Kavkaz.RF launched a discussion on the role of creative industries in regional development at MITT-2026.

Promoting the North Caucasus through a cultural code, digital twins of eco-trails, a unified "Three Resorts" ski pass, and new infrastructure facilities—representatives of Kavkaz.RF presented the season's innovations and industry development trends at the MITT-2026 International Tourism and Hospitality Exhibition. This year, the development institute focused on sharing experiences with practitioners and holding face-to-face meetings with industry leaders, contemporary art experts, tour operators, and hoteliers.

Kavkaz.RF's keynote session, "A Resort of Great Meanings: How to Digitize a Territory's Cultural Code," raised the issue of creating a strong tourism product through in-depth exploration of a destination, searching for an identity, and embracing it. Summing up the discussion, moderator and art historian Alexandra Plotnikova emphasized that integrating a cultural code into the tourism business requires, first and foremost, deep sincerity, visual research, and multi-faceted engagement with the end consumer.

Khasan Timizhev, Executive Director of Kavkaz.RF, shared an example of tourism art therapy for the youngest resort in the North Caucasus:

"Mamison is clear proof that ski slopes and eco-trails are far from the only way to relax in the mountains. We host events here with a focus on creativity and art: an art festival, concerts, and workshops. We want people to come here, among other things, for inspiration, a search for meaning, and the opportunity to realize themselves through creativity."

Rustam Tapaev, Deputy General Director of Kavkaz.RF, and Tatyana Baeva, Director of the Communications Department, discussed plans for the summer season, the unified "Three Resorts" ski pass, updated tourist infrastructure, and the rationale for implementing permits and an eco-fee in the Elbrus National Park in a Q&A session with tour operators, hoteliers, and guides. One of the main innovations of the season is the introduction of a digital twin of the eco-trails, which will eventually connect the region with a network of eco-trails totaling 2,500 km.

"We have already laid out and equipped 255 km of hiking trails for the Great Caucasus Trail project. A separate innovation of the season is a mobile app for navigation and safety on the eco-trails. It will display all key points along the routes, difficult sections, campsites, alpine camps, hotels, food outlets, and other essential services along the way. Security alerts will also be sent here. Importantly, the digital twin of the trails will work without internet access and even with a weak satellite signal," explained Rustam Tapayev.

At the Kavkaz.RF stand, Slavyanovskaya mineral water was presented to exhibition guests. More than two thousand people sampled the medicinal mineral water from Kavminkurortresursy, a company managed by the development institute, over the course of three days.