Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Soon in Israel
The Contest Commission at the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development has made a decision after a month's intense consideration - Maia Sidamonidze has been named as the head of the Department of Tourism and Resorts. Sidamonidze is a 26-year-old sales and marketing manager in one of the biggest hotels in London, she has five years of work experience and is a graduate of prestigious universities in Switzerland and the UK with qualifications in marketing, business administration of tourism and hotel management.
According to Vera Kobalia, Sidamonidze prepared a detailed project and presented it very convincingly at the interview. "Maia Sidamonidze has interesting ideas both about domestic and international tourism. These were low-budget but extremely effective projects," - the Minister noted. According to Kobalia, some of the authors of other projects will also be offered positions in the Department of Tourism and Resorts. The other candidate to win the contest will also be offered to work in the department.
The Minister noted that this is the first time when so many government officials have been appointed by means of an open contest. This was a great opportunity for people employed in tourism to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and professionalism. Kobalia also noted that the winner was not chosen according to traditional practices, referring to family relations.
The message sent by the Ministry of Economy was understood correctly, as a result, the Ministry received an unprecedented number of projects. "The contest commission had a hard task, on one hand we got familiar with 109 very interesting projects, but on the other hand we had to choose the best. I think that the best projects went through the first stage and we shall have to meet their authors and speak to them personally." - Vera Kobalia noted. The contest was held in two stages, The 11 best projects went on to the so called "Short List." The commission that consisted of members of the government, as well as representatives of the nongovernmental sector and the media considered Maia Sida- monidze's project to be the best among many excellent entries. The new head of the Department of Tourism and Resorts will arrive in Georgia in the middle of August and start performing her duties.
