Unlocking the Future of Sustainable Tourism in Central Asia

Start: YouTube live (link will follow) - 10.00 AM, GMT+5

Welcome and Introduction: 10.00 - 10.10

• Mathieu Charruaz/Sharifa/Shohk - Moderation

  Introducing the agenda of the webinar

• Abror Turobovich, Vice Rector for international cooperation - Bukhara State University

  Welcoming Speech

Session 1: Unlocking The Practical Secrets Of CBT And Ecotourism

• 10.10-10.30 Ati & Alex Tosun, INDY GUIDE - Online Travel Marketplace

  The importance of community engagement for the future of tourism in Central Asia.

• 10.30-10.40 Sophie Ibbotson - Consultant to the World Bank

  CBT Role in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan).

• 10.45-11.00 CBT Osh and Alay - Local CBT Office

  Kyrgyzstan as an example of effective CBT: Reasons why it works so well in Kyrgyzstan.

• 11.00-11.10 Best Practices of Indy Guide Superhosts (Part 1/2)

  • Madina Janibekova, Almaty Kazakhstan

  • Gaukhar Dossova, Dostar Trips, Almaty Kazakhstan

  • Saidbek Shakarov, Pamir Trekking, Dushanbe Tajikistan

  • Atai Almaz, Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

• 11.10-11.20 Nomads Land - Local Tour Agency

  CBT in Kyrgyzstan - Inside view of a top actor in the country with 20 years of experience:  What makes a good CBT and what does not work -  The importance of involving the local politicians and public figures in CBT practices.

• 11.20-11.30 Responsible Travel Uzbekistan - Local Tour Operator

  The current situation of CBT and responsible tourism in Uzbekistan presented by the first CBT provider of the region.

• 11.40-11.50 Untamed Borders - Adventure Travel Company

  Tourism development projects (Wakhan and Bamian) and their effects over the last 15 years and the practical situation now compared to PECTA and META/Tajikistan and CBT in Kyrgyzstan.

• 11.50 - 12.00 Joe Sheffer - Journalist and Cameraman

  The importance of working together with the local communities for the future of Afghanistan: Why is it key to build a CBT system in Afghanistan and how can this help local and social development?

Break time 12.00 - 12.10

Session 2: Crafting Memorable Guest Experiences in Sustainable Tourism

• 12.10 - 12.30 Best Practices of Indy Guide Superhosts (Part 2/2)

  • Madina Janibekova, Almaty Kazakhstan

  • Gaukhar Dossova, Dostar Trips, Almaty Kazakhstan

  • Saidbek Shakarov, Pamir Trekking, Dushanbe Tajikistan

  • Atai Almaz, Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

• 12.30 - 12.40 Anula Galewska, Managing Director, Travindy -

  Sustainability red flags: how not to lose a client.

• 12.40-13.10 Peter Syme, Strategic Travel & Tourism Advisor
  Sustainability of being profitable in order to deliver on environmental sustainability wishes.

Break time: 13.10 - 13.15

Session 3: Success Stories Of CBT, Ecotourism And Other Inspirational Ideas

• 13.15 - 13.25 Rakhimova Nasiba - Workaway

  Couch Surfing in Fergana Valley/Uzbekistan.

• 13.25 - 13.35 Firuza Kasimova - Vlogger

  The importance of Vlogging and marketing online for tourism promotion.

• 13.35 - 13.45 Pollenzo University and Slow Food - Organization that promotes local food and traditional cooking

  The Ark of Taste in Central Asia and how to showcase local culture and traditions around food products.

• 13.45 - 13.55 Valle d’Aosta Assessorato Agricoltura (Italy)

  Alpine Excellence: A Blueprint for Integrating Food and Tourism in Central Asia's Sustainable Development.

• 13.55 - 14.05 Isari Adventures - Travel Agency

  How do master horse tours in Central Asia and what challenges are faced when organizing horseback riding tours in Kyrgyzstan?

• 14.15 - 14.25 Bermet Borubaeva - Urban environment analyst, researcher, and co-founder of the Bishkek School of Contemporary Art (BiSCA)

  Traveling by train and community engagement along the way.

• 14.35 - 14.45 Kathrin Klöti - Helvetas / Swiss Sustainable Winter Tourism Development Project in Karakol area. Cultural tourism in Karakol: complementary tourism activities for winter sports.

End