Besides being an entrepreneur, what else could you tell us about yourself?
The tourist bureau "Dedoplistskaro" founded by me is a member of the A(A)I Dedoplistskaro Tourism Development Association, where I hold the position of Chairman of the Board of the organization. Our organization works in the direction of promoting tourism business in Dedoplistskaro Municipality, creating tourism products and improving their quality.
Why this business?
Since childhood, I have loved nature, beautiful views, and reading and telling interesting stories. While studying at the university, along with my main profession, I also mastered the specialty of “local guide” at the Faculty of Arts. Then, while working in various public services in my district, I unofficially had to perform the function of a tour guide. Gradually, I realized that the profession of a tour guide and, in general, tourism is a field that I like, am interested in, and also generates income. That is why I founded the tourist bureau “Dedoplisti” in 2019.
What is the main benefit that your product/service provides to the customer?
Our service will show the user a different Dedoplistskaro, a unique Kiziki with its landscapes, ethnography, wine, gastronomy, warm-hearted and kind people, and will also make you think and feel the importance of family and traditions.
What is the formula for business success for you?
A business is successful if all parties involved – the service creator, the provider, and the consumer – are satisfied morally and materially.
The biggest challenge for the whole world, and especially for the tourism sector, was the Covid-pandemic. I had just started working in tourism and was very affected. I used the quarantine period for studies and online training, improved my English skills, etc., but when the restrictions were lifted, it turned out that there was an acute shortage of personnel, especially guides. Now I have organized the tours in such a way that if necessary, I can fulfill the duties of a guide myself.
This specific case taught me that when planning a business, all possible risks must be taken into account as much as possible, there must be plans for preventing and overcoming risks, it is necessary to objectively assess and analyze one's own capabilities: knowledge, experience, human resources, material and financial resources, etc. It is necessary to know in advance what we will do if we are left alone in business. I think I am able to get out of a difficult situation.
What gives you strength and energy for your daily activities?
Love for my job, my district, and my corner, as well as the belief that my business will definitely be very successful in the next 2 years.
The main reason why BPN Georgia?
Because BPN Georgia's team of professionals cares about us as customers.
If BPN Georgia were a person, what would it be like ?
A family of energetic people whose members use their professionalism to help others. They are always focused on innovation, creating and delivering services tailored to the interests of the user.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs?
If you want to start a business correctly and achieve success, it is necessary to correctly assess yourself and your capabilities, constantly improve your qualifications in the business field, as well as learn issues related to the management and development of material, financial, and human resources of the business. This can be learned well at the company "BPN Georgia".
Do you think the customer is king or you?
The phrase "the customer is always right," used in many fields, belongs to the Swiss Cesar Ritz, founder of the famous Ritz hotel chain.
In tourism, the customer is the guest, yes, the guest is the king, we take utmost care of the guest's satisfaction, but the guest is the king until he requests the provision of a service/product that does not correspond to the image of our company and the traditions of our country.
Past, present or future?
The present is saturated with the past and pregnant with the future – this phrase by the famous mathematician – Leinbitz (The present is saturated with the past and pregnant with the future), which Ilia Chavchavadze translated into Georgian, connects all three times and concepts. I think, taking into account the experience of the past, we should walk towards the future with optimal behavior in the present if we want to develop.
