The director of the Mountain Trails Agency (MTA), Irakli Burchuladze, is reportedly stepping down from his role just weeks before the winter season, according to Miranda Esakia, founder of the Mountain Resorts Business Association. Esakia told BMG TV that Burchuladze is “moving to a pension agency” and is avoiding engagement with resort operators, raising concerns about the readiness of mountain resorts for the upcoming season.
“When we contact Irakli Burchuladze to meet with us, he says he will be moving to a pension agency in a few weeks and avoids all responsibility,” Esakia said. “As a business representative and founder of the association, I have to ask: are they artificially trying to harm our resorts in terms of image and finances? It is unbelievable what is happening, especially in Gudauri.”
Co-founder Gigi Tevzadze also shared details on social media, emphasizing the uncertainty created by Burchuladze’s departure two months before the season begins.
“Despite numerous challenges, Irakli Burchuladze is moving to another job, and we don’t know who the new manager will be, when they will arrive, or what they will be able to do. By the time things are clarified, the season may already be underway or even over,” Tevzadze wrote.
For context, the Mountain Tracks Agency manages major resorts including Goderdzi, Bakuriani, Gudauri, and Svaneti. According to the Business Register and MTA’s official website, Burchuladze remains listed as director, while reports indicate that Deputy Director Tamaz Gamtsemlidze has already left his post. BMG is seeking confirmation from the Ministry of Economy regarding the leadership changes at MTA.
