On December 23, 2025, a seminar-training entitled “Fundamentals of Gastronomic Quality and Regional Branding” was held in the conference hall of the Massaget Hotel. The event was organized by the public association DMO Karakalpakstan within the framework of the “QR Gastronomic Quality” project.
The public association DMO Karakalpakstan won the competition for social orders of the Public Fund for the Support of Civil Society Institutions under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and is implementing the project “QR Gastronomic Quality: Assessment and Improvement of the Gastronomic Quality of Tourism Services to Increase the Attractiveness of Karakalpakstan.” The project aims to improve the quality of local gastronomic services and thereby enhance the attractiveness of Karakalpakstan as a tourist destination.
The seminar was attended by owners and administrators of cafés, restaurants, and hotels, representatives of government bodies responsible for DMO Karakalpakstan and tourism, as well as emerging entrepreneurs and students studying in relevant fields.
The purpose of the seminar was to provide participants with basic knowledge of the “QR Gastronomic Quality” concept, explain the role of gastronomy in tourism development and regional branding, and raise awareness among representatives of the restaurant industry about quality standards and principles of sustainable operation.
Special attention during the seminar was given to how service quality influences tourists’ perceptions of a region, the role of DMO Karakalpakstan (Destination Management Organization), and the importance of cooperation within the tourism sector.
During the event, participants received detailed information on the significance of gastronomy in creating a tourism brand, best practices from other countries and regions, and the value of local cuisine as cultural heritage.
As a result of the seminar, participants practically mastered the basic principles of the QR Gastronomic Quality system and gained a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of local cuisine in shaping a regional brand. They received practical recommendations for improving service and menus, as well as established effective networking connections with DMO Karakalpakstan and other partner organizations. All participants were awarded certificates upon completion of the seminar.
These results will contribute to the high-quality and sustainable development of gastronomic tourism in Karakalpakstan.
