A message from the President of KATO
I am a British citizen, currently living and working in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, where I am the Director of two companies: one is a tour company and the other operates a hotel. At the end of 2005, I was elected President of the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators.
Over the ten years I have lived in Kyrgyzstan, I have been asked many questions.
At first they were more personal (Was I married?, Did I have children?, … and so on). Many of the questions were concerned with the differences between life in Britain and life here in Kyrgyzstan … especially about salaries and the standard of living.
Then, people started to ask me about working in tourism, and doing business here in Kyrgyzstan. Such as:
Why the Kyrgyz Republic? – It was an accident really, I came first on holiday then was asked if I would come and help start a company here. I came for one year, and just never went home. There is something magnetic about the country, I am not sure what it is … the mountains (we have nothing as magnificent in Britain); the nature, (likewise), the friendliness of the people, (which is legendary – the Kyrgyz have even been referred to in a British newspaper as “the nice guys of Central Asia”); the history (which seems to emanate from everything … an ancient burial mound, the ruins of an ancient Silk Road city like at Krasnaya Rechka, Burana or even a roadside monument erected to someone like Arstnbek Bunlash uulu); or the fascinating culture (whether it be the Manas epos, shydaks, the music, hunting with eagles or traditional horse games).
Why Tourism? – simply because there is so much potential here. The mountains which form the backbone of the country divide it into many different regions, landscapes, climates – each with their own characteristics and attractions. The range of possible activities means that there is something here for just about everyone, whatever they are looking for: rest and recreation, adventure activities, exploring the historical and cultural background, …. The country is small enough to have a kaleidoscope of experiences in relatively short time and yet large enough to encompass a huge variety of peoples and opportunities without destroying the very things that make it attractive.
And, yes, there were questions about the differences between life in Britain and life here in Kyrgyzstan … especially about salaries and the standard of living.
Since becoming the President of KATO, the subject of the questions has changed. I am now asked questions like:
How come an Englishman became President of a Kyrgyz Association? – The answer is simple: I agreed to stand for election and was elected. I am very grateful for the confidence shown in me by my election. I take it as a sign of the openness and willingness to develop the Association, and tourism within the Republic. The Association has already grown and developed over the years since it was founded as a loose collection of companies which invited and brought visitors to Kyrgyzstan; people who loved their country and wanted to show its splendours to people from abroad.
Tourism is an important part of the Kyrgyz economy and the Association seeks to develop this. Although it is true that the companies that make up the membership of KATO are competitors, (in that we all provide tour services), we also all concerned to strengthen the industry. If the sector is strong then there is room for each company to grow and prosper … but if the sector is weak, then it will be harder for each one of us thrive and flourish.
There is great potential to develop the sector, which will bring benefits of employment, income and opportunity to the companies, the service providers they use, and (through the budget) to Kyrgyz society in general. As well as economic advantages, tourism helps to bring different peoples together and encourages a greater understanding and toleration between different nationalities and cultures.
And, yes, there are still questions about the differences between life in Britain and life here in Kyrgyzstan … especially about salaries and the standard of living.
Bishkek