“Caucasus Mandili will be a distinctive, symbolic project,” said Makram El Zyr, Vice President of Corporate Development at international hotel operator Rotana, during an interview on BMG’s TV-program Business Weekly.
Developed through a partnership between Rotana, Pontus, and renowned Italian architectural firm NOA, the project will become the first Rotana-branded ski resort in Gudauri. It also marks the company’s first entry into the winter resort segment globally, underscoring both Georgia’s growing tourism appeal and its increasing attractiveness for international investment.
According to Makram El Zyr, diversification is one of the key drivers of long-term success in the hospitality industry. Rotana’s portfolio already includes city hotels, beach resorts, desert retreats, and mountain properties. The Gudauri project will become the company’s first dedicated ski resort, adding a new chapter to the company’s global growth journey.
A core principle of the project is its year-round appeal. Rather than operating solely as a winter destination, the resort is being designed as a four-season complex offering a wide range of experiences throughout the year.
“It is important for us not to consider this just as a ski resort. This facility should be a 365-day resort. In the summer, people will go hiking; in the fall, they can enjoy the spa; and in the winter, they will ski. We want this to be a year-round destination in Georgia, which is one of the most dynamic tourism markets today,” Makram El Zyr said.
The project’s design and concept are being developed by Italian architectural bureau NOA, which has extensive experience in creating mountain resorts in the Alps. Makram El Zyr emphasized that successful mountain hospitality projects must integrate seamlessly with their natural surroundings rather than alter them.
“The key to a project’s success is its location and having consultants who understand that location and can create something that blends naturally with the environment. A project should not transform the landscape; it should become part of it and attract people through its authenticity,” he noted.
Mr. Makram also highlighted NOA’s proven track record of turning ambitious concepts into reality.
“Today, many consultants create dream projects that look impressive in magazines and brochures but are never realized. With NOA, however, we have seen many dreams become reality, and we want people to come and dream with us in this hotel.”
El Zyr pointed to Georgia’s geographic location and accessibility as major advantages, particularly for travelers from the Middle East and Gulf region.
Interest in Georgia continues to grow among visitors from the UAE and neighboring Gulf countries, driven in part by the short flight time of just three to three and a half hours. This convenience makes Georgia an attractive destination for both summer and winter holidays, helping ensure consistent demand for resorts such as Gudauri.
Caucasus Mandili is based on a three-way partnership: Rotana as the hotel operator, Pontus as the developer, and NOA as the project consultant and architect.
According to Mr. Makram, the project benefits from a strong foundation of trust established through years of collaboration with Pontus and its founder, Irakli Varshalomidze. The partners are already working together on the Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa - Gonio on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, which is currently under construction.
“For us as an operator, working with the same developer and owner is a privilege, because it reflects mutual trust and a shared commitment to success. Our collaboration with Irakli, Pontus, and their team over the past three years has been extremely successful,” Makram El Zyr.
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