A research project on industrial tourism has been launched at KBSU
A special working group has been established at the Institute of Management, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov (KBSU) to conduct a comprehensive study of the prospects for industrial tourism development in the region. The group includes leading faculty and practitioners: Professors Anzor Karanashev and Aksana Zherukova, Associate Professor Zariyat Temmoeva, Senior Lecturers Alena Anishchenko, Stanislav Kushchev, Albina Abazova, and Zalina Bekaldieva, Leila Baysultanova, Head of the Tourism Educational Program, and certified tour guide Daria Frolova.
The group’s first site of practical work was the Miarisa agro-complex in the Chegem district.
Ramazan Ligidov, Director of the Institute of Industrial Tourism and Hospitality at KBSU, noted the significance of launching this research project:
«Today, industrial tourism in Kabardino-Balkaria is experiencing a period of rapid growth. The creation of a specialized working group is our response to market demands, and Miarisa has become an ideal launching pad for this research. It is important for the institute that students not only gain insight into the work of the region’s leading industrial enterprises but also translate this experience into scientific research. This will enable future specialists to independently develop and methodologically substantiate world-class excursion products.»
The trip is organized as part of the implementation of the Concept for the Development of Human Resources in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and is aimed at integrating theoretical knowledge into the real sector of the economy, as well as promoting industrial tourism as a strategic development area for the North Caucasus Federal District.
The students learned about the full «smart farming» cycle on an area of over 70 hectares and saw European drip irrigation and hail protection systems in action, ensuring an annual harvest of up to 6,500 tons of high-quality fruit. Of particular interest was a visit to a robotic fruit storage facility/industrial hub: the future industry specialists examined automated sorting, calibration, and delicate packaging lines for popular European apple varieties (Gala, Golden, and Red Delicious). The visit concluded with a presentation and tasting of the brand’s eco-friendly products, including directly squeezed juices and fruit chips.
«Kabardino-Balkaria is not only Mount Elbrus, Chegem Waterfalls, and therapeutic Narzan springs. Our region is opening up a completely new, exciting field—industrial tourism.» «In 2025–2026, the Kabardino-Balkarian Ministry of Resorts and Tourism, together with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, launched a systematic effort to develop this new tourism product,» noted tour guide Daria Frolova, whose tour of the Miaris Gardens has already become a flagship in the republic.
Second-year Tourism student Arnella Taasheva shared her impressions:
«Previously, we associated tourism in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic only with mountains and resorts. But a trip to the Chegemsky District revealed a new, industrial side to the republic. We saw automated production, sterile packaging facilities, and modern management. This experience will help our group develop strong original case studies in the field of tourism and hospitality.»
Leyla Baysultanova, Head of the Tourism Program, emphasized the educational and regional significance of the project:
«Practical exposure to industry leaders allows KBSU students to gain a deeper understanding of the specifics of creating modern tourism products and service standards. In the future, it will be the institute’s graduates and research group members who will develop and promote new branded routes in Kabardino-Balkaria, increasing the republic’s investment attractiveness. The analytical data and technology case studies collected during this first visit will form the basis for research and practical projects on designing industrial routes.»
The on-site formats and analytical work of the working group develop students’ competencies that meet the modern needs of the hospitality industry. The IMTIG Directorate expresses its sincere gratitude to the Miarisa team for organizing the high-tech introductory tour and their openness to scientific and educational partnerships. The project opens new horizons for the region’s tourism potential, transforming industrial facilities into travel destinations and a focus for academic research.