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 the company Gino Holding as, stands behind unique projects in Slovakia and in his native Georgia. Today, as a proud citizen of our country, he is building a legacy in Tbilisi, where, thanks to his vision, the Little Slovakia neighborhood is growing.
What is your personal story in which the company behind sixteen projects in Slovakia and Georgia plays a dominant role?
I spent half my life working for the state. I was the Minister of Defense in Georgia, I fought in Afghanistan, later I worked as a diplomat at the UN and I was the first to raise the Georgian flag at NATO. I was even the first Georgian diplomat not only in Europe, but in the whole world. However, in my fifties I decided to start a business. Although everyone was surprised at this move, I felt it was time to start working on myself and the family.
Your first project was an investment in the water park 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 neighbor Lac, who selflessly helped me and showed me what kind of hearts Slovaks have. I told myself that I want to do business in a country where people like Laco live. When I received an offer to buy the water park in Bešeňová, it was in a terrible state. He was in foreclosure and had huge debts. It was not an easy road, I had to prepare a business plan and borrow money. In particular, I had to suddenly switch from the diplomatic and military sphere to the management of the water park and the people who worked in it.
The list of activities of the Gino Holding company is varied, it also includes, for example, unique historical buildings. What have you already accomplished in this regard?
It is important for us to approach buildings in such a way as to preserve their history. We have a hotel in the historic city of Mccheta, which is protected by UNESCO. It is located in the only building in the city that has four floors. The reconstruction of the hotel in the city of Rabati was also interesting. It is a fortress from the eleventh century, and we built the hotel in a former hostel for travelers. We proceeded exactly according to the historical drawings and it took "only" a whole year to get 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 or gastro projects in Bratislava. In Georgia, we have also built the first plant that processes hazardous waste from hospitals, and we are preparing an investment in a photovoltaic power plant.
One of the projects you have invested in is the Orlové mansion. What got you?
It was a coincidence. I was given the opportunity to buy the land on which the old mansion stood, but it was in a dilapidated condition. When I saw it and read about the history of the mansion, which was visited by both Mária Terézia and František Jozef, I understood that this gem must be saved. We must preserve our history and remember our traditions and ancestors. When we forget our history and identity, we lose ourselves.
Did you see the potential in this place?
Not from a business point of view, from a business point of view the renovation for twelve million euros was disadvantageous from the beginning and it was clear that this money would never be returned to me. Many people 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 part of the money to the country and the people, and with them pride. I believe that it was successful because Orlové Manor won sixteenth place among the fifty best boutique hotels in the world two years ago. Last year, it won a gold medal as the best historical wedding hotel in Europe. This is proof that it was the right investment. People come here and are proud that we have a mansion like this, and that means something to me.
Tbilisi Boulevard – Little Slovakia will not only have the Slovak spirit and heart, but also investors, technology and suppliers of materials and equipment.
Let's go to your native Georgia for a moment. Few people in Slovakia know that Bešeňová and Liptová streets can already be found in Tbilisi today. 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 the projects Slovak names, 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, technology and suppliers of materials and equipment. It is also very important for building the good name of Slovakia 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 most magnificent project in the region. What is its uniqueness?
It is an exceptional project with a planned investment of up to 250 million euros. It is a natural continuation of our investments in this place and it is the third phase of construction: the first was an aqua park, the second a five-star hotel, and in total our companies have already invested around 80 million euros here. Around these investments, a small town will grow up only fifteen minutes from the city center in the environment of the forest park on the bank of the Tbilisi Dam. Residents will find all services here, from an aqua park to healthcare, schools and a shopping center. 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 reception and all services. The project also includes a parking garage, because my vision is streets without parking spaces for cars.
How do you perceive the development industry in Slovakia and Georgia? How is it similar and how is it different?
To a certain extent, it is a price difference, but it has decreased significantly during covid. Unlike Slovakia, the construction industry in Georgia is highly supported. The law that allows entrepreneurs to invest in development without taxing profits also helps. If you have a profit and use it for further development and build a new project, you do not pay taxes. It is a huge help for investors.
At Hotel Akvamarín Bešeňová, you were the first company to bring the opportunity to invest in investment apartments in Slovakia. Do you plan to offer Slovaks such an opportunity in the new project Boulevard Tbilisi – Little Slovakia?
We opened Hotel Akvamarín during 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, we also 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 real estate will also increase. In Bešeňová, we started selling at 3 euros per square meter, and we sold the last apartments at a price level of 6 to 500 euros per square meter. We expect a similar development in Tbilisi, so we want to present the project to Slovak partners and investors as soon as possible, and we are open to their participation in it.
Why should Slovak clients choose 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 money exactly according to the agreement, and it was the same during covid. People see that we keep our word. Money is a very serious matter, but it is not everything. For me personally, the most precious thing is my own name and my word.
You can learn more about the project Tbilisi Boulevard – Little Slovakia at www.ginoparadise.sk
Tags:BrandVoice , This article is BrandVoice, commercial content created in collaboration with the client and the team Forbes BRANDlab
Nodari Giorgadze Source: Gábor Kanovits