Meet Travel Massive Tbilisi Chapter Leader, Daria Kholodilina

Meet Daria Kholodilina, travel blogger and Travel Massive Tbilisi Chapter Leader. Daria is here to tell us all about who she is and what’s happening in Georgia.

Let’s get to know a little more about Daria first, shall we?

Daria is a travel blogger who was hired by Georgian National Tourism Administration to maintain its web presence and represent it on the travel fairs. She is also the founder of the “Letters to Tbilisi” initiative and part of the team that works on the book about Georgia as the next Vinologue guide.

Daria, how did you first get involved with Travel Massive?

I was representing Georgia at ITB and got the invitation to the pre-party!

What motivates you to be part of Travel Massive?

Seeing inspiring initiatives and putting Georgia on the map.

What kinds of current or emerging startups, travel companies, and tourism initiatives exist?

The last years have been successful for Georgia, as it is becoming more and more attractive for tourists. With a population of only 3.5 million, the country attracted 6 million visitors in 2016.

What’s up in 2017? What is the main magnet for international travelers who strive for new experiences? Hard to answer, as Georgia is an appealing destination for the fans of hiking, trekking, rafting, paragliding, for those who are looking for treatment with mineral waters, for food and wine connoisseurs, for party animals and for culture diggers.

I would say that basically every third person is involved in the tourism and travel sphere somehow. But people need more education, training, and exchange.

That’s why I want to launch more events aimed at mutual education.

What happened at your last event?

In February there was a launch event for Travel Massive in Tbilisi. The main aim – to bring together Georgian and expat travel insiders was reached, which made me really happy.

This first meeting was financed by myself, I rented the space in Impact Hub. I also got some support from the young Georgian businesses (SPY Recipe and Marani Sanavardo). I love young initiatives and that’s just great that we help each other.

In general, I want to make Georgian and international people meet each other and listen to each other in a natural environment, not in the super fancy one. Sometimes those two worlds (locals and expats) are totally separated, even though Georgia is a country where everybody knows everybody. There is always space for mutual cooperation.

What is your best advice to a newcomer who wants to attend a Travel Massive event for the first time?

Don’t be shy, listen, ask questions and have fun!

Leader of the pack is a monthly series that profiles organizers from Travel Massive meet-ups around the world. You can follow Daria on Travel Massive, Facebook, and Twitter.