Ajara Group founder Temur Ugulava dies after illness

Georgian businessman Temur Ugulava, the founder of Ajara Group, has died after battling an aggressive form of lung cancer.

According to available information, Ugulava died in the United States, where he had been receiving treatment.

Ugulava was the founder of Ajara Group, one of Georgia's largest hospitality and real estate companies. The group is behind several well-known Georgian hospitality brands, including Rooms Hotels and Stamba Hotel.

The company also manages the Holiday Inn Tbilisi and operates a number of major commercial and cultural projects across the country.

Among Ajara Group's flagship developments are Pabrika, a mixed-use urban space in Tbilisi, Radio City, and the D Block co-working space. The group is also involved in the management of the Tbilisi Sports Palace.