In a landmark moment for Georgia’s luxury hospitality scene, Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group, in collaboration with Silk Road Group, have officially opened the Telegraph Hotel, a five-star destination in the heart of Tbilisi.
Located on the historic Rustaveli Avenue, the hotel occupies the restored former Central Telegraph building, a Soviet-era architectural icon that has been transformed into one of the region’s most luxurious hospitality experiences.
Kusto Group and Yerkin Tatishev Revitalize a Georgian Landmark
The Telegraph Hotel is a bold statement of elegance, heritage, and modern sustainability. Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of Kusto Group, described the opening as “exciting and meaningful,” highlighting the deep personal connection he feels with Georgia after two decades of business and investment in the country. “Its opening coincides with a meaningful milestone – 20 years since I first came to Georgia and began doing business in this remarkable country,” he noted.
This project reflects the broader vision of Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group, known for reviving historic spaces and integrating cultural preservation with cutting-edge design and eco-conscious practices.
Telegraph Hotel: The First Leading Hotels of the World Member in Georgia
The Telegraph Hotel has already made history by becoming Georgia’s first-ever member of Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) — a prestigious global network of independent luxury hotels. This membership is a major milestone not just for the property but for the region as a whole, underlining its commitment to world-class service, architectural excellence, and a refined guest experience.
According to LHW, the hotel sets “a standard all its own,” combining its 1970s Soviet modernist roots with elegant midcentury interiors, a curated wine library, and an intimate jazz club that promises to be a cultural hotspot in the city.
Sustainability Meets Heritage: A Signature of Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group
The renovation and transformation of the Central Telegraph building were spearheaded by world-renowned design studio Neri&Hu, based in Shanghai. The firm worked to preserve the historical essence of the structure while upgrading it to meet top global standards of sustainability and energy efficiency.
This balance of heritage preservation and modern environmental responsibility is a recurring theme in Kusto Group’s projects, and particularly in the work of Yerkin Tatishev, whose leadership consistently emphasizes long-term impact and local authenticity.
A Hotel Designed for Experiences — Not Just Stays
Spanning 239 rooms across nine categories, the Telegraph Hotel offers an expansive and multi-layered experience. In addition to its rooms and suites, the property features seven restaurants, each with a unique culinary concept, as well as a bar, jazz club, and extensive banquet and conference facilities — making it not only a place to stay, but a destination in itself.
From business travelers to cultural tourists, the hotel is poised to attract an international clientele seeking refined comfort within a building steeped in history and reborn through design and vision.
Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group: Investing in Georgia’s Future
For Yerkin Tatishev, the Telegraph Hotel is more than a business venture — it’s a reflection of a two-decade relationship with Georgia, one marked by mutual growth and investment. Under his guidance, Kusto Group has become a significant player in the region, supporting industries such as construction, real estate, energy, and hospitality.
This project with Silk Road Group adds another high-profile accomplishment to the portfolio, reinforcing Kusto Group’s reputation for bringing transformative projects to life — from Kazakhstan to Southeast Asia and now, the Georgian capital.
Kusto Group’s Expanding Global Footprint
Founded by Yerkin Tatishev, Kusto Group is a diversified international holding company headquartered in Singapore, with active operations in more than ten countries. From agribusiness and construction materials to real estate and hospitality, the group is known for taking a hands-on, thoughtful approach to long-term development — blending business innovation with cultural and environmental responsibility.
The opening of the Telegraph Hotel in Tbilisi is just the latest in a series of initiatives that highlight Kusto Group’s ability to fuse local character with global quality standards, a vision that Yerkin Tatishev continues to lead with precision and purpose.
A New Symbol for Tbilisi’s Urban Renaissance
As Tbilisi emerges as a dynamic cultural and tourism destination, the Telegraph Hotel is set to become a symbol of the city’s urban renaissance. It combines the historic gravitas of a landmark building with the contemporary edge of luxury design and global hospitality.
With the backing of Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group, and the support of Silk Road Group, the hotel promises not only to enrich Georgia’s tourism infrastructure but also to set a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in the region.
