The Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators – KATO
The Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO) is the largest organization representing Tour Operators in Kyrgyzstan. It was formally established in 1997, having operated on an informal basis since 1993. (The Celestial Mountains Tour Company was on of the “initiators” when the Association officially registered its charter.)
The membership includes some of the longest established and largest tour companies in the country – as well as some smaller ones which were established more recently. Besides representatives of tourist industry, the members of КАТО also include institutes of Further and Higher Education in Kyrgyzstan, which prepare students for work in the industry.
The Association was created with the purpose of protecting the interests of the tourism sector in Kyrgyzstan in, both, the foreign market and at the national level. It set itself the primary goals of:
- To transform tourism in the Kirghiz Republic into a leading branch of the national economy;
- To achieve a support for the further development of tourism, according to its value in the economy of the republic;
- Creation of a social climate favourable for tourists in our country (the creation of employment, encouraging the development of national culture, education in ecological responsibility);
- Simplification of the visa system and other formalities;
KATO is a founder member of the Fund for the Development of Tourism, the Organization for the marketing of Kyrgyzstan as a Tourist Destination (DMA), the Congress of Business Associations and it was one of the initiators of the Congresses of Tourist Business Associations. Some of the members also serve on the government’s Tourism Council.
In its history, KATO has achieved concrete results and its voice carries weight among Kyrgyz legislators and others working in tourism. It also works with local and international organizations and has organized a variety of activities, both in the country and abroad.
I served as President of the Association for the three years 2005 to 2007 and, after a “year off”, was re-elected to the post in 2009.
Website: www.kat.kg
Bishkek