Georgia’s National Tourism Administration Has New Head

The Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) has a new head - Mariam Kvrivishvili, appointed as a result of a competition.

Kvrivishvili was presented by the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Giorgi Koulia, on February 5.

"Mariam Kvrivishvili has great work experience in the private and public sectors. She has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Marketing, Business Administration and Management, which is very important for us. I think her work experience, education, and vision will provide more energy for tourism administration and will help us to advance this very important segment of our economy," the Minister said.

Kobulia added that Kvrivishvili also has a lot of experience in the tourism sector. Since 2013, she has been working as the Director General of LLC Voyager. She was also airline Fly Dubai regional manager in Georgia. In 2012-2013, she worked as Deputy Head of the National Tourism Administration.

New Head of the GNTA said it is a great honor for her to head one of the most strategically important agencies of the country.

“There are many challenges ahead because the goals that are based on national principles are quite ambitious. It is important that with the short, medium and long term strategies, we develop new tourism products, create new infrastructure and launch more new flights to bring in more high-profile tourists. It is also important that Georgia have more diversified and strategic markets," she added.

In her interview with TV Priveli, Kvrivishvili said that she plans to launch new touristic products like medical- and eco-tourism.

“These products will be a base for the existing product supply platform in the country. The involvement of the private sector in the development of medical tourism is of utmost importance. We have one mission - we want more quality tourists to come to Georgia,” she added.

By Thea Morrison