In the coastal resort Gonio, just 20 minutes from Batumi, Georgian development company “Pontus” is constructing a large-scale hospitality project — Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa – Gonio. Located directly on the beachfront, Will be the first fully managed 5-star Rotana hotel in Georgia. The opening is scheduled for 2027.
The project is being developed in partnership with “Rotana”, a well-established hotel management company based in the UAE, which operates properties in 24 countries and 46 cities across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Turkey etc. The upcoming hotel in Gonio will feature 546 rooms, designed to accommodate both short-term and long-term visitors. It will be fully managed by Rotana – one of the huge leaders in the hospitality industry – with a long-term agreement of at least 20 years.
Construction and Market Context
Construction of the hotel began in September 2023, and 24 out of 28 floors have already been completed. According to an assessment by Cushman & Wakefield, the project offers an expected return on investment (ROI) of up to 13%, with potential capital growth of approximately 40% by the time construction is completed in 2026.
The project addresses the growing demand for high-end hospitality infrastructure in Georgia. Despite the steady increase in tourist arrivals, the region’s hotel room supply remains limited — especially in the 5-star category. According to CTR Global, Batumi’s average hotel occupancy in the post-pandemic period is approximately 67%, with an average daily rate (ADR) of $111 which is around 40% higher than that of apartments and apart-hotels. Additionally, the visitor-to-bed ratio remains relatively low, highlighting significant potential for further development in the sector.
Project Features
Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa Gonio will offer a wide range of amenities, including:
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Several restaurants and bars
- Conference and lounge areas
- Rooftop panoramic terrace
- Spa and wellness center
- Private beach and casino
Supporting local economic growth and financial stability, over 400 jobs are expected to be created during the construction and operational periods, which can lead to new opportunities for the community.
Investment Structure
This is a passive income investment, with the hotel fully operated by Rotana. Investors receive a proportional share of the total hotel revenue, rather than income from individual rooms. The model requires no management responsibilities or additional costs from investors.
Key features include:
- Long-term management by a leading international hotel brand
- Transparent financial reporting
- Buyback option
- Flexible payment terms
The majority of investors come from the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with some acquiring multiple units through joint investment arrangements.
Rotana’s Entry into Georgia
Rotana’s partnership with Pontus marks a key step in its international expansion strategy. The Gonio hotel is one of 30 new properties Rotana plans to open globally over the next three years. According to Rotana COO Eddy Tannous, Pontus Capital was chosen for its strong local presence, professional approach, and ability to deliver high-quality projects. The partnership is seen as part of a wider alignment between the Arab region and Georgia in tourism and business development.
The official agreement between the two companies was signed on May 26, Georgian Independence Day in 2023.
Conclusion
Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa Gonio is one of the most ambitious hospitality developments in Georgia today. Backed by international hotel expertise and driven by clear market demand, the project aims to set a new benchmark for luxury tourism infrastructure on the Black Sea. For investors seeking long-term, passive income opportunities in emerging markets, this project offers a structured and professionally managed entry point.
Learn more at Pontus.ge
