Imereti
Imereti's Kutaisi (Georgia's second city) hosts UNESCO Gelati Monastery and manganese industry while budget carrier airport expands tourism access.
Imereti anchors western Georgia, Kutaisi serving as the country's second city and historical capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis. The region's position between coast and highlands creates diverse agricultural zones; its industrial base—damaged during 1990s collapse—partially recovered with manganese mining and manufacturing. Kutaisi International Airport provides low-cost carrier access that tourism development leverages.
The Gelati Monastery and Bagrati Cathedral UNESCO sites anchor cultural tourism, while Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon provide natural attractions. These assets receive growing visitor numbers as Georgia's tourism sector expands beyond Tbilisi and Batumi. The region ranks among those most visited by domestic travelers, reflecting both heritage significance and accessibility.
Manufacturing in Zestafoni (manganese processing) and Kutaisi provides industrial employment unusual for Georgia's regions. The Soviet-era automotive plant has attracted various revival attempts; success remains elusive. Whether Imereti can leverage its central position and tourism assets—converting stopover visits into extended stays—determines whether the region develops beyond its current secondary status.