Hotel Collection International Georgia is a company jointly established in Georgia by Capitol Management and the international multi-brand Spanish hotel management company, Hotel Collection International. HCI manages more than 20 projects in Europe, including brands such as Hilton, IHG, Wyndham, Meliá, Best Western and Accor.

History of creation of Hotel Collection International Georgia

The establishment of Hotel Collection International Georgia is related to Capitol Management's interest in hospitality. Before starting activities in this field, the company studied in detail the brands operating in Georgia, as well as the specifics of the hotels, the construction of which would be promising. At the same time, the research conducted by Cushman and Wakefield revealed the requirements and development potential in the fields of tourism and hospitality throughout the country.

Apart from Tbilisi and Batumi, there was a shortage of hotels in Georgia at that time. Capitol Management developed a plan aimed at the development of tourism in the regions. The fact that international brands operating in the country refused to give their own brand to hotels with less than 100 rooms was also a significant challenge. In addition to this, they required the establishment of appropriate high standards, which made the investment volume of the projects incompatible with the Georgian market. In response to the existing challenge, Capitol Management began negotiations with the world-famous hotel chain, BWH℠ Hotels, to accept representation of one of their brands.

And in 2015, at the tourism exhibition, the foundation was laid for the cooperation of the international multi-brand Spanish hotel management company, Hotel Collection International, and Capitol Management. After receiving information about the prospects of the country from the Georgian side, the representatives of Hotel Collection International visited Georgia for a week and got acquainted with local attractions, tourist places and hotels. During this period, they had the opportunity to evaluate the country's potential by HCI standards, which resulted in the signing of a partnership agreement with Capitol Management in 2016 and the establishment of a joint company, Hotel Collection International Georgia.

Projects and results of Hotel Collection International Georgia

The main task of Hotel Collection International Georgia is to help the hotel owner to choose the right brand and manage it effectively. Current and completed projects of the company are concentrated in Tbilisi and regions.

• Best Western Kutaisi (2016-2023, the project included preparation for the opening of the hotel, technical consultation and further management);
• Four Points by Sheraton Bakuriani - currently the project is in the stage of finding an investor. In case of implementation, its further management will be provided by HCI Georgia;
• Holiday Inn Express Tbilisi Avlabari (from 2023 to the present, including preparation for the opening of the hotel).

Independent projects:
• Holiday Inn Telavi (2018-2023 years, including preparation for the opening of the hotel);
• Georgia Palace Hotel (for several months from 2018);
• Trademark Collection by Windem (June-October 2022);
• Museum Hotel Orbeliani (from 2023 to present);
• Resort type boutique hotel, Kakheti (pre-opening consulting and subsequent management).

HCI operating results

Best Western Kutaisi was successfully managed in 2017-2023. HCI completed the cooperation with the hotel with positive results:
• Guest satisfaction index — 87.7%, service (87.9%) and cleanliness (87.7%) received a special rating from this indicator;
• In 2022, 9359 rooms were booked and 15151 visitors visited the hotel;
• Since 2017, Best Western Kutaisi has won a number of international and local awards in the field of tourism;
• The hotel became the winner of the Welcome to Georgia 2017 national award of the Bank of Georgia and tourism, in the nomination of the fastest growing company of the year in the segment of medium and small businesses;
• International Hospitality Awards 2019, finalist, best business type 4* hotel;
• International Hospitality Awards 2020, Finalist, Best Small Town Hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Avlabari, which has been operating since March 2023, has been a significant success. In particular, according to the management period and results:
• Compared to 2023, 182% increase in annual revenue (YTD);

• RevPar growth — 192%;

• Guest satisfaction index 96.67 out of 100. From this indicator, the cleanliness rating is 100 out of 100. According to the guest satisfaction index, the hotel ranks 7th among 271 Holiday Inn Express in Europe. In 2023, the hotel received the best hotel award in the category of the best synthesis of price and quality at the National Tourism Awards.

The results of independent projects are actively being worked on:

• Museum Hotel Orbeliani was positioned in the tourist companies in the first year of operation, which was the first priority. The positive result was caused by working with groups to ensure stable occupancy of the hotel, which was even more pronounced by 2024. Both the occupancy of the hotel and the average price of a room have increased sharply;
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 11% compared to 2023, which is 22% of total revenue;
• May (the most active period) results: RevPAR growth — 32%, total revenue growth — 47.7%.

After a 3-year break, HCI resumed the operation of the restaurant "Sirajkhana" located in the hotel. The company implemented operational standards at the site, retrained the team. The organizational structure was optimized, including in the direction of personnel policy.
• Guest satisfaction index increased by 0.7%;
• The index of the number of satisfied evaluations improved by 4.5%.

Cooperation with some of the independent projects, including the management of Telavi, Grigoleti and Georgia Palace, ended due to different management visions.

Future plans
Hotel Collection International Georgia is preparing to open a 60-room boutique hotel in Kakheti. Estimated opening date is 2025.
At the same time, negotiations are underway with several new regional projects.