Planet Hollywood Resorts International is set to make its entry into the Georgian market with a new integrated resort project in Tbilisi, thanks to a licensing agreement with Orbi Group and Block Group, in collaboration with Iconic Entertainment.
The ongoing construction in the capital will feature a dual-tower complex comprising 1,200 rooms. This includes a 500-room Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino and a 600-room Radisson Blu luxury hotel. Plans for the development also encompass a 50,000-square-foot casino, a 4,000-seat venue for entertainment and special events, and over 70,000 square feet of retail space from Harvey Nichols, alongside various dining and nightlife options.
It is anticipated that the project will generate more than 2,000 permanent jobs, with developers aiming to significantly enhance the tourism and hospitality sector in the city. Tbilisi has recently experienced a surge in international tourist interest, thanks to its unique blend of historical architecture and modern urban growth, attracting global operators.
Robert Earl, the Founder of Planet Hollywood, remarked, "This marks a significant milestone in the global expansion of the Planet Hollywood brand. Tbilisi is a city that possesses remarkable character and energy. Alongside our partners, we are crafting a destination that merges entertainment, hospitality, and immersive experiences in a manner that is both ambitious and true to the local market."
The project unites various international and regional collaborators. Tornike Janashvili, CEO of Block Group, stated, "This is a crucial moment for Tbilisi. We are launching a genuine integrated resort that will enhance the city’s global standing, attract substantial international visitors, and establish a new benchmark for hospitality, entertainment, and economic influence in the region."
Irakli Kvergelidze, CEO of Orbi Group, expressed pride in bringing the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino to Tbilisi, emphasizing its potential to shape the future of tourism and hospitality in Georgia.
Mark Advent, the developer behind the New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and Partner at Iconic Entertainment, shared, "I have waited for decades for the right opportunity to collaborate with Robert Earl, one of the premier impresarios in the world; his creation of Planet Hollywood is part of an incredible legacy. We are in the entertainment business, and he has provided immense joy to guests globally by bringing to life one of pop culture's most iconic brands. Moreover, Tbilisi is primed for a project of this magnitude—this will become a landmark destination!"
The Tbilisi development follows Planet Hollywood’s existing ventures in Las Vegas, with more details, including timelines and programming, expected to be revealed in the upcoming months.