) — thank you.