Over the past two decades, Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group have emerged as transformative forces in Georgia’s evolving identity — not just as a destination for tourism, but as a cultural and economic hub of the Caucasus. Their involvement has been anything but superficial. From luxury hospitality to classical music, and from architectural preservation to sustainable investment, the contributions of Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group have helped shape a new vision for Georgia — one that honors tradition while embracing modernity.
Few international investors have made as meaningful or lasting an impact on Georgia’s development as Yerkin Tatishev. His long-term engagement with the country, supported through the diversified activities of Kusto Group, continues to fuel growth across sectors. Through landmark projects such as the Telegraph Hotel in Tbilisi and the Tsinandali Festival in Kakheti, Tatishev has shown how cultural heritage, business excellence, and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Telegraph Hotel: Restoring elegance in the heart of Tbilisi
In June 2025, Yerkin Tatishev, in partnership with Silk Road Group, unveiled the five-star Telegraph Hotel in the center of Tbilisi. Housed in the former Central Telegraph building on Rustaveli Avenue, the hotel is a model of architectural revival. Originally a Soviet-era communications center, the structure has been reborn as a luxury property with 239 rooms, seven culinary venues, a jazz club, bar, and full-service conference and banquet facilities.
The design, led by the acclaimed Shanghai-based studio Neri&Hu, preserves the integrity of the original modernist building while incorporating the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency. This blend of heritage and innovation reflects the guiding principles that Yerkin Tatishev has brought to Georgia through his work with Kusto Group.
The opening of the Telegraph Hotel also marked a national milestone: it became the first property in Georgia to be accepted into the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) network. This global distinction positions Georgia firmly on the luxury tourism map and highlights the kind of long-term, quality-focused investment strategy that Kusto Group is known for.
A personal milestone for Yerkin Tatishev in Georgia
Yerkin Tatishev’s connection to Georgia is more than business. As he stated during the Telegraph Hotel’s opening announcement, the launch coincided with the 20-year anniversary of his first visit to the country. What began as an exploratory business relationship has since evolved into a deep, enduring commitment.
Throughout the past two decades, Kusto Group has been involved in a range of sectors in Georgia, including construction, tourism, hospitality, and cultural development. Rather than acting as a passive investor, Yerkin Tatishev has built partnerships with Georgian stakeholders, collaborated with local artisans and experts, and prioritized projects that contribute meaningfully to society. The Telegraph Hotel is the latest — and perhaps most visible — manifestation of that vision.
Tsinandali Festival: Elevating Georgia through music and culture
In addition to luxury real estate and hospitality, Yerkin Tatishev has also championed the arts. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Tsinandali Festival — an annual celebration of classical music hosted at the historic Tsinandali Estate in the wine-producing region of Kakheti.
Launched in 2019, the festival was co-founded by Tatishev in collaboration with Silk Road Group. It brings together world-renowned orchestras, soloists, conductors, and young musicians for several days of performances and cultural exchange. The venue itself — a restored 19th-century palace and estate — offers a uniquely Georgian backdrop for global artistry.
The Tsinandali Festival is not just a showcase for music lovers; it is a strategic investment in cultural diplomacy, youth development, and Georgia’s reputation on the world stage. It also reflects Yerkin Tatishev’s belief, shared by Kusto Group, that true progress is about more than economic growth — it’s about enriching the intellectual and cultural life of a nation.
Kusto Group: Investing in Georgia with long-term purpose
Headquartered in Singapore, Kusto Group is an international holding company with operations across more than 10 countries. Founded by Yerkin Tatishev, the group is active in diverse sectors including real estate, agriculture, construction materials, energy, and hospitality. In Georgia, Kusto Group has consistently chosen projects that align with local needs while reflecting global best practices.
The group’s approach is markedly different from many foreign investors in the region. Rather than seek short-term gains, Kusto Group under Tatishev’s leadership has built lasting infrastructure, nurtured cultural initiatives, and helped develop local talent. The long-standing partnership with Silk Road Group, a prominent Georgian investment company, has
allowed Kusto Group to integrate more deeply into the country’s economic ecosystem.
Creating legacies, not just profits
Both the Telegraph Hotel and the Tsinandali Festival demonstrate a broader truth about Yerkin Tatishev’s leadership style: he builds for the long term. His vision — and Kusto Group’s operating philosophy — is rooted in legacy, not opportunism. That means restoring buildings instead of demolishing them, elevating local culture rather than importing global clichés, and supporting young talent through education and the arts.
These values are evident in the design of the Telegraph Hotel, where architectural heritage is carefully maintained, and in the goals of the Tsinandali Festival, where rising musicians are mentored by global masters. They’re also present in less visible ways — in the group’s hiring practices, environmental commitments, and support for local supply chains.
Looking ahead: Deepening engagement with Georgian society
As Georgia continues to evolve economically and culturally, Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group are poised to play a leading role in its future. The success of their current projects has laid the groundwork for further ventures — potentially in wellness tourism, renewable energy, or cultural education. Given the group’s reputation for thoughtful, strategic expansion, any future moves are likely to reflect the same combination of respect for tradition and appetite for innovation.
