Excursion to an Abkhazian feast: a shocking review from a tourist about what happens there

      A.I. Photo progorodnn.ru

      Abkhazian Feast Through a Tourist's Eyes: Expectations and Reality

      Tourist Alla's trip to Abkhazia, known for its picturesque scenery, ended in disappointment due to the poor quality of tour services. For variety, she purchased a tour called "Abkhazian Feast" held in the village of Duripsh.

      The excursion began with a wine tasting, during which Alla noted that the winery staff was impolite. In Duripsh, the group was greeted by the host, who turned out to be the event’s host. The tourists faced a problem: the house entrance was closed. A crowd gathered around the man, who started a lengthy story about local traditions, which tired Alla. She tried to look around but only found a few stalls with honey and local products.

      The feast took place under an open canopy at long tables. Alla remarked that tourists hurried to take seats closer to the stage. The host spoke monotonously, occasionally making jokes. Despite an abundance of mămăliga, shashlik, and drinks, the atmosphere remained restrained. Short performances by the jockeys and the women's group "Lebyedushki" were followed by a disco with folk songs. Alla tried to find positive moments, singing along. However, the event ended abruptly—everyone was asked to leave the venue.

      The only pleasant moment for the tourist was returning to her guesthouse. This did not compensate for the negative consequences of the excursion: severe food poisoning accompanied by back and stomach pains. As a result, Alla lost a whole day of rest, suffered financial losses, and damaged her health. She concluded that it would have been better to spend time at a seaside restaurant or watch performances by the jockeys at the local Cultural Center. Nevertheless, Alla noted that "a negative outcome is still a result."

      Alla’s case highlights that the quality of tourist services in Abkhazia varies greatly, and mass events often lack uniqueness and can be boring. Tourism professionals recommend carefully reviewing other travelers’ reviews before booking excursions. "Tourism involves not only beautiful landscapes but also the quality of services provided," notes Mark Nesterov, a tourism industry expert. "Poor organization, a limited program, and unfriendly staff can ruin even the most scenic places’ impression. Investing in staff training and the development of quality programs pays off with increased customer satisfaction and positive reviews." In Abkhazia, as in many other tourist regions, the quality of service directly impacts repeat visits and recommendations.

      Duripsh is a village in the Gudaura District of Abkhazia. It is known for its traditional winemaking and hosting Abkhazian feasts, which are part of local culture and hospitality. These feasts typically include national dishes, drinks, music, and dances.