Strategy for the development of popular science tourism in Kabardino-Balkaria presented

Scientific Secretary of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences (INR RAS), PhD in Physics and Mathematics, Senior Researcher at the Joint Laboratory of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov (KBSU) and INR RAS «Astrophysics and Physics of Cosmic Rays» Anna Veresnikova and Director of the Institute of Management, Tourism and Hospitality Industry (IMTIH) of KBSU Ramazan Ligidov at a meeting with the Minister of Resorts and Tourism of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Asker Bifov discussed specific measures for the development of scientific tourism based on the Baksan Neutrino Observatory (BNO INR RAS) INR RAS — one of the leading scientific facilities in Russia in the field of astrophysics and cosmic ray studies, as well as prospects for cooperation. Anna Vasilyevna Veresnikova noted the key role of INR RAS in the development of the project:

The Institute for Nuclear Research RAS, as one of the leading scientific centers in Russia, actively supports the integration of fundamental science into educational and tourist programs. The Baksan Neutrino Observatory is the only unique complex of underground installations in Russia and one of the few in the world where research is conducted in the field of neutrino physics and astrophysics. The cooperation of the Institute for Nuclear Research RAS with KBSU allows us to combine the academic resources of INR RAS with the educational potential of the university, which is especially important for training future scientists and increasing interest in science among young people.

She also emphasized that BNO INR RAS has a unique research infrastructure, including underground laboratories, particle detectors and modern equipment, which makes it an extremely promising platform for educational and popular science tourism. BNO INR RAS is not only cutting-edge science, but also a new brand for tourism in the KBR, which can attract intellectually oriented tourists.

Development of this area is a contribution to the future of Russian science and the development of one of the most promising tourist regions of the country. In addition to popularizing science, it will contribute to the economic development of the region: creating new jobs, developing related services, modernizing road networks, improving the overall level of service in the region, strengthening the scientific image of the region,

— Anna Veresnikova emphasized.

Veresnikova proposed the following initiatives:

— organizing excursion programs for schoolchildren, students and tourists with the opportunity to visit experimental installations;

— conducting lectures and master classes from leading scientists of INR RAS and KBSU;

— creating interactive exhibits dedicated to fundamental physics and astrophysics;

— developing and creating information materials and online resources to popularize scientific tourism.

Ramazan Ligidov introduced the participants of the meeting to the tourist routes developed at the Institute of Management, Tourism and Hospitality Industry of KBSU, which can be integrated with the programs of the BNO INR RAS. We are talking about combined tours that combine visits to scientific sites with natural and cultural attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria. The development of popular science tourism will help involve young people in the research environment, starting from school years. A register of popular science tourism (PST) sites in the region has now been prepared. 13 popular science tourist routes have been tested. According to the feedback received, the route to the BNO INR RAS has the greatest chance of becoming a flagship.

Integration of scientific sites into tourist routes is an innovative approach that will create a unique tourist product in demand on the market. I am confident that cooperation between KBSU, INR RAS and the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic will be fruitful. We strive to create routes that will not only introduce tourists to the beauty of our nature, but also allow them to immerse themselves in the world of science and new knowledge,

— Ramazan Ligidov noted.

Asker Anatolyevich Bifov noted that the development of scientific tourism is fully consistent with the strategy of the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic to diversify the tourist offer and increase the attractiveness of the region. He expressed his readiness to support joint projects of KBSU and INR RAS, including in terms of promoting new routes at the federal level.

This cooperation opens up new opportunities not only for the development of the tourism industry of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, but also for involving young people in science, strengthening ties between academic institutions and businesses in the tourism sector.

Reference:

The Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the INR RAS is a unique scientific complex located in the Elbrus region of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, where research is conducted in the field of neutrino physics, particle astrophysics and cosmic rays. The observatory is one of the key objects of the world scientific infrastructure.