Batumi is steadily transforming not only into the tourism jewel of the Black Sea, but also into one of the most attractive destinations for investment. According to the Georgian National Tourism Administration, more than 7.1 million tourists visited the country in 2024, with a significant portion choosing Adjara. At the same time, investor interest is also growing: the volume of foreign direct investment in regional real estate has increased several times in recent years.

However, there is also another side to this process. Despite the rapid growth, many investors are left “on their own” after completing a purchase. Developers and agencies rarely consider what happens to the client after the contract is signed. As a result, trust builds slowly, and potential buyers are left with many questions.

Long-term partnerships as the new norm

Against this backdrop, Pontus stands out with its unique approach. In a market where most players are focused only on selling square meters, Pontus emphasizes long-term relationships and transparency.

The story behind Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa — from its large-scale vision to its unique partnership with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation — was previously shared with Interpressnews. Building on its focus and commitment to transparency, Pontus became one of the region’s first companies to create a direct communication format with investors. Between September 5 and 7, the company once again opened its doors for the Investors Networking Event, where guests from across the world met with the leadership of both companies, witnessed the project’s progress, and experienced the hospitality that defines them.

This format makes the project open both to Rotana and to investors. The developer regularly organizes investor meetings, where participants can personally witness the construction progress and quality.

Company founder Irakli Varshalomidze emphasizes:

“This format increases the level of trust — not only in our company or project, but also in Georgia as an investment destination. Investors see that deadlines are met and promises are delivered. As a result, they want to invest even more in Georgia. Ultimately, around $100 million in foreign investment will be attracted to this project, which is a significant figure not only for us, but also for the country as a whole.”

How the Investor Meeting unfolded

The program was designed to ensure that investors not only received updates on the project but also became better acquainted with the company, its leadership, the international operator, and the culture of Georgia and Adjara.

Day One — Welcome Dinner

In the evening, investors gathered for a welcome dinner in a relaxed setting. They were introduced to one another, met the Pontus management team, and learned about the company’s development strategy. They also had the opportunity to meet representatives of Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, including Corporate Director of Development Farhan Shubailat, who underlined the significance of Rotana’s entry into Georgia and spoke about the international standards the brand brings into project management.

Day Two — Gonio and the construction site

The morning began with a visit to the construction site in Gonio. Investors were able to see the Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa project first-hand, review construction details, and discuss the timeline and delivery stages. For many, this was a powerful confirmation that the company is keeping its promises.

Culture and traditions of Adjara

After the site visit, investors immediately traveled to the picturesque location of Arfazoni, where they could fully enjoy the beauty of local nature. The program started with a short marathon, during which guests ran along the scenic slopes of the Adjara mountains, breathing in the fresh mountain air and admiring panoramic views. Afterwards, they enjoyed a tasting of wines and traditional cheeses from different regions of Georgia.

The program also included a hands-on master class in making traditional churchkhela, as well as sampling authentic Adjara coffee brewed on sand. This way, investors discovered not only the culture of Georgian winemaking but also the country’s rich gastronomic heritage. In this informal atmosphere, they could relax, communicate, and discover new facets of Adjara.

Evening — Georgian polyphony

The day concluded with a relaxed dinner that immersed investors in the atmosphere of a traditional Georgian feast. They explored the richness of national cuisine, and the highlight for many was discovering Georgian polyphony — the unique multi-voiced singing included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. This evening left vivid impressions and helped investors feel the true culture and spirit of Georgia.

One of the investors, Rahul O. from Australia, noted: “Kudos to Pontus for a brilliantly organized investor event in Batumi — insightful updates on the Rotana project, beautifully complemented by Georgian culture through dances and activities. A perfect blend of vision and tradition.”

Another investor, Syed T. from Pakistan, added: “The Pontus Rotana gala in Batumi delivered a well-orchestrated blend of investor relations, brand storytelling, and Georgian hospitality. With a clear focus on tourism, Pontus justly boasted its achievements in a very short span of time, proving the confidence from both Rotana as well as the investors.”

These testimonials emphasize that the investor meeting became not just a demonstration of project progress, but a true bridge of trust — to the company, its partners, and Georgia itself as a new investment destination.

Why Batumi and Gonio?

Experts highlight the city’s unique advantages: proximity to both mountains and the sea, its status as an international resort, and its rapidly developing infrastructure. Major hotel brands are arriving here, and the market is gradually shifting from chaotic apartment sales toward more structured investment products.

Particular attention is drawn to the district of Gonio — one of the cleanest and most picturesque areas of Batumi. This part of the coast is valued for its crystal-clear waters, wide beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to the Turkish border, making it especially convenient for international tourists and investors.

Irakli Varshalomidze adds: “Gonio is a truly unique place with a clean sea and exceptional natural beauty. And it’s not just our opinion — investors who visited the project saw it for themselves and were very impressed. Our priority is not only to develop this area but also to preserve its natural charm so that Gonio becomes even more attractive to guests and tourists.”

Looking ahead

The emergence of such projects in Batumi shows that the market is moving toward greater maturity and responsibility to buyers. Initiatives like Pontus’ investor events set a precedent: investors are no longer just property owners on the seashore — they become part of a community.

In the long term, this format of work could become the hallmark of Georgia’s investment market — open, trustworthy, and results-oriented.

Learn more at Pontus.ge

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