Georgia is situated at the strategically important crossroads where Europe meets Asia, bordered by Turkey, Russia and Armenia - It became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991 and now the country offers visitors a truly multicultural experience with over 100 different ethnic groups residing in the capital city of Tbilisi.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the owner of the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, and THED International, yesterday announced the signing of an agreement with Georgian Properties LLC to open the first InterContinental hotel in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia.

Scheduled to open early 2010, the InterContinental Tbilisi is aimed at both the traveller doing business in the rapidly flourishing Georgian economy and the leisure visitor.

Set in an historic building in the city centre, formerly the Ministry of Agriculture, the property will offer the service experience and amenities associated with the InterContinental brand including 155 rooms and suites, 15 serviced apartments, a fully-equipped business centre and a variety of leisure facilities.

Founded in the 5th Century, the city offers visitors a sampling of architecture reflective of its long and unique history as well as numerous significant cultural landmarks.

Tbilisi has a rich history of sports and offers multiple large professional venues that host football; basketball; tennis; swimming and polo among many other sports. The city's mild micro-climate mixes with its stone houses built around vine-draped courtyards to create a lively, Mediterranean-like environment.

Jennifer Fox, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Europe, commented: "The signing of the InterContinental Tbilisi, the eighth addition to our European portfolio this year, reinforces our brand's passion for growth as well as our commitment to Europe.

We are extremely proud to announce the signing of this new property in this dynamic country and are delighted to be partnering with Georgian Properties to develop this historic building into a five-star hotel."

Marcel Benhamou, Chief Executive of Georgian Properties, said:

"With InterContinental having an excellent pedigree in managing high-end hotels and resorts across both Europe and the globe, we are delighted to have established this relationship with one of the world's leading hospitality brands and are eager to begin work on constructing and opening the InterContinental Tbilisi.

This is an extremely exciting development for both the City of Tbilisi and Georgia itself and a unique opportunity to develop a five-star hotel.