Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel Contributes to Georgia's Tourism Ambitions

Interview with the General Manager of Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel, Toni Toshev

You have been operating here for many years already; it was the first hotel of its type in the Soviet Union, at the end of the regime and was really fascinating. Recently, Georgia’s authorities are promoting tourism as one of its primary economic directions. How is the hotel acting in this direction and what are your targets, how are you contributing to this concept?

Thank you, as you have mentioned Sheraton came here earlier than other hotels and it was the first international hotel in your country. Our main aim and direction has been assisting the people, assisting the Government. This hotel has been the face of Georgia, your hospitality for foreign visitors. It is not easy to host and accommodate people here. Everyone who came to our hotel enjoyed with international standards. Creating a high level service for the visitors and showing them that it is a safe area is essential. We have worked in this direction for many years. Security is very important for visitors, if they decide that the country is safe and there are attractive things to do, only in this case will they decide to come. On the other hand we have always tried to increase people’s awareness about high standards, service culture and food culture. Georgian food and Georgian cuisine are a part of this. We have Georgian cuisine here and recommend the visitors try these exclusively Georgian dishes. We have very good Georgian food. It is well known that the Government are very frequently focused on tourism, as it is essential for economy and this means more working places in the country. Our main goal is that with our international connections we can increase awareness towards Georgian hospitality and more people will come to Georgia. When tourists are choosing the countries where to go, they always ask what is in this country and existing international brands here, like Sheraton and others which are acting here is a sign for them to make a positive decision; The Sheraton is always going to facilitate the authorities in this field, making Georgia an interesting tourism destination for foreign guests and visitors. Also, for years we have helped visitors to see other parts of Georgia and not stay only in Tbilisi, providing information for them about interesting places across the country. Our hotel in Batumi increased our intake of tourists in Georgia and they have become interested in all parts of the country including sea regions, Adjara and some others. Herewith, people who are employed in our hotels are locals and they get more education and experience here. I can say that the Sheraton as Starwood Hotels & Resorts network part and of course with other international brands here, provides all means for a pleasant rest for foreigners and they will repeat their visit here and it is more important than any advertisement, than any news and TV programs, to my mind. Personal experience is the most important.