The project was implemented by ACTED and worked with BIOs in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Project overview
The project priorities were highly relevant, making positive changes in the CBT sector in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan efficiently implemented and generally sustainable across the outcomes. Acted worked on strengthening and building the capacity of CBTAs to support these BIOs, and CBTAs remain sustainable, widely recognized institutions that work on the promotion of the CBT sector at macro, mezzo, and micro levels. The project reached more than 500 CBT MSMEs through the creation of Training Hubs, capacity building of CBTAs and improved access to available educational resources at the local level. Efforts by implementing partners at the national level have led to improved accessibility of financial services for the CBT sector, through the development of specialized microfinance products. Over the project period, 300 new CBT MSMEs were registered across the three countries. Five new regions of Uzbekistan and three of Tajikistan were thereby covered with CBTs.
The project promoted environmental sustainability within its activities, which includes promotion of green technologies through green loans by MFIs and establishment of a Revolving Fund on green equipment for CBTs in Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration with GIZ. Meetings of Working Groups on mapping of cultural and historical sites in target countries served as an advocacy tool for protection and preservation of vulnerable areas. Overall, the Action led to a significant improvement in the capacity of the CBT Associations to provide services to the CBT MSMEs as capacity-builders and national level advocates, as well as their organizational capacity and financial stability. This was enhanced by the establishment of Training hubs under the TCBTA and APTA, aimed at providing high-quality services to CBT BIOs and an independent and sustainable source of income for the BIOs. These Training hubs will be able to provide fee-based services after completion of the Action.
Lessons learned from community-based tourism (CBT) underscore the critical importance of acquiring business growth abilities, financial expertise, and enhanced representation capabilities for sustainable success. Study tours and Training of Trainers (ToTs) within the CBT sector have proven highly beneficial, fostering the exchange of vital information and regional collaborations. Events and activities have bolstered regional cooperation, creating opportunities for global experience exchange. A primary objective involves fostering closer coordination among state bodies and stakeholders, extending to the development of regulatory mechanisms and reinforcing the “Central Asia” tourist brand-building plan. Successful CBT case studies in three countries highlight the significance of sound decision-making and substantial investments, leading to tangible development outcomes and enhanced representation across diverse levels. Continuous professional and business development, including refresh and new training cycles, is essential for CBTA members, considering the evolving landscape of CBT and emerging areas like digital marketing. Collaboration with other actors and organizationspresented promising avenues for enhancing the impact and reach of CBT initiatives.
It should be noted that to reach the final target(s) related to the impact in the near future, new strategies and actions should be developed to empower the CBT sector. Although, demonstrated practices within the Action, to some extent, has covered and supported 500+ CBT MSMEs in general, however, such support could and should be expanded at different levels and forms of engagement of local business in the future (investments, capacity building, new forms of tourism, etc), while taking into consideration their evolving capacity.
Implementers
The consortium lead ACTED is an international NGO committed to a zero carbon, zero exclusion and zero poverty future. Based in Paris and active in 38 countries, ACTED has been present in Central Asia since 1996, with country and field offices active in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. ACTED is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Central Asia through effective natural resource management, disaster risk reduction activities, and working closely with the private sector to promote inclusive opportunities and access to education, training and finance for MSMEs, youth and women-led business.