Page 57 - World Of Nurol Magazine 29

the opening of the new markets. In 2017 we participated in
various tourism exhibitions and visited many countries such
Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Dubai. We managed to be
the first hotel hosted Indian groups in Batumi. Very important
to underline that World Travel Awards proudly announced
Sheraton Batumi Hotel as a winner for Georgia’s Leading Hotel
in 2017. Furthermore, Welcome to Georgia National Tourism
Awards announced Sheraton Batumi Hotel as The Best Sea
Accommodation in Georgia. Last, but not the least our hotel is
ranked as number 1 in growth and revenue in Batumi in 2017. In
terms of guest experience, we ranked number 1 in TripAdvisor
in Batumi and we ranked in Top 5 in all Sheraton Hotels in
Europe. Our Associate Engagement score in 2017 was 97 - one
of the highest scores worldwide for Marriott International.

What are you planning to do? What are your expectations for
2018?

In 2018, as I mentioned before, we will complete the second
phase of the renovation - the Lobby bar and the All day dining
restaurant. Additionally, we are intended to update the new
technologies in the hotel. The hospitality sector is fluid and
mobile in a period where everything is possible within a
hand’s reach. We will create the Keyless Project, Mobile Check

“Since I first met the company owner,

I felt like we had a chemistry and I was

working for this company for years since I
came to the hotel.”

in, Interactive and Smart TV in the rooms. MICE business is a
large segment for us. We are constantly seeking to increase
our share in the MICE market and thus we are planning to
update conference facilities and our audiovisual equipment
with high quality latest technologies. 2018 will be another
great year for Sheraton Batumi. We are expecting high
growth comparing to the previous years in all financial areas:
occupancy, average rate, Revpar, profit. We have already some
important international events booked in our hotel for 2018
such the European Women’s Chess Championship and Chess
Olympiada. Furthermore, Sheraton Batumi will host Elton
John with his team during his performance for two concerts in
Black Sea Arena.
Can you talk briefly about the negative conditions in the
region? What should be done to correct them?
Batumi as a new destination still has some challenges
regarding the infrastructure. The main challenge is the airport
of Batumi, which features very low capacities. Hopefully, there
are plans for expansion for the next years as it was already
done in Tbilisi Airport. Also, the main road from Tbilisi to
Batumi partly is very old, which makes diªcult the overland

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