Tourism in former-Soviet Kyrgyzstan is becoming easier, better and more value-packed. The Kyrgyz government introduced a visa free program allowing citizens of 60+ countries to enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa. Entrepreneurs are creating international linkages and developing websites to sell services from new start-up trekking and travel agencies.
A new genre of travel industry managers are working to give visitors more diversified, customer-oriented options. But still, in a country of breathtaking mountain vistas and countless unexplored adventures, tourism accounts for under half the average for countries globally (as percentage of GDP) and community based tourism is new.
Community based tourism (CBT) was initiated in May 2000. This initiative has great support from local people and today there are 17 actively working CBT groups throughout almost the whole of Kyrgyzstan. For further development and coordination of the activities within the country, these groups have established their own umbrella organization, The Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (KCBTA) – “Hospitality Kyrgyzstan”.
The main objective of the KCBTA is to improve the living conditions of people in remote mountain regions, by developing rural tourism without harming the natural environment and culture of local people.
OUR VISION Kyrgyzstan is the leader in developing sustainable community based tourism in Central Asia with a wide network of local CBT groups, providing quality tourism services.
OUR MISSION We develop sustainable community based tourism by creating and involving capacity of our CBT groups, to improve the living standards of the local population and thereby supporting socio-economic development of rural Kyrgyzstan.
OUR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM POLICY
From its very beginnings, one of the main goals of the Kyrgyz Community Based Tourism Association (KCBTA) “Hospitality Kyrgyzstan” has been developing and promoting a wholesome and sustainable ecotourism model. That means tourism where the actions of tourists towards the regions visited are nature and ecosystem friendly. In order to popularize ecotourism and more careful treatment of the environment, the KCBTA has developed our own sustainable tourism policy, an Ecological Code, or an Ecotourism Organizations’ Codes of Conduct. Now the document is an integral part of any agreements on cooperation signed between the KCBTA and partner organizations.
NATURE CONSERVATION:
We are aware of the actual and potential impact of tourism on natural resources and attempt to minimize this impact through one’s own policies and practices, including:
We dispose of waste and sewage properly
We separate waste, including plastic and paper
We avoid single-use plastic, we use water dispensers to avoid plastic bottles.
We minimize use of paper, we print double sided paper, we keep most of our documentation in electronic version, we use FSC certified paper.
We support efforts to clean up waste and polluted areas. We regularly participate in waste collection meetings
We lobby governments and businesses, contribute our staff time and encourage tour clients to minimize waste and behave responsibly.
In the office we switch off the lighting, and electricity when we don’t use it. We use energy efficient equipment, lamps. Our equipment is set to an energy efficient mode.
We minimize use of water.
CULTURE CONSERVATION:
We are aware of the actual and potential impact of tourism on cultural heritage and attempt to minimize this impact through one’s own policies and practices.
We respect the culture and customs of the people whose communities we visit, and make sure that our clients do so as well.
We give all visitors a thorough cultural briefing before visiting local communities. We use local “Codes for Tourists” if available.
We make sure that your clients do not remove any artifacts. If access to historic or archaeological sites is restricted, we get permission before visiting. We ensure that your clients behave respectfully particularly if a site has religious significance.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
We have a Partnership with Community-based Ecotourism groups to help them develop a sustainable business that contributes to both conservation and community development. We Subcontract from small, community-based enterprises wherever possible and assist them in achieving the appropriate quality standards.
Where no community-based company is available we employ people living in the areas being visited.
We create additional benefits to the local community by purchasing as many products and services as possible from the community being visited. We encourage our clients to buy locally made handicrafts and products made by local people, so long as these products are not made from endangered species and their purchase does not violate the law.
We choose accommodation compatible with local traditions and that minimize negative environmental impact. Where available we Choose lodgings that have effective waste treatment systems, recycles and disposes of non-recyclable garbage appropriately. And we choose accommodation owned, built, and staffed by local people.
ECOTOURISM PROMOTION & EDUCATING:
We educate travelers before and during the trip on low impact travel and conservation compatible practices (including ecological and cultural sensitivity).
We educate and brief the staff and partners on our sustainable tourism policy and Codes of Conduct.
KCBTA supports the rural sector with cost effective administration centered in the interests of its chapters. KCBTA balances marketing strategy for local and international segments while fostering communication on new projects, activities and opportunities in its rural chapters. KCBTA encourages rational and responsible natural resource use through training on environmental protection, ecology, cooperation and heritage sites to local members of rural communities. KCBTA provides support to member organizations by marketing their services and products, providing business training, supporting organizational capacity building and organizing training, seminars and study tours. The association represents member interests in national policy development and negotiations within the mainstream tourism industry.
KCBTA showcases each region’s best attractions. As a rule, tour operators are local community members and products are offered by local artisans. Local community members present attractions and their beauty with intimate, age old, insight and immersion in their lifestyle, history and culture.
KCBTA chapters follow in the spirit and principles of the organization and support its “Hospitality Kyrgyzstan” brand. The central KCBTA office promotes balance between reasonable prices the highest possible quality. The KCBTA main office and its chapters work together to find consistent service and price policies as a strategy for create the most benefit for consumers and the rural tourism sector together.
KCBTA’s primary partner is Helvetas, a Swiss Association for International Cooperation that has committed to a long-term alliance. Helvetas is running programs in more than 20 countries of the world (for more details, please visit the website at www.helvetas.org). KCBTA also maintains close relationships with the State Committee for Tourism, Sports and Youth Policy, private tour companies and various international organizations and projects
What is Community Based Tourism (CBT)?
“Community based” means supporting products, services, knowledge and practices found in local communities and offered by local stakeholders. The following definition is used by the World-wide Fund for Nature (WWF):
“Community Based Tourism is a form of tourism where the local community has a substantial control over and involvement in its development and management; and a major proportion of the benefits remain within the community”
