In an exclusive interview, we delved into the minds of the visionaries shaping the trajectory of Hotel Star Georgia—President Ketevan Meladze, Vice President Shalva Alaverdashvili, Second Vice President Dimitri Jalaghonia, and Dimitri’s role as the owner of Citrus Hotel. This illuminating conversation shed light on the profound impact of star ratings on Georgia’s burgeoning hospitality sector.
International Visibility and Reputation
Dimitri Jalaghonia, the person behind Citrus Hotel, unfolded a captivating narrative around the transformative influence that acquiring a star rating from Horeca – Hotel Star has exerted on the establishment’s international visibility and reputation. With contagious enthusiasm, he articulated, “The star rating has evolved beyond being a mere symbol; it’s our passport to the global stage, ushering in a new era.” Jalaghonia, driven by a strategic vision to captivate a discerning global audience, delved into the profound significance of the star rating as a dynamic catalyst propelling the hotel into the limelight.
“The star rating acts as a beacon for travelers from affluent and developed nations,” Jalaghonia declared, painting an image of the rating not just as a marker but as a guide. This, he passionately conveyed, facilitates the hotel’s ability to tailor its offerings with precision, creating an environment tailored to the tastes and expectations of a more sophisticated clients. The star rating, according to Jalaghonia, is not merely a label but a dynamic force that empowers Citrus Hotel to curate a good experience for a global audience seeking refinement. In essence, Jalaghonia’s insights transcend the conventional understanding of star ratings, portraying them as a transformative force that opens doors to global recognition, enabling hotels like Citrus to craft an identity synonymous with quality on the international stage. The star rating, in his words, is not just a reflection of past accomplishments but a dynamic tool shaping the future of Citrus Hotel and its reputation on the world stage.
Criteria for Star Assignment
Reflecting on the criteria considered by The Hotelstars Union through Hotel Star Georgia, Dimitri Jalaghonia shared, “There’s a myriad of criteria that contribute to the star assignment. What sets us apart is our commitment to standardized conditions, an automated management system, and a harmonized approach.”
President Ketevan Meladze, in expanding upon the discussion, her profound insights went beyond ceremonial representation, as she expounded, “Georgia’s role is not merely symbolic; it plays a pivotal part in uniting hotels, not confined to major cities but extending its reach into the diverse regions across our country. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of the organization’s developmental roadmap, ensuring that the benefits of international standards permeate every corner, enriching the entire tapestry of the country’s hospitality landscape.”
Meladze’s perspective sheds light on the far-reaching impact of Georgia’s representation, acting as a conduit for the dissemination of global standards to even the most remote regions. The inclusivity she advocates becomes a driver for equitable development, fostering a network of hotels that collectively contribute to the elevation of Georgia’s hospitality industry on the world stage.
Influence on Guest Bookings and Experience
Dimitri Jalaghonia, the astute mind guiding Citrus Hotel’s trajectory, delved into the far-reaching implications of the star rating on guest bookings and the overall guest experience. With thoughtful reflections, he expounded, “The significance of the star rating extends beyond being a mere accolade; it is a profound influencer that shapes the way our guests perceive us and, subsequently, their entire experience with Citrus Hotel.”
Jalaghonia painted a vivid picture of the star rating as a transformative force, a symbol that transcends the tangible and becomes an integral part of the guest’s perception. “It’s not just about stars on paper; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence,” he remarked.
The star rating, in his view, serves as a living testament to the dedication and meticulous attention to detail that defines the essence of Citrus Hotel’s hospitality. As Jalaghonia continued, he underscored that the star rating, far from a static label, serves as a dynamic guarantee to guests—an assurance that their expectations will not only be met but exceeded. “It instills confidence in our guests,” he explained, “allowing them to embark on their stay with the certainty that they are entering an environment committed to delivering an exceptional experience.”
Aligning with European Standards
Jalaghonia highlighted the advantages of aligning with evolving international standards. “Being part of such a sophisticated organization gives us a competitive edge. It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about staying ahead and anticipating changes in requirements.”
Ketevan Meladze, President of Hotel Star Georgia, added depth to this perspective, stating, “Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards is unwavering. Every five years, the landscape evolves, and as members, we have privileged access to this transformative information. This proactive approach is integral to our ethos of continuous improvement.”
Meladze elaborated on the significance of this foresight, emphasizing that staying ahead of the curve is not just a strategic advantage but a commitment to the guests who choose Citrus Hotel. “Access to this evolving information allows us to fine-tune our offerings, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our guests. It’s a commitment to providing an experience that transcends the ordinary, aligning with the evolving preferences and standards of the global hospitality community.”
In essence, Jalaghonia and Meladze’s insights weave a narrative of Citrus Hotel not merely as a follower of standards but as a proactive contributor to the evolution of the industry. The commitment to anticipating and embracing change is not just a strategic maneuver.
Increasing International Guests and Market Presence
Delving into the immediate impact of the coveted star rating on Citrus Hotel’s international guest demographic and overall market presence, President Ketevan Meladze provided nuanced insights into the profound transformation facilitated by this esteemed accolade. In her words, “Trust emerges as a paramount factor, particularly for high-budget vacationers seeking a seamless and elevated experience. The star rating, prominently displayed on platforms like TripAdvisor, serves as more than just a symbol; it’s a robust guarantee of trust and accuracy.”
Meladze expounded on the multifaceted role of trust in the realm of hospitality, especially for a hotel aiming to cater to a discerning global clientele. “The star rating becomes a form of currency in the travel industry, a currency that high-budget vacationers value immensely,” she elaborated. This trust, she contended, extends beyond the immediate booking phase. It permeates the entire guest journey, from the moment an international traveler considers Citrus Hotel as their destination to the unforgettable experiences they carry back home.
As Meladze continued, she emphasized how the star rating has been instrumental in drawing in a more global and discerning clientele. “It’s not just about attracting guests; it’s about attracting the right kind of guests—those who appreciate and seek the level of excellence that the star rating signifies,” she remarked.
Positive Impact on Competitiveness
Dimitri Jalaghonia delved into how recognition from The Hotelstars Union positively affected Citrus Hotel’s competitiveness, stating, “Our location in the historic center of Tbilisi is a significant advantage. The recognition from The Hotelstars Union elevates us further, making us a sought-after choice in a competitive market.”
Shalva Alaverdashvili underscored the benefits of being featured on HOTREC’s map, stating, “For tourists valuing European standards, knowing that there are Hotel Star member hotels in the country is a distinct advantage.”
Contribution to Georgia’s Tourism Landscape
In a contemplative reflection on the expansive contribution to Georgia’s tourism landscape, Dimitri Jalaghonia, the insightful architect of Citrus Hotel’s success, articulated a sentiment that transcends individual triumphs. With a perspective that goes beyond the walls of the hotel, he remarked, “Our affiliation is a nuanced endeavor that extends beyond securing our success; it’s intricately tied to contributing to the broader image of our country. When tourists encounter European standards within our hospitality establishments, it becomes a cornerstone in building trust and fostering heightened satisfaction with Georgia as a holistic destination.”
Jalaghonia’s emphasis on the affiliation’s dual role, both as a catalyst for individual prosperity and a contributor to the nation’s image, underscores a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the hospitality industry with the larger tourism narrative. His acknowledgment goes beyond the notion of hotels as standalone entities, positioning them as integral components in shaping the overall perception of a country in the eyes of the global traveler.
Expanding on this idea, Ketevan Meladze delved into the impact of European standards on building trust. “Trust is the currency of the tourism industry,” she explained. “When tourists witness and experience European standards within establishments, it instills confidence. It communicates that Georgia is not just a destination; it’s a destination committed to providing a world-class experience.” This confidence, according to Meladze, becomes a driving force in enhancing overall satisfaction, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond individual hotels to elevate the allure of the entire country.
Advice for Hotels Considering Membership
Dimitri Jalaghonia concluded the interview by offering valuable advice to other hotels considering membership with Hotel Star Georgia. He emphasized, “Consider standards from the planning stage. It’s an investment in the long-term success of your hotel. Don’t compromise on quality for short-term gains.”
Hotel Star Georgia, in affiliation with The Hotelstars Union, serves as a driving force for raising the standards of Georgian hospitality. The conversation highlights the diverse ways in which star ratings impact Georgia’s burgeoning tourism sector, presenting a trajectory marked by ongoing enhancement, a commitment to excellence, and alignment with international benchmarks. The leaders’ insights act as a compass, inviting other hotels in Georgia to embark on a transformative journey toward achieving unparalleled hospitality distinction.
