How To Disclose Cultural Tourism In The KBR?

January 18 became popular in the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov open lecture center “Kalambiy” summed up the results of the first season devoted to cultural tourism. The final episode was held in the format of an open discussion on the theme “Tourism and culture: an interdisciplinary approach”.

Director of the Russian branch of Experience It Tours Andrew Slate, well-known blogger Amir Uzdenov, head of the press service of the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of the KBR Olga, Pogrebnyak, co-founder of the ethnographic label Ored Recordings, Timur Kodzokov, architect, territory development specialist Aslan Bidov, and students of KBSU.

«From the point of view of blogging, Kabardino-Balkaria is a golden bottom,” — said Amir Uzdenov and continued: “The head of the republic announced that there are two areas in the CBD that need to be developed: agriculture and tourism. It is impossible to develop tourism in the old way. We need new approaches. It is necessary to create an image, a brand, something that might interest potential guests from other regions. Those who use social networks, posting posts about our republic, should try to lure us as many tourists as possible.
Speaking about the development of the Elbrus region, Olga Pogrebnyak noted that in the plans of the government of the republic there is development and arrangement of the nearby territories to Azau and Cheget. In the future — new cableways, trails, routes. At the same time, she noted with regret that in the event tourism of the KBR is now in 70th place.

«Event tourism includes business, cultural events, holidays of one day. People want a leisure component. This is something that is very lacking», — said the representative of the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of the KBR.

«Elbrus begins with Nalchik. We need to come up with something that people want to come to our city. For example, many liked the open-air festival Atazhukin Sad, which was held in the city park in Nalchik. At one time, the project received the 2nd place of the prestigious award in the field of event tourism “Russian Event Awards” in the nomination “The Best Idea for the Development of Tourism”, — The organizer of the project Aslan Bitov said.

The American guest also shared his impressions about the Caucasus. He particularly noted the hospitality of the locals. What you need to attract foreign tourists? Good branding. After all, many foreigners do not even know where the Caucasus is, and even more about Elbrus. Andrew Slate himself likes the parade in the Chegem gorge, the beauty of Upper Balkaria, the Cherek gorge, the Blue Lakes.

During the discussion, participants could ask the speakers questions of their interest regarding the development of the Nalchik resort infrastructure and other attractions, hear tips on creating a successful territorial branding of the KBR, and also share their thoughts and ideas on the formation of the republic’s cultural space.