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Ishraq Hospitality announces new projects in Georgia

Ishraq will manage the Crowne Plaza Batumi Beach Hotel and Batumi Hotel Apartments, both of which are scheduled to open in 2025

by Gulf Business

August 9, 2023

(Image: Supplied by Ishraq Hospitality)

Dubai-based Ishraq Hospitality recently signed a Hospitality Management Agreement (HMA) with investment company Rekan Group for a new property in Georgia.

The agreement involves the management of a Crowne Plaza Hotel in the city of Batumi which is slated to open in 2025.

The new property, located by the beach promenade in Batumi, will have 150 rooms, two restaurants, meeting facilities, a fitness club, and a pool.

Ishraq Hospitality collaborates with IHG

In addition to the hotel, Ishraq Hospitality will also oversee the hotel management of the 240-key Batumi Hotel Apartments which will also open in 2025.

Ishraq Hospitality, the asset management and hospitality division of Mohamed and Obaid AlMulla Group, said that the new project in collaboration with IHG Hotels and Resorts – owner of the Crowne Plaza brand – and Rekan Group will “drive significant economic growth and provide new employment opportunities.”

Richard Haddad, CEO at Ishraq Hospitality, said “Georgia holds a pivotal position as a key market, with its remarkable growth in tourism. In 2022 alone, Georgia welcomed over 5.4 million tourists, showcasing its immense appeal as a captivating destination. The addition of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Batumi View Hotel Apartments to our portfolio signifies our continued dedication to expanding our presence in strategic markets.”

Willemijn Geels, VP of development, Europe at IHG Hotels and Resorts said, “The signing of Crowne Plaza Batumi Beach adds to IHG’s growing portfolio in Georgia, which includes a Crowne Plaza property in Borjomi and a Holiday Inn hotel in Tbilisi. We are delighted to partner with Ishraq Hospitality and Rekan Group on this new project for the first time. Together, we look forward to the hotel’s anticipated opening in 2025, as business and leisure travel to the area increases with visitors coming from across Europe and Asia.”

Another UAE-based hospitality major, Rotana, also recently signed an agreement with Pontus Development to open a new 600-key property in Georgia. Pontus Rotana Resort and Spa Gonio will be located in a beach suburb of Batumi, and is scheduled to open in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East