KBSU is developing new tourist destinations for recreation in Kabardino-Balkaria
Kabardino-Balkaria is experiencing a tourist boom, year after year attracting guests with the beauty of the mountains, unique culture and sincere hospitality. To ensure that this growth continues and each visit becomes unforgettable, Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov (KBSU) acts as a strategic partner in the development of tourism, offering innovative solutions for the most demanding travelers.
“The tourist flow is growing, and this is encouraging,” notes Ramazan Ligidov, Director of the Institute of Management, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (IMTIHI) of KBSU. “But our task is not just to increase the number of tourists, but to make sure that they return again and again, discovering something unique with each visit. Therefore, we pay special attention to the development of various types of tourism and the creation of new, unusual destinations.”
Medical tourism: investments in health and longevity
The development of medical tourism, including high-mountain medicine, is one of the key areas that can attract a new flow of tourists to the region and stimulate its socio-economic development. KBSU is developing a concept for a cluster that unites medical, educational and tourist facilities, where the university will become a center of competence in this area.
“The Caucasus is a unique place with a healing climate and rich natural resources,” Ramazan Ligidov emphasizes. “We want to offer tourists not just treatment, but comprehensive health improvement combined with a comfortable vacation and acquaintance with the culture of the region. All this requires the development of innovative programs that combine medical training and hospitality management.” KBSU plans to become a center for generating and disseminating knowledge in the field of medical tourism and cooperate with sanatoriums, clinics and tour operators, R. Ligidov noted. Research and analysis of the medical tourism market in the region are already being conducted; partnerships are being established with medical institutions and centers, travel companies and insurance organizations; a register of medical tourism facilities in the region is being compiled, etc.
At this stage, some diagnostic products have been developed and tested, an experiment has been conducted to pass an express health checklist in high-altitude conditions. In particular, the Smart check-up program «Safe Mountains» (for tourists and excursionists), the in-depth examination program «Safe Climbing» (for climbers); a course of hypoxic therapy (breathing «mountain air») under the supervision of medical personnel.
Work is also underway to create personalized products (Adaptation programs for Silver Age, Sports check-up), rehabilitation products (for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases) and recreational products (Anti-Age, somnology).
Taking into account the natural resources of Kabardino-Balkaria, Ramazan Ligidov named potential places for tourists to improve their health. These are high-mountain recreation centers in the Elbrus region, «Nalchik Resort», «Aushiger Thermal Springs», «Geduko», etc.
Gastronomic tourism: taste as a guide to history
Gastronomic tourism is another way to attract tourists and increase recognition of the region. The Sustainable Gastronomy project, which is being developed by a group of specialists from the Institute of Management, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (IMTIHI) of KBSU, is aimed at creating a strong gastronomic brand based on the traditional cuisine of Kabardino-Balkaria.
«Our cuisine is a reflection of our identity and the cultural code of the region,» says Ramazan Ligidov. «Our task is not just to feed the guest, but to tell him a story through taste, so that the gastronomic impressions received from us, want to relive again and again, to understand our roots more deeply.» The project includes studying the traditional food and lifestyle of the peoples of Kabardino-Balkaria, developing mechanisms to protect unique products and creating attractive gastronomic routes.
For example, tourists will be able to go on a «Journey to the World of Balkar Khychins», learn the «secrets» of Kabardian cheese or enjoy a «Culinary Journey through Mountain Villages». Each tour will include visits to local farms, master classes from chefs and tastings, which will allow you to get to know culinary traditions better.
An important element of the project will be the creation of a certification system «Authentic Product of the KBR», which will help protect the region’s unique products from counterfeiting and guarantee their high quality, which will increase the trust of consumers and tourists.
For the convenience of tourists, an interactive online platform «Gastronomic Map of the KBR» will be developed. It will allow you to find and book gastronomic tours, master classes on cooking national cuisine, as well as visit farmers’ markets and tasting rooms. The map will show places where you can try authentic dishes prepared according to ancient recipes.
It is planned to publish a cookbook “Recipes of Kabardino-Balkaria: from grandmother to grandson” with traditional recipes collected from residents of different regions of the republic, as well as stories and legends associated with the national cuisine.
These specific actions will help the project create a strong gastronomic brand of Kabardino-Balkaria, attract tourists and increase the recognition of the region on the gastronomic map of Russia and the world.
“Atypical Kabardino-Balkaria”: adventures for the sophisticated
To satisfy the needs of the most demanding tourists, IMTIG KBSU is also developing the project “Atypical Kabardino-Balkaria”, offering non-standard types of tourism:
Popular science tourism:
The unique tour “Journey to the Science of Kabardino-Balkaria” will allow vacationers to immerse themselves in the world of science, attending lectures, master classes and interactive classes.
Here are some of the sites that are included in the popular science tourism routes in Kabardino-Balkaria (KBR), developed by the staff of the IMTIG KBSU:
The Center for Advanced Materials and Additive Technologies of KBSU. Here they demonstrate the process of creating polymers, use 3D printing in medicine and present cooperation with such large companies as Roscosmos, Titan and Gazprom.
The Botanical Garden of KBSU, which is included in the register of botanical gardens of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and specially protected natural areas. Here you can find representatives of subtropical, temperate and northern flora, there are rare and endangered plants.
Baksan Neutrino Observatory. A unique scientific facility located in the depths of a rock at a depth of 4 km near Mount Elbrus. Here they conduct research at the intersection of fundamental physics, astrophysics and geophysics. The Hermitage-Caucasus Cultural and Educational Center includes a restoration and exhibition center, a library, a cinema hall, and a lecture hall. It hosts meetings with Hermitage researchers, lectures, and master classes, as well as scientific and educational activities and distance learning projects.
The Blue Lake Underwater Research Center is included in the list of popular science routes developed by the Institute of Management, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry of KBSU. The center is designed for everyone who is interested in the underwater world and who is keen on scuba diving. One of the areas of the Center’s work is organizing systematic studies of the lake (geology, hydrology, biology, etc.), mapping the underwater part of the lake, and studying karst springs and high-mountain lakes in the area.
High-Mountain Geophysical Institute. Studies the climate features of the Russian Federation and the physics of hail clouds.
Children’s and youth tourism:
The project is aimed at attracting young travelers, fostering patriotism and increasing interest in professions in the tourism industry.
The Kabardino-Balkarian Republic offers many exciting destinations for children’s and youth tourism, which will allow you to spend time usefully and with pleasure. Here are some interesting places where you can go on a trip with children:
Cherek Gorge: The famous Blue Lakes — Upper and Lower — are located here. These are picturesque places where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and take many bright photos. A walk along the gorge will be interesting for both children and adults.
Chegem Gorge: This place is famous for its natural attractions, such as the Chegem Gorge and waterfalls. The Small Chegem Waterfalls (Adai-su) and the Big Chegem Waterfalls are great places for family walks. It is also worth visiting the Alpaca Park, where children can meet these cute animals and learn a lot about them. Here, primary school children will be able to explore the natural diversity of the region, and teenagers will enjoy the opportunity to take beautiful photos.
Baksan Gorge: There are many hiking and trekking routes in the Elbrus National Park. Easy routes in the Terskol, Adylsu, Adyrsu and Irik Chat gorges are suitable for visiting with children. This is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy fresh air and beautiful mountain scenery.
Malkinskoe Gorge: The Narzan Valley Ecopark offers all-season recreation for the whole family. This unique natural site attracts visitors with its mineral springs and magnificent scenery. The eco-trail in the park runs along the Khasaut River to its confluence with the Malka River and is 2.5 kilometers long. The path is safe and suitable for children, and the impressions of nature will remain in your memory for a long time.
Traveling to these unique places will be a great way to spend time with your family in the fresh air and learn more about the nature and culture of Kabardino-Balkaria!
Mountain biking:
Creation and promotion of mountain biking in Kabardino-Balkaria, including route development, instructor training and infrastructure creation. For example, a network of cycling routes of varying difficulty has been developed and tested in the Kizilovka area (Nalchik) – from simple routes for beginner cyclists to complex trails for experienced mountain bikers, including steep climbs, descents and technical sections.
“Today, tourists are fed up with standard routes and are looking for something more than just visiting famous sights,” explains Ligidov. “They need genuine emotions, deep knowledge and vivid impressions. That’s why we are betting on innovative areas. We also plan to develop and promote ethnotourism, rural (agricultural) and equestrian tourism, as well as photo and caving tourism. So that every guest, regardless of their interests and preferences, can find something for themselves in Kabardino-Balkaria.”
The implementation of these ambitious plans requires a comprehensive approach, in particular, the training of qualified specialists.
“That is why we pay special attention to training a new generation of personnel who possess not only the knowledge, but also the competencies necessary to organize and provide high-quality services that ensure the sustainable development of tourism in our region,” Ramazan Ligidov summarizes.