Community Based Tourism (CBT) was initiated in the Kyrgyz Republic in May 2000. This initiative had great support from local people and today there are 15 actively working CBT groups throughout almost the whole of Kyrgyzstan with more than 300 family members. The main objective of the CBT Kyrgyzstan 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.
Community based tourism (CBT) is the practice of providing natural, value-packed travel services that utilize local accommodation, food, music, art, crafts and traditions. CBT is an excellent value and travel experience that supports rational and sustainable development. CBT gives travelers authentic visits inside homes, villages and heritages while delivering proceeds directly to the families that visitors stay with and buy from.
CBT is certainly “for-profit,” but its essence is promoting local products and local ownership. CBT requires that the majority of revenues (usually 80-85%) are given directly to the families or proprietors visitors buy from, and the remaining amount generally supports a shared community office and national association. Thus, CBT businesses may receive coordination and training from a central consultant, but are never owned by distant investors.
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 time and that of our staff, and by encourage tour clients to support 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.
COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT:
We have a Partnership with Community-based Ecotourism groups and how them develop a sustainable business that contributes to conservation and community development. We Subcontract from small, community-based enterprises wherever possible and assists 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.
Experience and enjoy Kyrgyzstan with us!