Interviews

Tinatin Kalandarishvili, CEO of Petra Group

Please share an introduction to yourself and your path to your current role.

My name is Tinatin Kalandarishvili and I am the CEO of Petra Group. Over the years, I have built my career around large-scale development and investment projects, with a strong passion for combining real estate, hospitality and lifestyle into one holistic vision. My professional journey has always been guided by the ambition to put Georgia on the global resort map. Leading Petra Group today allows me to realize that vision—pioneering premium resort projects, introducing global hospitality brands to the country and creating long-term value for both investors and communities.

Please share a brief overview of the Petra Group.

Petra Group is a resort development company dedicated to creating world-class projects along Georgia’s coastlines and mountain destinations. Our flagship project, Petra Sea Resort, introduces branded residences to the Black Sea for the first time with Pullman Residences Batumi, developed in partnership with Accor. We are also developing Swissotel Hotel & Residences in Gudauri, marking a new chapter in Georgia’s mountain hospitality. At the heart of our mission is the integration of global hospitality brands with local culture, ensuring strong investment potential and lifestyle value for our clients.

What is the biggest change or evolution you’ve seen in the resort real estate market (locally and internationally) in the past five years?

Globally, we’ve seen a shift toward branded residences and integrated resort communities, where buyers are looking for not only real estate but also lifestyle, services, and investment security. Locally, Georgia has moved from being a relatively undiscovered market to a competitive and highly attractive destination for regional and international investors.

What are the most significant trends you’re seeing this year in the resort real estate sector?

This year, demand is led by branded residences, sustainability-driven projects, and hospitality-driven investments. Buyers increasingly value fully managed properties, guaranteed rental programs, and transparent returns. We also see strong appetite from international markets such as the GCC, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

What is your outlook for the growth of the real estate sector in Georgia?

Georgia’s resort real estate sector is on a strong upward trajectory. With zero property taxes, simplified ownership processes, and growing tourism, the country is becoming one of the most attractive investment destinations in the wider region. We expect steady growth supported by infrastructure development, international brand partnerships, and government initiatives that promote foreign investment.

What new markets is the Petra Group looking to expand into?

While our immediate focus remains on Georgia’s Black Sea coast and mountain regions, our growth strategy extends beyond the country. We are actively looking at expansion opportunities in the Gulf region (UAE and Saudi Arabia), where demand for branded residences and lifestyle-driven investments is exceptionally strong. Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, is another key market for us, as we already see strong investor interest from this region. In addition, Eastern Europe and the wider Caucasus region hold significant potential for future resort developments. Our vision is to build Petra Group into a regional leader in premium resort real estate, replicating the success of Petra Sea Resort and Swissotel Gudauri in carefully selected markets that share both tourism appeal and investor demand.

What is the most important change or transformation that companies in the real estate sector have to embrace to be successful in the future?

The industry must embrace the full integration of hospitality, technology and real estate. Investors today expect a seamless experience: from digital purchasing journeys to data-driven property management and customer service platforms.

How is technology and innovation incorporated into Petra’s flagship project, Petra Sea Resort?

Petra Sea Resort is designed as a smart resort, where technology enhances both the investor and resident experience. We are incorporating advanced digital management systems, energy efficiency solutions and integrated hospitality services. This ensures a modern, connected lifestyle with strong operational efficiency.

What is the next innovation/technology that you anticipate will make the biggest impact on the real estate sector in the next 10 years?

The biggest transformation will come from the convergence of AI, digital twins and sustainable technologies. AI will optimize design, sales and operations, while digital twins will allow us to manage buildings as “living assets” in real time. At the same time, sustainable innovations—such as smart energy systems and low-carbon construction—will redefine how developments are built and operated. Together, these shifts will make real estate more efficient, transparent and environmentally responsible, while enhancing long-term value for both investors and residents.

What are the Petra Group’s sustainability goals and how is the company achieving them?

Sustainability is central to our development philosophy. Our projects integrate eco-conscious design, energy-efficient technologies and responsible use of natural resources. At Petra Sea Resort, for example, we have incorporated extensive green areas, environmentally sensitive architecture and sustainable building practices. We see it as our responsibility to ensure that our resorts not only deliver value to investors but also contribute positively to the environment and communities around them.

What do you believe is the importance of events like RISE?

RISE provides a global platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and showcasing transformative projects. For companies like Petra Group, it is an opportunity to connect with international investors, industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of real estate.

What are your expectations for the summit and expo next year?

We expect RISE to highlight the most forward-looking trends in real estate, from sustainability to branded hospitality and digital transformation. Our goal is to use this platform to showcase Georgia as an emerging hub for premium real estate investments.

How will you be participating at RISE?

Petra Group will present our flagship projects, including Petra Sea Resort and Swissotel Hotel & Residences Gudauri. We will be sharing our vision for Georgia’s role in the global resort real estate landscape and engaging directly with investors, partners and stakeholders.

To learn more of Petra Group, visit www.petragroup.ge 

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