Content
History
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 relies on participation of local stakeholders
- CBT has to contribute to the local economic development through increasing tourism revenues
- CBT has to develop socially and economically sustainable tourism
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.
Values
Experiences
- Cultural experiences
- Outdoor activities (trekking, horseback riding, etc.)
- Workshops (crafts, cooking, etc.)
- Seasonal activities
- Homestays
- Guesthouses
- Booking information