There was held a round table within the framework of the anniversary events “Industrial tourism: problems and prospects. Business perspective ”, where Tamila Mertskhulava made a presentation“ Industrial tourism as a factor in increasing the tourist attractiveness of Abkhazia ”. The discussion took place in the Tauride Palace under the auspices of the TRAVEL HUB SODRUZHESTVO forum.

The round table was moderated by Ekaterina Lebedeva, vice-president of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The round table participants discussed the main trends, problems and prospects of industrial tourism, as well as presented successful practices in this area of ​​activity of a number of companies, such as Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus LLC, State Unitary Enterprise Vodokanal of St. Petersburg, Russian Samotsvety, Russian Railways Museum , “Museum“ PRO garbage ”, Breweries“ Baltika ”, etc.

Tamila Mertskhulava noted that today industrial tourism in the republic is divided into two directions - industrial and historical, implying visiting objects that no longer function for their intended purpose and, in fact, industrial - excursions to existing production facilities.

“An important part of business and industrial tourism can be considered business missions, within the framework of which several areas of activity are implemented: participation in events and exhibitions, visits to companies in order to establish business contacts, exchange of experience and satisfaction of professional interests. In this regard, it should be noted that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abkhazia is actively working on organizing various kinds of business missions with the participation of Russian and foreign entrepreneurs. At the same time, the visit program includes not only visits to enterprises, but also meetings of business mission participants with heads of ministries and departments, with heads of the towns and regional administrations, as well as meetings with their Abkhaz colleagues. Often, such business missions end with the conclusion of cooperation agreements, ” Tamila Mertskhulava emphasized.

She noted the demand for excursions to factories producing wine, dairy, beer, lemonade products, with tastings, culinary master classes, as well as visits to national restaurants and gastronomic events. The republic is one of the three leaders in supply of wine and vodka products to Russia and visits to manufacturing enterprises are in demand among Russian tourists.

Separately, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abkhazia dwelled on one of the components of industrial tourism - vocational guidance. And here the Abkhazian chamber has its own niche - it organizes trips of schoolchildren and students to production facilities, talks about different specialties, thereby helping the younger generation in choosing a profession.

“Great hopes are pinned on tourism in our country, and everyone involved in this business is interested in its development. Our republic has a huge advantage over other countries - a favorable geographical position and transport accessibility, untouched nature and clear sea, a long holiday season and an abundance of fruits, interesting national cuisine and much more. The Chamber of Commerce invites you all to visit Abkhazia and understand on the spot how wonderful our country is! " - said Tamila Mertskhulava in conclusion.

Vladimir Katenev, President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who took part in the round table, supported the idea of ​​discussing the prospects for the development of industrial tourism, exchanging information and experience with colleagues from the Commonwealth states. He also emphasized that the past round table is of practical use and allows making many important conclusions.

The program of festive events includes business and cultural parts, meetings with officials of the city administration, visits to sights, a gala reception from the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and much more.