Petra Sea Resort is an upscale seafront mixed-use development located on the Black Sea coast, 15 km from Batumi. Spread over 20 hectares of land, it is the only master-planned residential complex of this scale in Georgia, one which includes international branded hotels and residences, over 30 apartment buildings, vast recreational infrastructure, a private beach, and a marina. To find out more, GEORGIA TODAY talked to the co-founders of Petra Sea Resort – Mirian Katamadze and Giorgi Svanidze.
“Petra Sea Resort is definitely a very unique project for us, both as a company and for the Adjara region,” Giorgi tells us. “Development in Adjara has been very active over the last decade, especially in Batumi. Our idea was to create a distinctive master-planned resort in Tsikhisdziri, one of the best areas in Adjara. We are convinced that this project will contribute to the economic development of the area and attract more international tourists and investors.”
“We, as developers, have vast experience in resort development in Georgia,” says Mirian. “I can recall the time when we started development of New Gudauri from scratch, and now you can see a modern, thought-through resort which attracts thousands of tourists each winter. I am convinced that Petra Sea Resort will be even more successful, as we are working with a lot of international brands, operators and consultants.”
Location: Tbilisi Marriott Hotel
Why did you decide to implement the Petra project and what was your main goal?
Mirian: The development sector is one of the most active sectors in our economy and it contributes significantly to the economic growth of our country. We have created an investment project which is already attracting international investors, and we are sure that even more international and local investors will show interest in this project when we start the sales of our branded premises.
On 20 hectares of land, with 40+ buildings, and 5000+ units, people who invest in this project are buying not just an apartment on the sea, but are becoming a part of a new upscale leisure destination in Georgia
Giorgi: Yes, absolutely. Both we and the representatives of Accor Group share the opinion that Petra Sea Resort, and Pullman Living and Pullman Residences within this project, will be a great success. Petra will be a showcase resort on the Georgian Black Sea coast and will set a standard in resort development in Georgia.
What is the main niche that distinguishes the Petra project?
Giorgi: There are a lot of great projects currently being developed in Adjara, and we are very glad that the region is gaining ever more recognition among tourists and investors. Petra Sea Resort is most distinguished through two factors: Its unique location and its scale. Tsikhisdziri has always been a popular destination with Georgians, and Petra will make it more so with international tourists and investors. And the scale of the project is notable: 20 hectares of land, 40+ buildings, and 5000+ units. People who invest in this project are buying not just an apartment on the sea, but are becoming a part of a new upscale leisure destination in Georgia.
Mirian: And, of course, we need to mention that the resort will be managed by an international company, Valor Hospitality Partners. It is the first case here in Georgia that the operations of the whole resort will be led by an experienced international company. Cooperation with Valor Hospitality Partners guarantees high level services and makes investment in this project even more beneficial.
Location: Tbilisi Marriott Hotel
What impact do you think this project can have on tourism?
Giorgi: We think that this resort will have a significant impact. Think about the additional 5000 units, hotel rooms, hotel-type apartments and branded residences. This a significant additional pool to welcome local and international tourists.
We see that the interest among international companies towards our country has increased massively, and we are glad that we can contribute to the growth of the presence of international brands in Georgia
Mirian: We started operations only last year, and have already shared with the public our cooperation with Valor and Accor. Currently, we have several cooperation deals in the pipeline, seeing us at the contractual stage and unable to share the details yet. But very soon we will announce two more cooperation agreements with major hospitality brands, and will introduce our partners in F&B, retail, spa, fitness and other areas. All of these international brands will make the Adjara region even more attractive to tourists.
You signed with Accor, and as a result, Pullman-branded residences will be built in the Petra area. Do you plan to cooperate with other international brands in the future?
Mirian: Yes. As I mentioned, we are very close to the announcement of our next cooperation agreement. From the start of the development of this project, we have been in negotiation with key players in hospitality and the F&B industry, and all of them see great potential in this project and are eager to cooperate. We see that the interest among international companies towards our country has increased massively, and we are glad that we can contribute to the growth of the presence of international brands in Georgia.
Giorgi: Absolutely, and not only has interest in our country increased, but also the level of brands. A decade ago, upper-upscale and luxury brands were showing much less excitement towards Georgia, whereas now they are keen to enter the market and develop more and more properties. And Petra will be an area with an unprecedented presence of well-known international brands.
By Mariam Mtivlishvili
