MAKHACHKALA, April 2 – RIA Dagestan. The forum "Travel Opens Traditions of Dagestan" brought together representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Republican Folk Arts Center and the Ministry of Tourism to explore ways to weave intangible cultural heritage into tourist routes.
Culture Minister Zarema Butaeva announced that five of Dagestan's ritual holidays have been added to the federal register and some 150 events are being readied for inclusion in the tourism calendar.
Marita Muradova, head of the Republican Folk Art Center noted that cultural centers could act as gateways for visitors to experience living traditions—through master classes, music, tastings and displays of traditional attire.
As to Tourism Minister Emin Merdanov, the region currently offers more than 170 tourist routes, with cultural, educational and ethno-cultural itineraries making up a large share.
Participants discussed how government bodies, cultural institutions and tour operators can work together and shared successful cultural tourism practices from 12 municipalities.