US, April 15 -- Once one of Europe's fastest-growing tourism destinations, Georgia is now facing an unexpected and troubling downturn. Industry insiders are asking a stark question: Where have the tourists gone?

The answer, increasingly, lies far beyond the Caucasus - in the escalating war in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran.

A Sudden Chill After Years of Growth Over the past decade, Georgia transformed itself into a tourism success story. Known for its wine culture, mountain landscapes, and the charm of Tbilisi's historic districts, the country attracted millions of international visitors annually.

But that momentum is now faltering.

According to recent reporting, visitor numbers have dropped sharply across ...