The world-famous hotel management company Rotana, operating in 46 cities across 24 countries, has officially entered the Georgian market. In partnership with Pontus, the company is developing the Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa Gonio, the first fully managed five-star hotel in Georgia.
Construction of the seaside resort began in September 2023, with completion planned for 2027. The luxury hotel, located in Gonio near Batumi, will feature 546 rooms and extensive infrastructure, including indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, bars, conference facilities, a spa and wellness center, a panoramic terrace, a casino, and a private beach.
Speaking on BMGTV’s Business Week, Farhan Shubayalat, Rotana’s Corporate Development Director, emphasized Georgia’s growing tourism potential. According to him, 2024 marked a record year for visitor arrivals, surpassing 7 million tourists, with significant growth from India, China, and the Middle East. He described the Gonio project as unique, highlighting its exceptional location near both the airport and Batumi city, surrounded by sea and mountains.
“This is a unique project, the location, the environment, and the growing Georgian tourism market make it truly special. We are pleased to have Pontus as a partner and are confident that the results will be impressive. Georgia’s tourism industry is booming, and we are monitoring opportunities for further projects in the country,” said Shubayalat.
Investor and civil engineer Mohd Yacob Baker Khawaji also expressed strong confidence in Georgia’s real estate stability and tourism prospects. Calling the Gonio resort a “profitable investment,” he noted his personal connection to the region:
“My grandfather lived in the Caucasus in the 19th century, so this step feels like a return to my roots. Georgia is small but stable and very promising, which makes me happy to invest here.”
Eric Guluta, Rotana Cluster General Manager and co-investor, highlighted his personal ties to Georgia, his wife is Georgian and he owns property in Tbilisi. He described Batumi as a “dynamic and modern market with great potential” and praised Rotana’s transparent and investor-friendly approach:
“I’ve worked with Rotana for a decade in many countries, and when the chance came to invest in Georgia, the decision was easy. The communication and professionalism from day one have been unmatched. Georgia feels like my second home.”
With its entry into Georgia, Rotana strengthens its footprint in Eastern Europe while positioning Batumi as a rising destination for high-end international tourism.
