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Saba Kiknadze
Saba Kiknadze

Saba Kiknadze (b. Oct 29 1962 – d. Feb 06, 2024) was a prominent Georgian entrepreneur, architect, and a pioneering figure in the development of Georgia’s tourism industry. Recognized for his substantial contributions to the nation's global tourism profile, Kiknadze played a critical role in transforming Georgia into a celebrated travel destination.

Early Life and Education

Saba Kiknadze was born in 1962 in the Republic of Georgia. He pursued a degree in architecture, which laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in business and tourism.

Early Entrepreneurship

Kiknadze’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1986, a time when Georgia was part of the Soviet Union. He was one of the early entrepreneurs in the post-Soviet independent Georgia, initiating ventures across various sectors including architecture, design, publishing, and advertising.

Contributions to Tourism

In the early 1990s, Kiknadze was instrumental in introducing Georgia to the global tourism market. His strategic involvement in showcasing Georgia at ITB Berlin in 1993 marked a significant milestone. This was the beginning of Georgia’s continuous presence at the event, culminating in its status as the official partner country in 2023.

As the founder, shareholder, and former CEO of regional franchisee partner companies of global brands like American Express Travel and Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Kiknadze expanded the country’s tourism reach. He also established the GHG Georgian Hospitality Group, driving advancements in Georgia's hospitality sector.

Public Service

From 2004 to 2006, Kiknadze served as the Chairman of the Georgian Department of Tourism and Resorts (NTO). In this role, he laid the groundwork for the development of Georgia’s tourism infrastructure. He was pivotal in creating hospitality industry clusters, establishing legal frameworks for tourism, and initiating public-private partnership programs.

Other Ventures

Kiknadze’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond tourism. He ventured into various fields, including IT, winery, and microbiology technologies. He was involved in startup development and provided mentorship to emerging entrepreneurs.

Legacy and Recognition

Saba Kiknadze is celebrated as a national hero in Georgian tourism. His innovative approaches and leadership not only elevated Georgia’s profile as a travel destination but also fostered a sustainable tourism industry. He co-founded the Creative Business Cup Georgia and was a founding member of the Georgian Angel Investors Club, contributing significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Georgia.

Personal Life

Saba Kiknadze was married to Maia Kiknadze. They had two sons, Giorgi and Irakli Kiknadze. He battled a rare form of cancer for several years before passing away on February 06, 2024

References:


 * 1) ^ https://eturbonews.com/saba-kiknadze-the-icon-and-pioneer-of-georgia-tourism-died/
 * 2) ^ https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/pioneer-of-georgian-tourism-saba-kiknadze-passed-away/
 * 3) ^ https://archiaward.com/en/work/2326
 * 4) ^ https://www.caucasustravel.com/about-us.html

Kiknadzeirakli (talk) 23:35, 19 June 2024 (UTC)