Mitarbi Winter Resort Development Plan Underway

In Bakuriani, the Kokhta-Mitarbi winter resort development plan is well underway. The project, to be completed by 2028, should attract international visitors with its car-free hotel developments and winter sporting opportunities.

Georgian businesses are investing more and more money into winter facilities as skiing in the country becomes more popular internationally. In 2015, the Georgian Reconstruction and Development Company and the Georgian Government signed an agreement allowing the construction of hotels and apartment complexes near Kokhta-Gora. The government also pledged to develop the ski piste infrastructure, enabling easier access to the slopes.

The first phase of the project is the construction of a new Rooms Hotel. Owned by the Adjara Group who constructed popular Rooms Hotels in Kazbegi and Tbilisi, the hotel plans to welcome its first guests in Spring 2019. It hopes to attract winter holidaymakers from around the world with its ‘ski in and ski out’ concept meaning accommodation is built directly on the pistes.

In an interview with bm.ge, the Head of the Georgian Reconstruction and Development Company, Levan Karalashvili, discussed the development phases of the project. “This is a 10-year project which will start in Kokhta and continue in Mitarbi,” he stated.

The company and the government have invested 100 million GEL in the project – 50 million GEL each. The first step is the construction of the Rooms Hotel in collaboration with Adjara Group. The project is trying to encourage tourism to Mitarbi by establishing well-known Georgian hotel brands in the area. The government has already invested in the construction of ski lifts and gondolas to make it easier for holidaymakers to enjoy the pistes.

The second phase of development will continue in 2023, following the completion of the first phase. The resort should already be world-class and capable of holding international competitions. “Bakuriani and Mitarbi will host the world championship in so-called Free Style,” explains Karalashvili. Following the example of resorts in France and Switzerland, a car-free resort will also be constructed in Mitarbi. “This will be a travel card for tourists that love mountain resorts and taking a holiday in the mountains,” says Karalashvili. The second phase should allow for undisturbed enjoyment of nature. Second phase development will take 5 years and be completed in 2028.

As tourism to Georgia continues to grow year on year, ski resorts are increasing in popularity. Resorts in Gudauri, Bakuriani, Mestia, Goderdzi, Tetnuldi, and Mitarbi attract international visitors for the quality of their slopes and snowfall. As the winter season opened in Gudauri, Georgia’s most popular resort, last weekend, businesses hope for a record number of visitors this year.

By Amy Jones

Image source: skigeorgia.ge