Gino Holding: Slovak investments in a unique project in the heart of Georgia ( https://www.forbes.sk/gino-holding-slovenske-investicie-v-unikatnom-projekte-v-srdci-gruzinska/ )
Nodari Giorgadze, founder of Gino Holding a.s., is behind unique projects in Slovakia and his native Georgia. Today, as a proud citizen of our country, he is already building a legacy in Tbilisi, where, thanks to his vision, the Little Slovakia district is growing up.
What is your personal story, in which the company behind sixteen projects in Slovakia and Georgia plays a dominant role?
I have worked for the state for half my life. I was Minister of Defence in Georgia, I fought in Afghanistan, later I worked as a diplomat at the United Nations and I was the first to fly the Georgian flag at NATO. I was even the first Georgian diplomat, not only in Europe, but all over the world. However, at the age of 50, I decided to start my own business. Although everyone was surprised by this move, I felt it was time to start working for myself and my family.
Your first project was an investment in an aquapark in Bešeňová. Why did you decide to invest in Slovakia?
I was convinced by the good nature of the people who live in Slovakia. I had a villa in Veľké Uherce, where I met my neighbour Laco, who helped me selflessly and showed me what kind of hearts Slovaks have. I told myself that I wanted to do business in a country where people like Laco live. When I received an offer to buy the aquapark in Besenova, it was in a terrible state. It was in foreclosure and had huge debts. It wasn't an easy path, I had to prepare a business plan and borrow money. In particular, I had to suddenly switch from the diplomatic and military sphere to managing the water park and the people who worked there.
The list of Gino Holding's activities is varied and includes, for example, unique historical buildings. What have you already done in this direction?
It is important for us to approach buildings in a way that preserves their history. We have a hotel in the historic town of Mtskheta, which is protected by UNESCO. It is located in the only building in the city that has four floors. The renovation of the hotel in Rabati was also interesting. It is an eleventh century fortress and we built the hotel in a former hostel for travellers. We followed the historical drawings exactly and it took a whole year 'just' to get hold of the historical stones that we used for the construction. However, we have many other interesting projects, such as a hotel in Batumi, we built two photovoltaic power plants near Komárno, and gastroprojects in Bratislava. We have also built the first plant in Georgia that treats hazardous waste from hospitals, and we are preparing an investment for a photovoltaic power plant.
One of the projects you have invested in is the Orlová Manor. What won you over?
It was a coincidence. I was given the opportunity to buy a piece of land on which an old manor house stood, but it was in a dilapidated state. When I saw it and read about the history of the mansion, which was visited by both Maria Theresa and Franz Joseph, I understood that this jewel had to be saved. We must preserve our history and remember our traditions and ancestors. If we forget our history and identity, we will lose ourselves.
Did you see the potential in this place?
Business no, from a business point of view the reconstruction for twelve million euros was disadvantageous from the beginning and it was clear that I would never get the money back. Many people have asked me why I did it anyway. The answer is simple. When I came to do business in Slovakia, I did not bring any money here. On the contrary, I managed to make money, and therefore I feel obliged to return some of the money to the country and the people, and with it, pride. I believe that I have succeeded, because two years ago the Orlová Manor won the sixteenth place among the fifty best boutique hotels in the world. Last year it won a gold medal as Europe's best historic wedding hotel. This is proof that it was the right investment. People come here and they are proud that we have a mansion like this, and that makes a difference to me.
Tbilisi Boulevard - Little Slovakia will have not only Slovak spirit and heart, but also investors, technologies and suppliers of materials and equipment.
Let's go to your native Georgia for a moment. Not many people in Slovakia know that in Tbilisi you can already find Besenova and Liptova streets. Why did you decide to dedicate your latest development project to our small country?
I am Slovak and I am proud of my country. When I build in Georgia, I give Slovak names to the projects, and when I do something in Slovakia, I use Georgian names. We are small nations and we have to protect our identity, culture and history, but also our egos - in a good way. That is why Tbilisi Boulevard - Little Slovakia will not only have a Slovak spirit and heart, but also investors, technologies and suppliers of materials and equipment. It is also very important for building Slovakia's reputation in the world, specifically in the Caucasus region. Slovaks can also buy investment apartments in this project, which will provide them with a guaranteed return and the opportunity to visit the hotel and enjoy its benefits.
Boulevard Tbilisi - Little Slovakia can be considered the grandest project in the region. What is its uniqueness?
It is an exceptional project with a planned investment of up to €250 million. It is a natural continuation of our investment on this site and it is the third phase of construction: the first was an aqua park, the second was a five-star hotel and, in total, our companies have already invested around EUR 80 million here. Around these investments, a small town will grow up just fifteen minutes from the city centre, in the surroundings of a forest park on the banks of the Tbilisi dam. The inhabitants will find here all services from an aqua park to healthcare, schools and a shopping centre. There will be tourist infrastructure by the lake, while the upper part will be focused on housing, which will be at the level of a five-star hotel with a reception and all services. The project also includes a car park, because my vision is streets with no parking spaces for cars.
How do you perceive the property development sector in Slovakia and Georgia? How is it similar and how is it different?
To some extent, this is a price differential, but it has been significantly reduced during the covid. Unlike Slovakia, the construction industry in Georgia is very much supported. The law that allows entrepreneurs to invest in development without taxing profits also helps. If you make a profit and use it for further development and build a new project, you don't pay taxes. This is a huge help for investors.
In Hotel Akvamarín Bešeňová you were the first company to bring the possibility of investing in investment apartments in Slovakia. Do you plan to offer Slovaks such an opportunity also in the new project Boulevard Tbilisi - Little Slovakia?
We opened the Aquamarine Hotel during the covid and the largest hotel in Liptov brings a guaranteed return of up to six percent per year. At the same time, the value of the property increases, which is an interesting investment for investors, and we have the same model in the hotels in Tbilisi Boulevard - Little Slovakia. Georgia is experiencing great development and we believe that the value of our properties will also increase. In Beshenova we started with sales at 3 thousand euros per square meter and the last apartments were sold at the price level of 6,500 to 7 thousand euros per square meter. We expect a similar development in Tbilisi, so we want to introduce the project to Slovak partners and investors as soon as possible and we are open to their entry.
Why should Slovak clients opt for an investment apartment in this project?
With us, they are guaranteed good conditions and the certainty that they are not taking any risks with their investment. We regularly pay them the money exactly as agreed and this was also the case during the covid. People see that we keep our word. Money is a very serious thing, but it is not everything. For me personally, my own name and my word are the most precious.
You can find out more about the Tbilisi Boulevard - Little Slovakia project at www.ginoparadise.sk
Tags:BrandVoice , This article is BrandVoice, commercial content created in collaboration between the client and the Forbes BRANDlabteam
Nodari Giorgadze Source by Gábor Kanovits
