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The Tourist Information Center (TIC) represented Penza Oblast in the "Gastronomic Tourism City" nomination and was shortlisted among 293 best projects nationwide. In the award finals, 195 projects from 102 cities and 60 Russian regions were presented.
A total of 387 projects from 70 regions were evaluated. Ultimately, Bekovo received a special diploma "For Development of Local Gastronomic Tourism" and also won the "Gastronomic Tourism City" category, contributing to the goals and objectives of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality."
During the project presentation, the TIC team showcased to experts the development of Bekovsky District as a gastronomic tourism hub. The district's tourist appeal has grown significantly thanks to its rich event calendar.
The youth festival "ZavodFest" reached the finals of the International Russian Event Awards in 2024 as the "Best Youth Tourism Event." The "Detki-Konfetki" festival also became a finalist at the Russian Event Awards in 2025 in the "Best Children's Tourism Event" category. The music festival "Where the Maple Rustles" brings together masterclasses, tastings, and presentations of the cuisines of Russia's peoples at its venue.
A key route has become the gastronomic tour "Sweet Tour to Bekovo," which introduces visitors to local producers and combines elements of industrial, ecological, and gastronomic tourism.
"This event is a step towards making Bekovsky District an even more recognizable hub for gastronomic tourism enthusiasts," commented Ekaterina Krotkova, a representative of the Bekovsky District Tourist Information Center.
The Tourist Information Center operates on the basis of the Bekovskaya District Library. According to 2025 data, its activities directly contributed to a 170% increase in tourist flow to the district. Additionally, staff completed professional development programs, and one employee obtained official status as an accredited tour guide.
Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast.