Kabardino-Balkaria: project of tourist cluster presented to residents of Bezengi

Specialists of the Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC) "Resorts of Northern Caucasus" have presented a project of tourist cluster and described a ski resort and preferences for local residents and prospects for development of mountain areas to residents of the rural communities of Bezengi, Cherek District, and Bulungu, Chegem District.

The alpine resort "Elbrus-Bezengi" capable to service 29,000 tourists per day will be built by 2020 as part of the North-Caucasian Tourist Cluster in accordance with a resolution of the Russian Government. It covers the area of 320 square kilometres meters; the length of ski trails will make 170 km; and the slopes will cover 1360 hectares. It is planned to build 30 lifts for the capacity of 61,500 persons/hour, and hotels for 14,450 beds.

Kemal Mokaev, the head of the Cherek Municipal District, said while opening the presentation that the main problem of the district is a deficit of jobs; and from this viewpoint the tourist cluster is good for the district. But there is a misunderstanding – many people are worried about their land plots.

The tourist cluster will not disturb any livestock husbandry or other activities, Gennady Razumikin, an official of the OJSC "Resorts of Northern Caucasus", has assured the villagers.

"Rumours are spread that houses will be demolished and territories will be fenced – none of this, of course, will happen. The built-up area will be located away from populated areas. And if, for example, a power line or a cable car support will be erected on the land plot of an individual, a contract will be concluded with him or her; and the owner will receive the rental fee," said the official.

In summer, the resort area will be open for grazing. In this case, the animals will help to level and mow the slopes to have then ready for the skiing season. In winter, some livestock will be used to nourish tourists. Thus, tourism will promote local agriculture.

The official of the OJSC also said that the legal regime of a special economic zone, which will cover the objects of tourist industry, provides privileges on property and income taxation not only to large investors, but also to small businesses.