Planet Hollywood to Develop Integrated Resort and Casino in Tbilisi
Planet Hollywood to Open Integrated Resort and Casino in Tbilisi – New 1,200-Room Development Expands Brand into Georgia
Key Takeaways
- Planet Hollywood Resorts International is entering Georgia through a licensing agreement for a new integrated resort in Tbilisi.
- The project includes a 500-room Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino and a 600-room Radisson Blu hotel within a two-tower complex.
- Plans feature a 50,000-square-foot casino, a 4,000-seat entertainment venue, and more than 70,000 square feet of retail space.
- The development is expected to create over 2,000 permanent jobs.
- The project is currently under construction, with further details to be announced.
Planet Hollywood Enters the Georgian Market Through Licensing Agreement
Planet Hollywood Resorts International will expand into Georgia through a new integrated resort project in the capital city of Tbilisi. The company is entering the market under a licensing agreement with Orbi Group and Block Group, in association with Iconic Entertainment.
The development marks Planet Hollywood’s first project in Georgia. According to the announcement, the resort is already under construction. The agreement brings together international and regional partners to develop what is described as a large-scale hospitality and entertainment complex in the city.
For you as a user following developments in the international casino and iGaming space, the move signals the entry of a globally recognized land-based casino brand into a new national market. The project adds a significant physical gaming and hospitality asset to the region.
Project Scope: 1,200 Rooms, Casino Floor and Entertainment Facilities
The integrated resort will form part of a two-tower complex with a total of 1,200 rooms. Of these, 500 rooms will be part of the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, while 600 rooms will operate under the Radisson Blu brand as a luxury hotel.
The casino component is planned to cover 50,000 square feet. In addition to gaming facilities, the development will include a 4,000-seat venue designed for entertainment and special events. The project also предусматри more than 70,000 square feet of retail space under the Harvey Nichols brand, alongside multiple dining and nightlife outlets.
This combination of hotel capacity, casino space, entertainment infrastructure, and retail positioning defines the project as an integrated resort rather than a standalone casino. Integrated resorts typically combine accommodation, gaming, retail, and entertainment offerings within a single destination.
Partnership Structure and Statements From Executives
The project is being developed through cooperation between several companies. Orbi Group and Block Group are acting under the licensing agreement with Planet Hollywood, while Iconic Entertainment is associated with the development.
Robert Earl, Founder of Planet Hollywood, described the project as a defining step in the continued global development of the brand. He referred to Tbilisi as a city with strong momentum and stated that the partnership aims to create a destination combining entertainment and hospitality.
Tornike Janashvili, CEO of Block Group, characterized the development as a pivotal moment for Tbilisi and highlighted its intended impact on international visitation and the city’s global positioning. Irakli Kvergelidze, CEO of Orbi Group, stated that the project is designed to contribute to the future of tourism and hospitality in Georgia.
Mark Advent, founder of the New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and Partner of Iconic Entertainment, is also involved in the project. He referenced his longstanding professional relationship with Robert Earl and described Tbilisi as ready for a project of this scale.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
According to the developers, the project is expected to create more than 2,000 permanent jobs. The employment impact relates to hotel operations, casino activities, retail management, entertainment programming, and related services once the resort becomes operational.
The scale of the development positions it as a significant addition to Tbilisi’s tourism and hospitality sector. The announcement notes that the city has seen rising international visitor interest in recent years, supported by its combination of historical architecture and urban development.
For stakeholders in the broader gambling and hospitality industry, job creation and large-scale infrastructure projects often indicate long-term operational commitments rather than short-term market entries.
Positioning Within Planet Hollywood’s Global Operations
The Tbilisi project follows Planet Hollywood’s existing operations in Las Vegas. While no additional international expansion plans were detailed in the announcement, the Georgia development represents a new geographic market for the brand.
The integrated resort model reflects the company’s established approach in other destinations, combining themed hospitality with casino gaming and entertainment offerings. Additional details, including timelines and specific programming elements, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
At this stage, no opening date has been provided. The project remains under construction, and further operational information has not yet been disclosed.
Our Assessment
Planet Hollywood Resorts International is entering Georgia through a licensed integrated resort project in Tbilisi that combines hotel capacity, casino space, entertainment venues, and retail infrastructure. The 1,200-room complex, including a 50,000-square-foot casino, is expected to create over 2,000 permanent jobs and expand the brand’s presence beyond its existing operations in Las Vegas. The development introduces a large-scale land-based gaming and hospitality asset to the Georgian market and adds a new international location to Planet Hollywood’s portfolio.
