Nina Asatiani, a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in the tourism industry, has recently taken the helm as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi. This distinguished five-star property, nestled beside the picturesque Tbilisi Sea, has been a prominent presence in the Georgian market since its establishment in 2017. In just a short span it has swiftly ascended to become a thriving luxury hotel, carving out its unique niche. In a remarkable feat of distinction, Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi has triumphed at the 2023 World Luxury Hotel Awards, securing prestigious titles in three categories: Luxury Business Hotel (Country), Luxury Sport Hotel (Global), and Luxury Conference & Event Hotel (Regional). Georgia Today is privileged to present an exclusive interview with Nina Asatiani, shedding light on her vision and strategies for further enhancing the success of Hotels and Preference.
Could you tell us about your background and experience in the hospitality industry?
I have been in the field of tourism for 18 years now, starting my journey in sales back in 2005. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands like Marriott, Radisson Blu, and Biltmore. I even ventured into the innovative Luxury Hostel concept before a temporary hiatus due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, my passion for hospitality never waned. When I visited Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi, I was captivated by the hotel’s beauty and quality. This inspired me to re-enter the industry. Being at the helm of marketing and sales for a quality establishment is truly invigorating, and I’m excited to lead my team in this endeavor.
Can you tell us more about Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi and its positioning in the market?
Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi is a five-star property located beside the Tbilisi Sea. Since its inception in 2017, it has swiftly established itself as a successful luxury hotel with a distinct niche in the Georgian market. What sets us apart is not only our upscale luxury French brand – Hotels & Preference, established in 2000, operating over 150 five-star hotels worldwide. Notably, the construction of our hotel was undertaken by the esteemed Chinese company BTL Group, further ensuring our commitment to excellence.
How do you plan to tap into different international markets, and which countries are of particular interesting to you?
Markets of all countries, all over the world are very important for us. Recently, the Chinese market has opened up for us, and like all other hotels, it will be very interesting for us to work with them. However, the market of any country where we have flights is interesting and desirable for us, be it West or East. And we will certainly try to get a large part of these high-budget tourists from each country.
My primary goal is to continue to elevate the reputation and success of Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi
You mentioned your involvement in promoting Georgia internationally. Can you tell us more about those efforts and their impact?
When I first entered this industry, Georgia wasn’t widely recognized on the international stage. To rectify this, I embarked on journeys to different countries and participated in international exhibitions to represent both the hospitality sector and our beautiful country. These efforts yielded significant results, and now, with Hotels and Preference, we plan to continue this tradition by participating in similar activities to further elevate our presence on the global stage.
Could you share more about your approach to team building and your preference for hiring young talent?
Throughout my career, I’ve always believed in giving young professionals the opportunity to grow and excel. I’m currently in the process of assembling a new team at Hotels and Preference Hualing Tbilisi, and I’m excited to nurture their talent and help shape the future of hospitality industry.
How do you view the competitive landscape in the hospitality industry, and what do you believe sets Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi apart?
The hospitality industry in Georgia has seen an influx of international brands, creating a highly competitive environment. However, we welcome this as it motivates us to consistently strive for excellence. What truly distinguishes Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi is our commitment to providing a unique experience. Our individually decorated rooms, seamlessly blending classic and modern elements, offer a distinctive atmosphere. The attention to detail in every aspect of our room design, from the carefully chosen furnishings to the captivating color palettes, ensures a truly immersive and enchanting experience that sets us apart in the realm of luxury hospitality. Additionally, our Chinese restaurant, stands out with its exceptional offerings. Many are unaware that we’ve brought in 10 Chinese chefs, and we boast a menu featuring over 100 Chinese dishes. Adding to our accolades, our esteemed Chinese restaurant has been honored with the prestigious 2023 World Luxury Restaurant Awards in not one, but two remarkable categories. Recognized for its dedication to offering an authentic culinary experience, it has secured the titles of “Authentic Cuisine – Country” and “Chinese Cuisine – Regional”, a testament to the mastery of flavors and hospitality excellence we deliver to our visitors.
Can you outline your marketing strategy for Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi, both locally and internationally?
We have a multi-faceted approach to marketing. Locally, we aim to raise awareness about the hotel brand through our social media channels and various communication channels. Additionally, we plan to offer video tours and photos to showcase the strengths of the hotel. Internationally, we intend to participate in key exhibitions and collaborate with tourism departments to expand our reach. Furthermore, we’re excited to host a variety of entertainment programs, from New Year festivities to sports events, as well as romantic offerings for Valentine’s Day in February and etc.
In closing, what are your aspirations for your role at Hotels and Preference Hualing Tbilisi, and what excites you the most about this opportunity?
My primary goal is to continue to elevate the reputation and success of Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi. I’m eager to work alongside my team to share with the public the emotions I experienced when I first visited this exceptional hotel. The beauty, quality, and unique offerings deserve recognition. I’m thrilled to be back in this field, especially with such a remarkable hotel. My return is driven by my passion for creating and marketing outstanding hospitality experiences, and I’m committed to ensuring that every aspect of Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi reflects that passion.
By Mariam Gorkhelashvili
