Cultural code as a point of attraction: tourism development discussed at the RUSSIA EXPO
On January 20, the International RUSSIA EXPO held an open panel discussion entitled Preserving the Cultural Code of Russian Regions in the Development of Tourism Territories. The participants discussed promising tourist destinations and the creation of new points of attraction, as well as the preservation of the unique identity of each region of Russia with the diversity of cultures and traditions of the vast country.
"The cultural code is something that makes a city memorable, things that people who live there are engaged in, the way construction is carried out and leisure time is spent. This is the combination that by some graphic, architectural and other features can tell you at once about the place you are in, where you have come and which you will really remember," said Yury Gordeev, Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation.
Sergey Sukhanov, Director General of JSC Corporation Tourism.RF, noted that more than 190 nationalities and ethnic groups live on the territory of Russia: "Unity, preservation of national traditions and cultures - this is the basis of our statehood. Each region of our country is unique in its own way. This is the magnet that forms both the tourist flow and the interest of the traveler. Today, in the period of intensive development of technology, these bright original features are often lost. It is very important to preserve them so that people do not lose this diversity, their historical and cultural heritage, and to preserve the interest in our country as a whole".
Boris Titov, the owner of the Abrau-Durso Group of Companies, in turn, spoke about the development of the unique resort in the Kuban.
"I am a Muscovite by birth, but I live in Abrau-Durso, now I am a resident of Kuban. We have a particularly difficult task in Abrau-Dyurso - we have three cultural codes. We named the resort the three "e": eno, eco and ethno.
Eno is a special cultural code, a global one. It is winemaking, a huge culture, it is also the incredible beauty of vineyards and wineries. We are developing it as an anchor project of our resort. Eco is the beauty of the place. We need to preserve ecology, give tourists the opportunity to spend time in nature and enjoy this amazing place. Ethno is Kuban, traditions, cultural events, music, songs and dances. We are actively developing and preserving all three codes for the future," Boris Titov emphasized.
Writer, scriptwriter, blogger and author of the #Notaprovince project Alexander Tsypkin noted that in his understanding the cultural code is a system of identification "friend or foe". "When you say, "Warm water is coming!"— everyone understands what kind of movie it is, everyone grew up on it. Preserving the cultural code is about preserving the unity of the nation. Preserving the cultural code is a matter of coexistence," he said.
"We are talking about the cultural code of territories from the point of view of tourism development. And for tourism the cultural code is extremely important — it is like air. You can't touch it, but if it's not there, the point has no attraction. It is the atmosphere that is created in a particular location, for the sake of which tourists come. We are not talking about the sea which is the main motivator at the moment. But even in seaside resorts these codes matter. Everything is very important: infrastructure, transport accessibility, and prices. But a person comes for recreation, he resonates with the atmosphere. And even a stranger can resonate with you, the main thing is that it should be at the location," Maya Lomidze, Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, added to her colleague's opinion.
The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. During the entire time of the Exposition, guests are welcomed by cultural events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal departments, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors.
Young participants of the workshop "Modelling — a Prototype with Your Own Hands," held on May 31 at the National Centre RUSSIA.
The history of Russian architecture, bold concepts, and Soviet urban planning projects realised across the globe were presented to delegations of the exposition on May 31.
The award ceremony for the winners of the All-Russian video essay contest "Dreams of the Future" will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA on June 1, International Children's Day.
