- TBC’s Support Leeds to Opening of Swissôtel Tbilisi
With TBC’s backing, nestled in the historic heart of the city, Swissôtel Tbilisi has opened its doors, ready to welcome guests with Swiss hospitality standards.
Swissôtel Tbilisi marks yet another triumph in the collaborative efforts between TBI and one of Georgia’s largest investment firms, Makro Group, with a total project investment of $50 million.
Comprising 130 rooms, including Swiss Business Advantage, Deluxe King, Swissôtel Vitality rooms, and the Presidential Suite, the hotel stands as the 8th Georgian addition to the esteemed Accor international hospitality group.
A highlight of the hotel is the Pürovel Spa & Sport, complemented by four conference rooms for corporate gatherings.
Crafted by the globally renowned design and architecture studio Sundukovy Sisters, Swissôtel Tbilisi boasts an interior that seamlessly blends modernity with Swiss hospitality traditions.
Guests can indulge in a diverse culinary journey, from Asian cuisine and signature cocktails at the Atmosphere bar-restaurant to Swiss desserts at Cafe Swiss and Mediterranean fare and breakfast at Olives.
Frequent patrons of Swissôtel Tbilisi can avail themselves of various perks through the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program.
Alexis Delaroff, Chief Operating Officer of Accor New East Europe, remarked, “With its robust infrastructure, rich culture, and culinary diversity, Georgia holds immense potential in the hospitality sector. The inauguration of Swissôtel Tbilisi marks a significant stride in our expansion efforts within this vibrant market. This exceptional new establishment seamlessly melds contemporary design with the hallmark Swiss hospitality, offering an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking to explore Tbilisi from its pulsating core.”
Erdoğan Şahin, General Manager of Mercure Tbilisi Old Town and Swissôtel Tbilisi, expressed, “Swissôtel Tbilisi is a project close to our hearts, promising to deliver an extraordinary hospitality experience to both the city and its residents. We eagerly anticipate extending our warm hospitality to our guests, ensuring unforgettable stays and unparalleled culinary delights.”
Giorgi Tkhelidze, Deputy General Director of TBC, added, “I am delighted to witness Tbilisi joining the illustrious Swissôtel network, supported by TBC, which spans over 30 hotels across five continents and 17 countries. The hotel’s establishment marks a significant elevation in Tbilisi’s tourism potential and the country’s hospitality sector. With TBC’s support, Swissôtel Tbilisi not only receives financial backing but also ushers in Western standards and Swiss-quality hospitality to Georgia. Particularly noteworthy is the implementation of such an internationally acclaimed project, especially following Georgia’s candidacy for EU membership.”
- TBC’s Support Elevates Preparation of Technovation Girls SAKARTVELO for International Competition
In collaboration with Alte University, TBC continues its commitment to fostering innovation in Georgia through the Technovation Girls initiative for the second consecutive year. This global project, which garners participation from tens of thousands of girls across over a hundred countries, revolves around technology and inventive concepts.
The gathering of Technovation Girls SAKARTVELO participants and mentors took place at TBC’s concept multifunctional space. During the session, crucial aspects vital for the girls’ teams to excel in the international arena were thoroughly deliberated upon.
On May 18-19, the local jury will sift through the submissions, selecting projects for the semi-finals and ultimately determining the teams representing Georgia in the international competition.
Under the Technovation Girls banner, participants delve into programming, technological product development, and the cultivation of innovative solutions to prevalent issues, culminating in the creation of applications or prototypes incorporating artificial intelligence.
TBC, in its capacity as a technology firm, endeavors to bolster the tech ecosystem by backing Technovation Girls SAKARTVELO. The overarching goal is to empower girls within this domain and foster a broader understanding of technological matters among the younger demographic.
- Exclusive 1+1 Offer for TBC Concept Users at Tsinandli Estate
Until April 14th, TBC Concept users can avail themselves of the exclusive 1+1 offer at the esteemed Tsinandli Manor Hotel, part of the Radisson Collection. When booking a room through the concept assistant and settling payment on-site with the TBC Concept Visa card, patrons will receive an additional night or room as a complimentary gift.
Throughout this promotion, TBC Concept assures customers of various supplementary advantages, including a 20% discount on wine tastings and a 15% discount on spa treatments at the renowned Anne Semonini Spa.
The Tsinandli Manor Hotel, Radisson Collection, stands out for its exceptional guest hospitality, ensuring visitors a memorable blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and gastronomic delights.
For more detailed information, please visit the following link
- Discounts for TBC Health Insurance Policyholders at JPS and Pharmadepo Pharmacies
Effective immediately, TBC Insurance policyholders can avail themselves of a range of benefits within the JPS and Pharmadepo pharmacy networks.
“This collaboration with JPS and Pharmadepo marks another stride in streamlining healthcare access for our clientele. Commencing today, our insured individuals can procure self-care items, vitamins, and dietary supplements at discounted rates whenever needed. Initially spanning two sectors, our offering will expand in due course, ensuring our customers receive monthly discounts across various brands,” stated TBC Insurance.
TBC Insurance health policyholders can now enjoy discounts of up to 40% on select cosmetic, dietary supplement, and vitamin brands at JPS and Pharmadepo pharmacies. The list of eligible brands can be found here
- TBC Capital Update by the Chief Economist: GEL Exchange Rate and External Factors
The latest insights from TBC Capital’s chief economist shed light on the ongoing dynamics of Georgia’s currency exchange rate, particularly in relation to external economic influences. Notably, the prevailing strength of the dollar and euro has served as a mitigating factor, preventing the Georgian Lari (GEL) from depreciating even further.
Several factors, including low inflation and a stabilization of economic growth, advocate for a reduction in the monetary policy rate. However, it’s crucial to recognize the significant influence that interest rates in the US and Eurozone exert on developing economies like Georgia. As such, any potential easing of monetary policy remains a tentative prospect. TBC Capital anticipates a gradual decline in the refinancing rate throughout the year, albeit only to a moderate extent. Under the baseline scenario, it is expected that the monetary policy rate will hover around 8% or slightly lower by year-end.
Furthermore, February witnessed an encouraging uptick in net foreign exchange inflows, driven particularly by robust export performance. While a comprehensive breakdown of foreign trade data is pending publication, it’s noteworthy that currency deposits have outpaced GEL deposits since February 26. This imbalance typically exerts downward pressure on the GEL exchange rate, albeit temporarily, as the situation often reverses course. Nonetheless, TBC Capital maintains its assessment that, albeit marginally, the GEL exhibits relative strength against the currencies of Georgia’s primary trade partners, countering the prevailing long-term depreciation trend.
For further insights, refer to the publication via the provided link
- TBC and Veli Unite to Empower Women
March marks Women’s Support Month, and in this spirit, TBC and Veli have collaborated to bolster women entrepreneurs, aiding in sales growth and the promotion of Georgia-made products. From March 20th to 22nd, customers purchasing items from female entrepreneurs on VELI.store using any TBC VISA card will receive a 25% cashback.
Participating in this initiative are various women-led companies, such as “RECKLE$$,” catering to the gen Z demographic with trendy clothing designs, mood.o offering themed tablecloths, and “Antslishop” providing unique wall calendars.
Established three years ago, “Antslishop” finds this support particularly significant, anticipating heightened brand recognition and sales. Founder Anano Neparidze emphasizes the importance of such promotions in boosting awareness and attracting customers.
Nini Chikovani, founder of mood.o, describes the newfound support as transformative for their homeware brand, which previously lacked any backing. She believes in the magic that happens when women support one another, confident that the 25% cashback from TBC will further entice customers.
Salome Gvelesiani, founder of “Rekles,” applauds the initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by retail sales in Georgia. She appreciates Veli’s e-commerce platform for its inclusivity and relevance to younger demographics, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase “Rekles” products alongside other women-led ventures.
At VELI.store, the “Women’s Support Field” features a curated selection of products from female entrepreneurs. Availing of this offer with a TBC VISA card ensures a 25% refund, creating a win-win scenario for both customers and businesses alike.
- TBC Backs “Artificial Intelligence in Education” Initiative
With TBC’s backing and in collaboration with Alte University, the “Artificial Intelligence in Education” initiative is set to commence. The initiative aims to familiarize educators with the fundamental aspects of artificial intelligence, furnish them with insights into various AI platforms, and enhance teachers’ access to technological knowledge.
Teacher enrollment for training sessions is currently underway across Georgia and will continue until March 25th. Thirty ICT educators will be chosen from the pool of applicants to undergo training in the following areas:
– Fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence
– Utilization of existing AI platforms
– Mobile application prototyping with MIT App Inventor
– Integration of basic AI models
– Ensuring information security in education.
The training sessions, comprising a series of 12 online meetings, will kick off in April. Upon completion of the course, a culminating conference will be convened, and certificates will be conferred upon the participants.
The project is entirely funded, and registration for the training course remains open until March 25th through the following link: [registration link]. Collaborative partners for the initiative include the Association of Teachers of Exact and Natural Sciences – “Teachers Lab,” the Association of Artificial Intelligence of Georgia, and the NGO “Techdro.”
Facilitating access to education stands as a primary focus for TBC. Through its support of this initiative, TBC extends an opportunity to educators across Georgia to augment their proficiency in cutting-edge domains of artificial intelligence and information technology.
- New Branch of Wine Bar Wine Not? Opens with Restaurant and Interactive Space on Gudiashvili Square
“Wine” is the word most effortlessly associated with Georgia by foreigners today. Launching a wine-related venture in such a country typically means entering a saturated market and following a well-trodden path. However, the founders of Wine Not?, Nino Abuladze and Nino Chkoidze, approached the endeavor differently.
The idea for a wine bar originated after their return from Budapest, where they both studied business administration. According to Nino Abuladze, they wasted no time and immediately began searching for an ideal location.
“In 2019, wine bars were not popular in Tbilisi. In fact, there were none. We aimed to introduce a fresh approach, challenging tradition—creating a space where people could unwind after work and enjoy a glass of wine. This was a novelty for the area.”
Despite its simplicity, the concept of Wine Not? is entirely new for Georgia. It revolves around bringing together wine enthusiasts and offering a selection of wines from small and medium-sized local wineries. Guests can taste various wines without committing to a whole bottle; instead, they can simply order a glass. The bar boasts a diverse selection, curating wines from approximately 300 cellars, handpicked by sommeliers.
Established in 2019 on Petriashvili Street in Tbilisi, Wine Not? quickly garnered a loyal following, necessitating expansion. To complement its wine and snack offerings, a full kitchen was incorporated into the new location on Gudiashvili Square, which boasts a larger space than the original bar on Petriashvili. During renovation works, a 300-year-old cellar was unearthed on the premises, prompting the founders to integrate this discovery into their concept.
“We introduced the wine bar concept to Gudiashvili, expanded with a full kitchen, and added the unique feature of the ancient wine cellar. We aim to showcase to foreign guests the essence of kvevri, cellars, and the overall Georgian wine tradition.”
What sets Wine Not? apart is its highly interactive nature. The establishments regularly host wine tastings, live music performances, comedy stand-ups, and other events. The stage often serves as a platform for budding musicians seeking exposure to larger audiences. This emphasis on interaction transcends the label of a mere bar or restaurant; it’s a space where wine lovers come together for entertainment and educational experiences.
“We’ve conducted numerous training sessions with specialists, aiding both our growth and that of our staff. We prioritize hiring students from winemaking faculties, exposing them to the market’s wines through regular tastings. We aspire to do the same in the culinary realm, welcoming graduates to explore their talents alongside us—be it in wine, cuisine, or music.”
At Wine Not?, meticulous attention is devoted to selecting new wines. Every two weeks, founders, staff, and students convene under the guidance of a sommelier to taste and evaluate wines from various wineries. Criteria include taste, label appeal, and price range. Only after such rigorous assessment is a wine considered for inclusion in the bar’s collection.
In terms of cuisine, Wine Not? adheres to the principle of modern Georgian dishes paired with wine. Original creations like chick in gozinak, eggplant in baje, or kharcho with browned ghomi delight the palates of its patrons.
While the founders initially financed the first branch themselves, they sought assistance from TBC in 2023 to open a second branch.
“We required additional resources and approached the bank, which granted us a business loan on favorable terms. We also participate in the “Produce Georgia” subsidy program. Wine Not? has numerous exciting projects in the pipeline, including ventures into other tourist regions of Georgia.”
