საქართველო | GEORGIA | Projects & Construction

[Kokoity]

The Chairman of Government of Adjara A.R with specialists visit current works in water source construction in Chaisubani

One more rehabilitated water source construction will come to exploitation in three months.

After terminating working activities population will receive water from advanced compact filter construction. It is able to filter 200 liters water in a second.

Water supply will transfer from Chaisubani construction to the central reservoir of Salibauri where filtered water will join city water network.

1,5 mln Euro have been allocated for rehabilitating source construction. Working activities are being conducted by companies: "Pelias Mason" and "Tbilisi".

http://adjara.gov.ge/eng/index.php?page=show&id=1478

[Kokoity]

likani will become soon a multi recreation zone

http://www.commersant.ge/index.php?pg=nt&id=15330&ct=2

The Minister of Economic Development of Georgia Zurab Pololikashvili examined the Borjomi-Likani resort infrastructure and learned about the new architectural projects of development. The manager of “Kazmunaigas-Service” Amanzhol Kusainov introduced the details of the construction to the Minister. The Kazakh Company is the current owner of the former Likani curative complex. Zurab Pololikashvili said that Likani is one of the most important resorts of Georgia and its development will promote not only the development of tourism in the region but also the development of small and medium business and employment of local population.

“We have reached agreement on the final version of the project with the Kazakh Company. A sanatorium complex of international standards will be constructed here, which will bind the Borjomi-Bakuriani road and will play a great role in the development of the region. The construction of the resort will start this spring and will be finished in two years. The Department of Tourism adn Resorts will use this time to prepare qualified workers who will be employed in this complex,” – said the Minister of Economic Development of Georgia.

The Georgian Government transferred the Likani curative compex to “Kazmuniagas-Service” in 2006. The government supported the initiative of the Kazakh investors that was aiming to construct a tourism complex of international level. The renewal of the complex should have started several years ago but the economic crisis and the August war had a negative impact on the activities of the investors. The situation changed this year and “Kazmuniagas-service” is starting to fulfill its obligations. They say in the company that execution of such a large scale project is another proof of good neighboring and business relations between Georgia and Kazakhstan.

The Likani Complex is one of the most important resorts of Georgia for a hundred years already. The Likani Complex was considered as the symbol of prestige and high level service – around 12 000 customers were served daily there. The resort is also well known beyond the borders of the country. The Borjomi-Likani complex served thousands of tourists annually.

The Kazakh investment will help the problem of unemployment in the Borjomi district and the whole Samtskhe-Javakheti region where tourism is the main source of income for the citizens. 350 people will be employed in the complex at the first stage.

http://economy.gov.ge/?category=4&lang=eng&item=183

[Kokoity]

Tskneti cottage









[URL=http://www.radikal.ru]

[Kokoity]

Georgian President opens Olympic centre in Dusheti town
12.03.10 15:23
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili opened Friday a new hotel and an Olympic village with unique facilities for all kinds of sportsmen in the town of Dusheti in Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region.
The Olympic house has been intended for 100 sportsmen who can exercise as well as take a rest there. In the vicinity of the Olympic village, there is an Olympic centre, where all kinds of sportsmen exercise and are trained there.
The Georgian president said additional funds should be allocated to development of sports in Georgia.
`We have decided to open a big Olympic centre here, because, while a lot of politicians can`t see the rest of Georgia beyond the centre of Tbilisi and while Tbilisi is developing as soon as never before in the history, for me all regions should have their functions and all regions should develop properly`, Mikheil Saakashvili said and added that Dusheti had actually lost all the functions `therefore, the water pipeline, the roads we are constructing here is good, but if Dusheti does not gain any function, if people are not employed there, nothing will change`, he said.

http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.p...main&ct=0&wth=

Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has observed a sport complex and the hotel Olympic House in Dusheti district.
According to Saakashvili, the Georgian government made a decision to build the hotel and complex two years ago.
‘The complex will employ people, and it will also promote development of sport in Georgia. Some politicians can’t see anything beyond their noses; meanwhile we are working and developing. Dusheti is being developed despite problems’, Saakashvili said’, Saakashvili said.
Part of the sport complex and the hotel opened on 15 February.

http://www.interpressnews.ge/en/inde...html&hd_line=1

12 March 2010 / 14:21
The President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili visited sports’ complex and hotel “Olympic House” in Dusheti region

The President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili visited sports’ complex and hotel “Olympic House” in Dusheti region.

Mikheil Saakashvili pointed out that the decision on building this hotel and sports’ complex was made by the government of Georgia two years ago.

“This complex provides jobs for the local population as well as better training and the development of sports. Two years ago we made a decision to build a sports’ complex here. A big Olympic center is being built here. Before many politicians cannot see anything besides their noses we think about development. Despite the problems Dusheti develops”, Mikheil Saakashvili noted.

The President said that if there is no employment in Dusheti, people will continue to leave the place; this is why we decided to build a sports’ center here.

“A big gym has already been opened and we are going to open the other one. This will give people jobs and will help the members of the Olympic team to show good results. We are going to invest money into sports and we will do our best to develop sports in Georgia”, Mikheil Saakasvhili stated.

http://www.president.gov.ge/?l=E&m=0&sm=1&st=10&id=3237

[Kokoity]

Rakeen Adds 5 Million USD Luxury Golf Project to Its Georgian Portfolio
Written by Madona Gasanova
15/03/2010 12:05
The FINANCIAL -- Total turnover of Rakeen projects in Georgia in 2009 was 100 million GEL. This figure includes Uptown Tbilisi , Sheraton Metechi Palace and Poti Sea Port projects. In 2010 Rakeen plans to spend 5 million USD on a luxury golf course.

Construction of the course at Mukhrovani is scheduled to begin in April and the opening is planned for March 2011.

The company hired Harradine Golf AG of Switzerland to design and build Georgia’s first 18-hole golf course near the capital Tbilisi . “We are waiting for the project offer and after we confirm the project, we plan to start building. According to our preliminary calculation, the project development will need approximately a 5 million USD budget,” Gela Mikadze, General Director of Rakeen Development Georgia and Rakia Georgia, told The FINANCIAL.

Harradine Golf, a team of highly renowned Golf Course Architects, was established in 1929 and since then has designed, constructed, re-modelled and / or supervised the construction of over 200 golf courses in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

“We look forward to receiving Harradine Golf’s proposal in March 2010. Our affiliate Rakeen Georgia will then start construction in April, and we expect the golf course to be operational by March 2011. We strongly believe in the potential of Georgia as an investment destination and are very active there with Uptown Tbilisi , the first retail destination in Tbilisi , and other developments under way. Our sister company RAK Investment Authority complements Rakeen’s real estate projects with Poti Port and Poti Free Zone as an attractive investment opportunity with full free zone benefits," Dr. Khater Massaad, Executive Chairman, Rakeen.
“Mukhrovani Golf Village will be a unique destination for golfing and other leisure activities. The Village will start with the Golf Course, with a 5-star hotel, villas and apartments to follow in the future. We trust that this beautiful project will enrich Mukhrovani’s and Tbilisi ’s communities and instigate further investment into Georgia for sustainable development of this wonderful country.”

“The first step of the project is to develop the golf course with the necessary infrastructure. Hotel, villas and apartments are the next steps, which will need to accumulate more investments. I think this project will take the next 3-5 years to complete,” Mikadze says.

As for visitors, Mikadze thinks that it will be a good opportunity first of all for Georgians and foreigners living in Georgia, also for our neighbour countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine etc. “In the future, I predict that Mukhrovani will become an attractive golf resort for visitors from different countries,” Mikadze says.

Rakeen, the largest Property Developer in Ras Al Khaimah, which belongs to Rakia Group, started operation in Georgia in September 2006. Established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rakeen incorporates Sustainable, Responsible, Eco-Friendly planning and design of world-class resorts and residential property development.

In an exclusive interview with The FINANCIAL Gela Mikadze, General Director of Rakeen Development Georgia and Rakia Georgia, gave his outlook regarding various projects of Rakeen Development and talked about the plans of the company in 2010. “For now the situation on the market is improving slowly, but at a good pace,” he says.

“I agree, golf is not popular in Georgia and a very limited number of people are familiar with this sport. But on the other hand, we never had this opportunity. I believe that lots of people will be interested in a good course and comfort, in a picturesque place, just a 30 minute drive from Tbilisi .

“The target customer segment is those from the middle to high classes of the population, as golf is a luxurious and elite sport.”

Q. Why was Mukhrovani chosen as the location for the project? What are the advantages that Mukhrovani has?

A. Mukhrovani is a very beautiful place close to Tbilisi (15km. east from Tbilisi ). In 2007 Rakeen purchased around 1,000 ha of farm land there. Part of the facility is being developed for agriculture and the other part will be used for the golf course’s infrastructure.

Q. 2009 showed that the whole world and also Georgia was far from its final emergence from the global financial downturn. How was it for Rakeen development, what was the main challenge for your company last year?

A. The results of the global crisis of course could not be solved in one year, but we can really see that the economy is improving step by step. The banking sector, real estate and others have started recovering and according to specialist’s prognoses, this process will continue in to the future.

Rakeen did not stop its building processes. Moreover since 2008 we partnered with IFC (International Finance Corporation) for the Uptown Tbilisi project.

Of course there was stagnation in sales as predicted following the August war. For now the situation on the market is improving slowly, but at a good pace.

Q. In an interview with FT you stated that the August 2008 war proved to be a significant problem for you but in the end you decided to stay on, however slowed down the rate of some of your projects. Please tell us in more detail, in which stage are your projects presently and when are you planning the final completion of Uptown Tbilisi , Tbilisi Heights and Vardzia?

A. Yes, as I mentioned, it was a difficult period for our company, as well as for all segment, first of all from the sales point of view. When we mention slowing down, we just temporarily stopped works on Tbilisi Heights and Vardzia sites but are planning to continue both projects next year.

Uptown Tbilisi is in an active phase. The project includes three basic segments: a trade centre, office and residential complexes. At the end of this year the first segment - Uptown Shopping Mall will be ready to host its first visitors. The whole project should be completed at the end of 2012.

As you know, since June 2008, Rakeen took over management of Mtatsminda Park. Serious works were done there and about 6 million GEL was invested. The park was reopened in March 2009 and retains its popularity even after such a long time.

Q. Why did you decide to start new construction of a course at Mukhrovani before finishing current ongoing projects?

A. Mukhrovani Golf Course is a different type of project. It could be developed in a shorter period and for the first stage needs only very reasonable investments. Also it should become attractive and accessible for a large number of people who have no alternatives for such an activity in the country.

Q. In October 2009, Rakeen Development Georgia participated in a global four day networking exhibition, Cityscape Dubai, dedicated to the real estate industry. Please reveal the concrete results that you have seen after participation in the above-mentioned exhibition?

A. Rakeen Development participated in Cityscape Dubai and was one of the most diversified, projects presented worldwide. For Rakeen Georgia it was mostly about the country’s promotion and it has since attracted lots of visitors and investors. We established very interesting contacts and believe that a large number of them will work closely with us in the future.

Tourism, real estate, banking and all other sectors are more or less depending on each other and all of them had serious problems because of the global crisis. We still believe that tourism and real estate will recover in the next year and will be promising sectors for the future as well.

Generally investors’ dependence was changed not only towards Georgia, but worldwide. Of course we must consider the unpleasant events of August 2008, but mostly it changed because of the global crisis. In spite of this, IFC invested several millions in the Uptown project in November 2008 and interest from other investors has also been growing during recent times.

Q. RAK Investment Authority paid 65 million USD for 49 percent of Georgia’s Black Sea Poti Port in December 2008, after previously winning a government competition to develop the port and acquiring a 51 percent stake. It is also set to build an airport in Poti, which hosts the country’s only special economic zone to attract investors. What is the situation right now?

A. RAK Investment Authority purchased Poti Sea Port and is creating the first Free Industrial Zone adjacent to the port. RAKIA is also working on a project of rehabilitation and development of Poti Airport.

RAKIA Georgia Free Industrial Zone has already invested around 22 million USD. The biggest part of the works has already been completed: soil testing, clearing and levelling of the land (160 Hectares), fencing, stone pitching protection, main gates for trucks and pedestrians. The Customs Complex is currently under construction and is likely to be completed by May. Simultaneously work on sewerage, power distribution, and a telecommunication network along with road building is under way.

We are planning an official opening before the end of May 2010 and what I can tell you now is that companies from different countries will be presented there, including the UAE, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Ukraine , Turkey and Georgia. We also expect to get licenses in the nearest future from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, China and the USA.

Q. What are your company’s plans for 2010?

A. Rakeen Development is actively working on the Uptown Tbilisi project and plans to open its Uptown Shopping mall at the end of this year.

New amusement rides, like the Giant Wheel and Roller Coaster, will be delivered and opened in Mtatsminda Park soon.
Rakeen also plans to start working on the Mukhrovani Golf course project.

Rakia is working on development of Poti Sea Port and we can already see the positive results. Very soon a new terminal will be opened. Also two new berths will be built this year.

RAKIA is actively working on FIZ development and expects official opening in May 2010.

RAKIA will also start working on rehabilitation and development of Poti Airport.

I think that’s a good “minimum” for 2010 and sincerely hope that all our positive prognoses will be realized.

http://finchannel.com/news_flash/R-E...ian_Portfolio/

I know a big article but it shows Rakeens plans for 2010 and the near future.

[Kokoity]

Rakeen Adds 5 Million USD Luxury Golf Project to Its Georgian Portfolio
Written by Madona Gasanova
15/03/2010 12:05
The FINANCIAL -- Total turnover of Rakeen projects in Georgia in 2009 was 100 million GEL. This figure includes Uptown Tbilisi , Sheraton Metechi Palace and Poti Sea Port projects. In 2010 Rakeen plans to spend 5 million USD on a luxury golf course.

Construction of the course at Mukhrovani is scheduled to begin in April and the opening is planned for March 2011.

The company hired Harradine Golf AG of Switzerland to design and build Georgia’s first 18-hole golf course near the capital Tbilisi . “We are waiting for the project offer and after we confirm the project, we plan to start building. According to our preliminary calculation, the project development will need approximately a 5 million USD budget,” Gela Mikadze, General Director of Rakeen Development Georgia and Rakia Georgia, told The FINANCIAL.

Harradine Golf, a team of highly renowned Golf Course Architects, was established in 1929 and since then has designed, constructed, re-modelled and / or supervised the construction of over 200 golf courses in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

“We look forward to receiving Harradine Golf’s proposal in March 2010. Our affiliate Rakeen Georgia will then start construction in April, and we expect the golf course to be operational by March 2011. We strongly believe in the potential of Georgia as an investment destination and are very active there with Uptown Tbilisi , the first retail destination in Tbilisi , and other developments under way. Our sister company RAK Investment Authority complements Rakeen’s real estate projects with Poti Port and Poti Free Zone as an attractive investment opportunity with full free zone benefits," Dr. Khater Massaad, Executive Chairman, Rakeen.
“Mukhrovani Golf Village will be a unique destination for golfing and other leisure activities. The Village will start with the Golf Course, with a 5-star hotel, villas and apartments to follow in the future. We trust that this beautiful project will enrich Mukhrovani’s and Tbilisi ’s communities and instigate further investment into Georgia for sustainable development of this wonderful country.”

“The first step of the project is to develop the golf course with the necessary infrastructure. Hotel, villas and apartments are the next steps, which will need to accumulate more investments. I think this project will take the next 3-5 years to complete,” Mikadze says.

As for visitors, Mikadze thinks that it will be a good opportunity first of all for Georgians and foreigners living in Georgia, also for our neighbour countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine etc. “In the future, I predict that Mukhrovani will become an attractive golf resort for visitors from different countries,” Mikadze says.

Rakeen, the largest Property Developer in Ras Al Khaimah, which belongs to Rakia Group, started operation in Georgia in September 2006. Established in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rakeen incorporates Sustainable, Responsible, Eco-Friendly planning and design of world-class resorts and residential property development.

In an exclusive interview with The FINANCIAL Gela Mikadze, General Director of Rakeen Development Georgia and Rakia Georgia, gave his outlook regarding various projects of Rakeen Development and talked about the plans of the company in 2010. “For now the situation on the market is improving slowly, but at a good pace,” he says.

“I agree, golf is not popular in Georgia and a very limited number of people are familiar with this sport. But on the other hand, we never had this opportunity. I believe that lots of people will be interested in a good course and comfort, in a picturesque place, just a 30 minute drive from Tbilisi .

“The target customer segment is those from the middle to high classes of the population, as golf is a luxurious and elite sport.”

Q. Why was Mukhrovani chosen as the location for the project? What are the advantages that Mukhrovani has?

A. Mukhrovani is a very beautiful place close to Tbilisi (15km. east from Tbilisi ). In 2007 Rakeen purchased around 1,000 ha of farm land there. Part of the facility is being developed for agriculture and the other part will be used for the golf course’s infrastructure.

Q. 2009 showed that the whole world and also Georgia was far from its final emergence from the global financial downturn. How was it for Rakeen development, what was the main challenge for your company last year?

A. The results of the global crisis of course could not be solved in one year, but we can really see that the economy is improving step by step. The banking sector, real estate and others have started recovering and according to specialist’s prognoses, this process will continue in to the future.

Rakeen did not stop its building processes. Moreover since 2008 we partnered with IFC (International Finance Corporation) for the Uptown Tbilisi project.

Of course there was stagnation in sales as predicted following the August war. For now the situation on the market is improving slowly, but at a good pace.

Q. In an interview with FT you stated that the August 2008 war proved to be a significant problem for you but in the end you decided to stay on, however slowed down the rate of some of your projects. Please tell us in more detail, in which stage are your projects presently and when are you planning the final completion of Uptown Tbilisi , Tbilisi Heights and Vardzia?

A. Yes, as I mentioned, it was a difficult period for our company, as well as for all segment, first of all from the sales point of view. When we mention slowing down, we just temporarily stopped works on Tbilisi Heights and Vardzia sites but are planning to continue both projects next year.

Uptown Tbilisi is in an active phase. The project includes three basic segments: a trade centre, office and residential complexes. At the end of this year the first segment - Uptown Shopping Mall will be ready to host its first visitors. The whole project should be completed at the end of 2012.

As you know, since June 2008, Rakeen took over management of Mtatsminda Park. Serious works were done there and about 6 million GEL was invested. The park was reopened in March 2009 and retains its popularity even after such a long time.

Q. Why did you decide to start new construction of a course at Mukhrovani before finishing current ongoing projects?

A. Mukhrovani Golf Course is a different type of project. It could be developed in a shorter period and for the first stage needs only very reasonable investments. Also it should become attractive and accessible for a large number of people who have no alternatives for such an activity in the country.

Q. In October 2009, Rakeen Development Georgia participated in a global four day networking exhibition, Cityscape Dubai, dedicated to the real estate industry. Please reveal the concrete results that you have seen after participation in the above-mentioned exhibition?

A. Rakeen Development participated in Cityscape Dubai and was one of the most diversified, projects presented worldwide. For Rakeen Georgia it was mostly about the country’s promotion and it has since attracted lots of visitors and investors. We established very interesting contacts and believe that a large number of them will work closely with us in the future.

Tourism, real estate, banking and all other sectors are more or less depending on each other and all of them had serious problems because of the global crisis. We still believe that tourism and real estate will recover in the next year and will be promising sectors for the future as well.

Generally investors’ dependence was changed not only towards Georgia, but worldwide. Of course we must consider the unpleasant events of August 2008, but mostly it changed because of the global crisis. In spite of this, IFC invested several millions in the Uptown project in November 2008 and interest from other investors has also been growing during recent times.

Q. RAK Investment Authority paid 65 million USD for 49 percent of Georgia’s Black Sea Poti Port in December 2008, after previously winning a government competition to develop the port and acquiring a 51 percent stake. It is also set to build an airport in Poti, which hosts the country’s only special economic zone to attract investors. What is the situation right now?

A. RAK Investment Authority purchased Poti Sea Port and is creating the first Free Industrial Zone adjacent to the port. RAKIA is also working on a project of rehabilitation and development of Poti Airport.

RAKIA Georgia Free Industrial Zone has already invested around 22 million USD. The biggest part of the works has already been completed: soil testing, clearing and levelling of the land (160 Hectares), fencing, stone pitching protection, main gates for trucks and pedestrians. The Customs Complex is currently under construction and is likely to be completed by May. Simultaneously work on sewerage, power distribution, and a telecommunication network along with road building is under way.

We are planning an official opening before the end of May 2010 and what I can tell you now is that companies from different countries will be presented there, including the UAE, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Ukraine , Turkey and Georgia. We also expect to get licenses in the nearest future from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, China and the USA.

Q. What are your company’s plans for 2010?

A. Rakeen Development is actively working on the Uptown Tbilisi project and plans to open its Uptown Shopping mall at the end of this year.

New amusement rides, like the Giant Wheel and Roller Coaster, will be delivered and opened in Mtatsminda Park soon.
Rakeen also plans to start working on the Mukhrovani Golf course project.

Rakia is working on development of Poti Sea Port and we can already see the positive results. Very soon a new terminal will be opened. Also two new berths will be built this year.

RAKIA is actively working on FIZ development and expects official opening in May 2010.

RAKIA will also start working on rehabilitation and development of Poti Airport.

I think that’s a good “minimum” for 2010 and sincerely hope that all our positive prognoses will be realized.

http://finchannel.com/news_flash/R-E...ian_Portfolio/

I know a big article but it shows Rakeens plans for 2010 and the near future.

[Kokoity]

Agreement on construction on territory of express highway signed
21.03.10
An agreement on disposing different facilities on the territory of express highway in the vicinity of Gori Pass was signed on Sunday. The Chair of the Department of Roads and the Director General of Vissol Petroleum Georgia Company, having won the bid, signed the document.
The project intends constructing recreation zone, tourist, trade and food facilities, also banks, petrol stations and sanitary facilities. The construction process in the territory will be kicked off in several weeks.

http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.p...main&ct=0&wth=

[Kokoity]

Research works of monuments in Mstkheta launched
13.05.10
Experts have begun to explore the historic monuments in Mtskheta for further rehabilitation. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Monument Protection, Nika Rurua and the head of the National Agency of Monument Protection, Nika Vacheishvili viewed the Bebris Tsikhe, which was damaged by landslide a few weeks ago and the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, where the geologic works were underway.
The experts began to explore Bebris Tsikhe by laser tools and the conclusion, which will be made afterwards, will determine the rehabilitations terms. AS for the October 14 celebrations of the Svetitskhoveli Day, Georgian government plans to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Cathedral together with UNESCO. By that time, the conclusion of the underground research will be ready and this report will allow the researchers to conclude if the monument faces any kind of threat.

http://rustavi2.com/news/news_text.p...main&ct=0&wth=

[Kokoity]

Vardzia by iList CNN



Look especially 1:48min. there they talking about projects in Vardzia and show some project pic´s.

[Kokoity]

Red Villas - 20 Beach front villas in Kobuleti

[Kokoity]

Kobuleti



http://www.mziuriveli.ge/projects_photo.php

[Kokoity]

Hotel in Qobuleti (14 km from batumi)...




Green Cope (9 km from Batumi)

[Kokoity]

“Georgian Railway” LLC realizes construction of trains and station only by own funds
Friday, 14 May 2010

Freight transportation of “Georgian Railway” LLC is profitable, that gives us possibility to be the social partners of State and invest such projects as buying of passenger trains and construction of stations, so that expenses were not reflected on the price.
New stations in Batumi (Makhinjauri station), Kobuleti, Kutaisi, Poti and station in Tbilisi Airport is fully financed by “Georgian Railway” LLC without help of State and Municipal budget. As well as construction of the projects “Tbilisi Bypass Railway Project” and “Fast Railway from Batumi to Tbilisi – in three hours” is realized by own funds.
“These orders, that carry out Georgian companies and consequently Georgian workers are employed, we consider as long-term investment invested into the Georgian economy”, - declared Irakli Ezugbaia in the electric car-repair mill.

http://www.railway.ge/index.php?opti...mid=50&lang=en

[Kokoity]

318 David The Builder av., Kobuleti
11-storied Dwelling House
Customer: “Kobuleti” Ltd.
Date of beg/fin. .: March 2007 – June 2008

[Kokoity]

275 David The Builder av., Kobuleti
5 star Hotel 180 rooms 17 000 sq.m
Customer: “Sanatorium Sakartvelo” Ltd.
Date of beg/fin. .: February 2006 – July 2008

[Kokoity]

Current projects from Anagi in Kobuleti

32 Queen Tamar st., Kobuleti
6-storied Dwelling House 3 337 sq.m
Customer: “Mze Project” Ltd.
Date of beg/fin. .: May 2008 – December 2008

[Kokoity]

554 David The Builder av., Kobuleti
11-storied Dwelling House 26 731 sq.m
Customer: Natural person“Manuchar Zedgenidze”
Date of beg/fin. .: December 2008 – June 2008

[Kokoity]

Major Part of Countries Removed Georgia from their Black Lists
Monday, May 17, 2010
Maia Arabidze

Anticipating a major rush of visitors from Central Europe the Ministry of Tourism is projecting that two million tourists will visit Georgia this year. “We consider the neighboring countries and Central Europe to be Georgia’s target market,” said Vakhtang Asatashvili, deputy chairman of the tourism department. “The Netherlands ranked first among the European countries in quantity of visitors to Georgia, but the last period has seen full suspension of tourist inflows from the country.”

GBW: You mean Dutch tourists did not arrive in Georgia at all?

VA: Yes, I do. Dutch tourists did not visit Georgia, in practice. They refer to quite strange arguments. Dutch tourism experts note the reason is a Dutch reporter was killed in (the August 2008 war with Russia). I believe this explanation is key. Therefore, we plan to begin an intense marketing campaign on the Dutch tourism market, so Dutch tourists will resume visiting Georgia.

GBW: In previous years several countries declared Georgia an unsafe country for tourists. Would you name the measures you have carried out to improve this image?

VA: Most countries in the world have removed Georgia from similar 'black lists.' The U.S., Japan, Germany and several other countries had called on their citizens to refrain from visiting Georgia, but at this stage, all of them have altered their positions.

GBW: What are the opportunities you offer to visitor in Georgia or what do they should expect to see in Georgia?

VA: In case of standard tours, the duration of which ranges from eight to 12 days, tourists basically arrive in Tbilisi and define where to travel and what to sell. Foreign tourists are mainly interested in seeing cultural heritage of Georgia.

GBW: I have learned following the Sighnaghi project, you have drawn up a development plan for the town Kvareli in the Kakheti region and the project is not tailored to only the domestic tourists.

VA: We have already launched the project implementation and the infrastructural works are also underway in Kvareli to maximally use the town potential and receive as many tourists as possible. M|Group will construct two hotels. There are a number of other investors, who are ready to carry out several other similar projects in Kvareli.

GBW: Sighnaghi is said to be the town of love. What would you say about Kvareli, that is, what are your plans concerning marketing package and what will be the slogan?

VA: We are still developing these issue and we have not made a final decision yet. Anyway, there are several variants we are discussing. Kvareli is related to the memory of Ilia Chavchavadze (the distinguished Georgian writer and public figure in the 19th century). Therefore, we plan to use this example and select one of the places from Ilia’s verses as a slogan. Kvareli is related to the memory of Kote Marjanishvili (Georgian theater director) too and we think to increase the theatrical function of the town. Anyway, we have not been determined ultimately yet.
In the meantime, it is interesting what innovations are offered to tourists in Adjara and what are the preparations in solar Batumi to meet multiple tourists this year. “We have developed several packages for tourists to make the 2010 season more interesting and remarkable,” said Temur Diasamidze, chairman of the tourism department of Adjara. “These innovations are, first of all, of infrastructural character, because the reconstruction of old Batumi will be completed soon and a new offer will be made to tourists. Several new restaurants with new dishes and kitchens will be also put into action. Gift shops will also open and tourists will be able to acquire both domestic and imported souvenirs. At the same time, the old boulevard will remain as a relaxation zone, that is, the place will be a calm place for relaxation, while the new boulevard will be noisy with disco and other clubs. Besides a jazz festival, a DJ festival will be also organized this year. We have inaugurated the 2010 tourism season quite noisily with a tourism exhibition, which was attended by 107 companies.

GBW: Would you name any concrete agreement or project, which was agreed during the tourism exhibition?

VA: Certainly, several companies, including Zarapkhana, have taken a decision to open their representations in Adjara. A similar agreement was achieved with Kopala too. It is important several Turkish tour operators have signed agreements with Adjara-based hotels. Expo Batumi 2010 turned out remarkable as the exhibition has been included in the list of the World Tourism Organization and the fact will automatically increase the number of companies wishing to attend the event in 2011.
We have launched negotiations with various airlines on appointing additional flights. We are pleased Batumi-Tbilisi flights will be operating on a daily basis. We are conducting active consultations with Tehran and the Baltic States on appointing new flights. We are carrying out intense work with restaurant managers, so as the infrastructure and services of their assets meet modern standards, including for making elementary changes such as installation of air-cleaning systems, printing the menu in various languages and many other offers.

GBW: In foreign countries star classification is given to restaurants, besides hotels. How would you characterize the current situation in Adjara in this respect?

VA: The Global Star company has launched cooperation with restaurants too, besides hotels, so as the quality of their services meet the international norms. The company plans to organize a large-scale presentation of star classification for restaurants in Batumi in late May.

GBW: All this sounds very pleasant. At the same time, Batumi streets are being dug over for the whole year and the road infrastructure arrangement has not been completed yet. Thus, it is interesting how do you plan to draw the interest of tourist amid such troubles with streets and motorways in Batumi?

VA: The motorway rehabilitation works in the central part of Batumi will end in June. Anyway, I believe this circumstance will not worsen the mood of foreign visitors and domestic guests will also comprehend the situation.

GBW: As to service prices, have you negotiated the issue with hotel and restaurant owners and are the prices expected to be marked down?

VA: The entrance of Sheraton on the market has already resulted in price changes. Having seen Sheraton is able to provide quite high-level services restaurants have decided to lower their prices to draw more customers. Service prices have dropped 10 to 12 percent on average.

GBW: The appearance of new players on the market increases the competitive capacity. Anyway, Turkey is able to offer far better conditions for cheaper prices compared to Adjara.

VA: Turkey is not comparable to us. Those, who prefer to take holidays in Turkey, are free to do so there. We have got our consumer and we have no plans to compete with Turkey at this stage. We will be able to offer competition to Turkey after we have regulated standards and improved all other indicators.

GBW: Waiting for the quality standardization you may lose the segment you are controlling at this stage. Anyway, I would like to ask you about cruise ships and cruise tourism. Last year many cruise ships entered the Batumi seaport. Do you expect the last year’s activity to be maintained in 2010 too?

VA: We expect 20 cruise ships to enter Batumi. Representatives of the Adjara Government and the Batumi Seaport plan to leave for Constanta, Romania, to conduct negotiations on cruise tours. These meetings are of crucial importance to define whether the number of cruise ships will increase in the Batumi Seaport in the future. Adjara is a new destination on the cruising map and the fact is of crucial importance for the Region. Last year large-scale companies such as Holland America and Seabourn launched operation in Adjara. This signifies other major companies will also cooperate with us.

GBW: Do you have any plans to organize cruise tours from Georgia abroad for Georgian tourists?

VA: The organization of such routes does not require the interference of foreign companies. Domestic companies are able to organize similar projects themselves. The market exists and we are able to develop the product jointly with our neighbors too, but Georgian companies do not show initiative and corresponding endeavors. They should only take a ship in charter and draw tourists from two or three countries to this ship. The cruising is quite profitable segment, but free finance resources are required to this end.

GBW: You are focusing on only Georgian companies amid the crisis period, but domestic companies may lack for sufficient funds to hire a high-class ship.

VA: All new business has a high degree of risks. Georgian companies seemingly avoid taking additional risks. If they had conducted a market research and collected information how much Georgian, Armenian or Turkish visitors are ready to spend, they would guess the business is not risky, in practice.

GBW: Anyway, you are able to provide required assistance to them. If you are sure the segment will justify and bring profits, you should encourage and promote them through developing a market research to make them sure it is worthy to launch operation in this segment.

VA: I am not authorized to develop market research for the private sector and companies have to follow the research we are developing currently. Anyway, if the private sector guarantees our costs will not be vain, we may take such a step. If even three or four companies express readiness to launch operation in this business, we will take this step and we find it worthy to take this step.

GBW: What is your forecast concerning the quantity of tourists by the end of 2010?

VA: This year we expect 750000 tourists to arrive in Adjara. Anyway, everything depends on a number of factors.

GBW: Would you name these factors?

VA: I mean the political situation, transport communications, financial state. At the same time, we have already inaugurated the 2010 tourism season, in practice, and part of the hotels have been already booked by foreign tourists.

http://www.gbw.ge/news.aspx?sid=e42c...0-3d86e40d25ca

[Kokoity]

379 David The Builder av., Kobuleti
18-storied Hotel - Dwelling Complex 95 000 sq.m
Customer: “Center Point Ajara”
Date of beg/fin. .: October 2007

[Kokoity]

Rakeen trailer