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Welcome to ESP
Research ReportImpediments and Threats faced by Tourism Industry of South Asia
Tourism Research title “Impediments and Threats faced by Tourism Industries of South Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe” conducted by The Region Initiative (TRI) has indicated that countries of South Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe need some immediate actions from respective Governments to manage dangerous mushroom growth of foreign invested mass tourism projects in fragile lands of these regions and maximum involvement of two major stakeholders of tourism industry in policy making and implementation that are respective local communities (Community Based Tourism organizations etc) and tour operators who are actually producing tourism revenue for these countries. Details of this Research Report can be read to click this link. MITE 2012 Malaysia
The largest tourism exchange event in Malaysia, MITE 2012 is not only inviting the domestic and foreign travel agencies and tourism companies like one would usually find in a common tourism fair. Advocating the extensive growth of the tourism industry by a more proactive approach, MITE 2012 has also secured the participation of ministries, foreign missions in Malaysia, members of the media, trade members and tour operators both from Malaysia and abroad to support the effort. MITE 2012 will also be filled with non-stop fun-packed activities such as international performances and showcases, seminars, games and competitions. Meanwhile, the event will also share and exchange international cultural habits and practices, festivities plus mouthwatering food showcase which will definitely make MITE 2012 an inspiring and exciting experience. Read more to click here
An exclusive Interview with Sally McKinney
Sally McKinney is a well-known travel journalist, philanthropist, teacher and top of all she is a Dancing Soul. She believes that dancing is the purists way to express your joys and sorrows and dancing represents the inner self of a human who usually lives under the clutches of norms and social fabrics. Travel to 49 of the United States and to 45 foreign countries , 78 years old (in year 2012), Sally is a travel journalist since early 1970s. She is veteran travel writer and has been writing for over 100 magazines and newspapers. Therefore, interview of Sally is a real gift of TRI to its visitors in year 2012. TRI is introducing and link True Icons of Tourism Industry to different stakeholders, therefore TRI requested Sally for an exclusive interview.
An Exclusive Interview with Bea Broda
Bea Broda has been a broadcast travel journalist since 1987, and was a daily TV Talk-Show Host and Weathercaster (on the Canadian TV affiliate of Global Television) for 5 years prior to that. Producer of TV series such as Passport to Adventure and Timeless Places and other shows and specials, Bea has developed a keen interest in associations she has become familiar with through her international research and filming projects. Organizations such as IIPT (The International Institute of Peace through Tourism) are dear to her heart, and Bea chooses to focus on the most positive aspects of the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the countries she travels to and films. Bea is also the Past President of SATW. (The Society of American Travel Writers.)
Read her detail interview to click this link
Tashkent TRI Conference Tashkent TRI Meeting Tashkent Declaration “Strong tourism networking and direct contact among practitioners of tourism industry is the only way to develop broad based industry in South Asia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Governments should provide direct financial support to those who are following path of sustainable tourism instead of harming nature by adopting mass and uncontrolled tourism in fragile environments of Central Asia.
Click here for Tashkent TRI Conference Click here for Tashkent Declaration Click here for Tashkent TRI Meeting
8.97 million people were affected with recent floods that caused havoc in Pakistan
Islamabad: As many as 8.97 million people were affected with recent floods that caused havoc in Pakistan including 3.29 million women. Around 2.9 million are still displaced and it will take another year for them for their rehabilitation. These are figures released in a Special Report Floods Pakistan 2011 released today at Islamabad. Complete Report can be downloaded at www.ecotourism.org.pk/floods2011.pdf Tribute to Babu Varghese
Babu Varghese says: Tourism is one way of transferring money from the rich to the poor and needy. The high expendable amount of money once used is the best possible way without damaging the nature but at same time conserving it should be promoted especially in a developing nation like India. It is wrong to think that more problems like poverty eradication, inequality can be solved with massive projects. Poverty eradication can be achieved by community development programmes with responsible tourism practices. Small-scale tourism projects involving the local community are always the building blocks of tourism. Large-volume movements of tourists is not ideal for Kerala, where the infrastructure is minimal. Mass movement will always upset the delicate balance of nature. (His interview with Ecoclub Issue 97 - May 2008) Babu Varghese was born on January 28, 1951 in India. Educational qualification: MSc in Zoology & M Phil in Behavioral Science from University of Kerala . Started ‘TOURINDIA’ a tourist guidance bureau in 1972. In 10 years established as a leading tour operator. With the constant inte raction with the tourists as a guide, tour leader understood the real needs of the visitors looked into the possibility of converting the Kettuvallam cargo boats for comfortable cruise . With about 10 years of research and running around created the first Kettuvallam houseboats into the backwaters of Kerala in 1991. The new tourism product of Kerala was introduced the international tourism arena by attending trade shows all over the world and made it a runaway success. Thus making Kerala one of the hottest destination in the world. The visible example is the existence of more than 500 boats now in the backwaters of Kerala, giving direct employment to more than 2000 people in running these boats and indirectly to thousands of people in repairing, maintaining and supporting the houseboat operation. In 1996 after the success of the houseboats created the Treehouses in tall trees at Wayanad in the Green Magic Nature resort on leased land with 2 tree houses and 6 ecolodges. In 2002, attended International ecotourism conference in Quebec. In 2007 created 3 Treehouses, Ecolodges and a Cave house in Kalladi in the Green Magic nature resort 2. 1n 2008 started to make GMNR 2 as the most talked about ecotourism project in India considering all the aspects of Ecotourism, Reduce Recycle and Reuse. Only renewable nonpolluting energy is used minimally with discretion. Solar energy, bio gas and hydro electrical power is used. Solid waste disposal by bio-toilette . Now involved in community development programmes empowering the local community members.
Click here to read detail news at special page of Ecoclub Read a wonderful interview of Babu to click this link Read articles how Babu was a Changemaker
Mr. Palitha Gurusinghe, President of Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation expresses sad demise of Babu as under: Very sad and disturbing news indeed. Demise of our good friend Babu Varghese is an irreparable loss for Ecotourism fraternity in Asia and rest of the world. I first met him at the South Asian Regional Ecotourism Conference (SARCE)held in Gangtok, Sikkim, India, during the IYE in 2002. Babu, myself, Megan Epler Wood, former Chair of The Ecotourism Society (TES), and the late Chandra De Silva, former Advisory Board members of TIES, worked together as a group at the SARCE. Babu, not only actively contributed to make the forum a success, but also he brought some Game Trackers, Rangers to the Conference who made their living as poachers before in the buffer zone of Perriyar national park, in Kerala, to show how poachers and illegal loggers threatening protected areas in India could be rehabilitated to protect the very same forests by providing economic benefits to the communities living around the buffer zones of national parks. Almost all the delegates gathered at SARCE from distant parts of the world were highly impressed, fascinated and enjoyed the presence of game rangers who shared of their wonderful experience in Indian forests and national parks with the delegates. Babu also presented many case studies in Kerala Ecotourism how home stays, ecolodges, house boats, tree houses etc. could use to support the communities in private-public-community partnership by establishing Community Based Ecotourism Enterprises. (CBEs) I should say as tribute to him that Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) got a lot of inspiration on how ecotourism could practice in assuring economic and social benefits for the poor communities living around tourism generating and protected areas in a country. (Case Studies of in Kerala National Parks) In brief, Babu showed the world how ecotourism could practice and transform its noble principles to support communities and environmental and biodiversity conservation. Now a days, in ecotourism world, sad to see more ‘talkers’ than real/honest ‘practitioners’. In this sense, Babu is a real inspiration for all Ecotourism Practitioners in the world.
Mr. Roberto M.F. Mourão President Ecobrasil expresses as follow: It is with regret that we notice of the death of Mr. Babu Varghese. Mr. Varghese has completed several important projects for the development of sustainable tourism in India. Agha Iqrar Haroon Former President Ecotourism Society Pakistan Babu believed in action not in conferences or workshops. He showed people how a simple idea could change the lives of poor in positive way. Babu was a teacher not fo me rather for all who are trying to do something in the field of ecotourism in South Asia. He did not borrow ideas rather he inveted new and now he is no more with us. But he will remain with us in our love and respect. The ECOCLUB.com Team sent the following message to his colleagues:
Felex Kamalha of Uganda Community Tourism Association expresses as:
This is very sad news. I send my condolence from UCOTA and Uganda at large. Such people are gems for developing countries and we need people Babu in where is poverty and where is chances of Community Tourism Development. UCTA teams express condolence to his family. "Tourism for socio-economic development" workshop Tourism for Life (TFL) in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism AJK, Azad Kashmir Private Schools and colleges Assosiation (APSCA) and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) will be organizing a 2 days concept development training workshop on "Tourism for socio-economic development" at Muzaffarabad AJK as part of its "Skilled Youth Initiative" project... Interested candidates contact us by email on yasirilyaskhan@gmail.com or by phone on 0321-500-2838. The tentative dates are 22-23 Oct 2011. Tourism for life joins ESP as its member
Tourism for Life (TFL) has joined ESP as member. TFL came into existence in 2010 as a direct response for the need to raise awareness and build the tourism sector in AJK. Tourism for life (TFL) is organized on the lines of sustainable tourism, capacity building & human empowerment organization because of its mission statement and set objectives. Like many well- meaning organizations, we are motivated by the urgent need to accelerate the pace of building the Information Society for the academic communities in AJK. Its immediate concern was to chart a new course in Tourism and Hospitality studies and Tourism Development projects (TDPs) for academic communities’ initiatives. As a development- oriented TDP’s Organization, we would be involved in a number of TDP initiatives & events that promote the TD sector as the harbinger of the nation’s economic rebirth. Visit TFL website to click here. 2-days workshop "Tourism for Socio-Economic Development" held in Mirpur AJK
Deep in the East in Uzbekistan– Ecotourism Works
Mitan Ecotourism project near Samarkand, Uzbekistan is attracting world attention of ecotourism lovers. Click here to read more about this project at Travel Video TV. Faces are not polluted by commercialization or a ruthless competitive world. They are faces of innocence and you will find them in a remote village of Samarkand - the jewel of the east. Click here to read more about Silk Road Destinations and its Ecotourism initiatives in a remote village of Uzbekistan. Nazira is running the B&B in Bukhara Uzbekistan with her husband. She appears to be around 50 years old and does such a variety of tasks from buying stocks from the market to serving you at her huge Divan (a bigger sofa) underneath a tree in the courtyard of her house. Click here to read more about Ecotourism and small stakeholders of Uzbekistan. Cultural Tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing forms of global tourism, and Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries are leading in cultural tourism products, because the locals preserved their culture successfully despite the rule of the former Soviet Union. Credit also goes to this rule, because Russians played a pivotal role in restoring and preserving Muslim culture. Click here to read more about Cultural aspects of Uzbekistan tourism.
Tourism Concern is concerned about Tourism in Pakistan
In the past decade, Pakistan has faced significant challenges to the healthy development of the country's tourism industry: the great tragedy of 9/11 that significantly reduced tourism arrivals in 2001; the horrific earthquake that collapsed the country's tourism infrastructure in 2005, followed by the Taliban capturing the beautiful Swat Valley and further deteriorating the state of tourism; and the devastating floods that wreaked havoc on most of the country in 2010.Click her to read more about Tourism Concern story.
China is planning a "New Silk Road"
BEIJING: China is planning a "New Silk Road" that will run through Central Asia and continue into Europe facilitating improved transport and trade. Tourism network wants to protect Silk Road name. Read more here
UNWTO writes Government of Pakistan to save Tourism industry We Ecotourism Society Pakistan and the whole tourism industry is grateful to United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in general and particularly its Secretary General Taleb D. Rafai and Jason Wang Shuo Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific UNWTO for their support on the request of appeals sent by Ecotourism society Pakistan and supported by all tourism leaders of the Country. UNWTO has written 2 letters respectively to the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan in the name of our Secretary-General calling their attention to reconsider the decision to demolish the ministry of Tourism. What shall be outcome of these letters we can not say anything but we are happy UNWTO took notice of our appeals and support us. New members of ESP We are please to inform you that following organisations have been added in Member Directory of ESP for a period of One year with effective from July 2011. Information of these members are also added at ESP Directory More information are in this link www.ecotourism.org.pk/directory.htm This collaboration and membership is for the promotion of tourism products of Pakistan and all members of this collaboration are responsible for their own conduct and ESP shall not bear responsibility for financial, professional, legal conduct of any of its members. This networking is without charge and any reference to products, services, links and other information does not constitute recommendation, endorsement or sponsorship and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Ecotourism Society Pakistan (ESP) New members information are hereunder:
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Tel: +92-51-9272016-18, 9271591-92, 9271586-87 Fax: +92-51-9271591 & 9272016
Email: info@saiyah.com.pk
Email: info@hunzaadventureleaders.com
Postal Address: House # 02, Tufail Colony, Opposite Mashabrum Hotel, College Road, Skardu, Northern Areas, Pakistan
Email: sirajulmulk@gmail.com and hhchitral@gmail.com
Tel: +92-943- 413151 fax 413153 5th IIPT African Conference Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change to Tourism was a real success. For more information and Lusaka Declaration, please visit http://www.iipt.org/newsletter/2011/june.html
Investment Forum “Pamir – Invest 2011”
On 16-17th June in Khorog was held an investment Forum “Pamir – Invest 2011”. The Forum was organized by the project of Association of Entrepreneurs and Mountain Farmers “Milal - Inter” with the support of the State Committee on investment and State Property Management of the Republic of Tajikistan and local executive authority of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. General sponsor of the Forum was Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The Forum was attended by 180 participants. The Chairman of State Committee on investment and State Property management of the Republic of Tajikistan Saidov Davlatali has opened the Forum with welcoming speech on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. He emphasized the importance of conducting of purposeful work on attracting and effective use of native and foreign investments to economic development. He also expressed confidence that the issues which are being considered in the Forum have positive impact on economic development of Gorno Badakhshan and other mountainous regions of the country. Welcoming speeches were also made by the permanent representative of the German Embassy in the Republic of Tajikistan Richter Pascal and the representative of GIZ Dr. Uta Horn. The business part of the Forum began with the presentation of the Chairman of GBAO Kodiri Kosim “Real potential of economic development of GBAO”. He emphasized that in the years of Tajikistan’s independence,thanks to the continued support of the Government of the country and international organizations, the economic infrastructure of the oblast has received considerable development. Kodiri Kosim further spoke about the nature potential in the oblast, possibilities and the ways of using them and he addressed to entrepreneurs and investors to actively take part in Gorno Badakhshan development. In their presentations the head of main department on investment and coordination of external support of State Committee on investment and State Property management of RT Rajabov A, the deputy of the chairman of Main department of geology of RT Abdullaeva M, the deputy of the Minister of agriculture of RT Isroilov S. spoke about the improvement of country legislation on investment in the country, budget and external investment utilization for the development of the country and the directions of mountainous regions development. Further presentations were made by the head of the Committee of tourism, sport and youth Habibov D.A, head of the department of Advancement of Science, techniques and technology of the Ministry of energy and industry of RT Olimbekov K, head of the department of analysis and economic forecasting of the Ministry of transport Aksakolov U, director of Aga-Khan Foundation for Economic Development Davlatshoev O, deputy of the head of Free Economic Zone Ishkashim Kadamshoev Sh and many others. At the same day the participants of the Forum had a chance to visit the organized fair-exhibition of the local products. The guests of the Forum especially liked the handicraft products. First day of the Forum ended with the visit to regional theater named after M. Nasharshoev and colorful event “Chakomai Gesu”, the contest of the best hair style with demonstration of the musical folklore of all regions of Gorno Badakhshan, which left indelible impression on the participants and especially on foreigners. The second day began with the work in sections. In three sections – tourism and service; processing of natural resources and agriculture; industry, logistic and export of local productions – local entrepreneurs gave their presentations. There were developed more than 100 business plans which covered almost all fields of economy of the oblast. During the sections as well as in lobbies the participants established business contacts, negotiated and outlined the ways of joint cooperation. During the two working days of the Forum, the participants proposed more than 30 Memorandums and protocols of intentions, 14 of which were signed by the parties in the closing plenary sessions of the Forum. It is noteworthy that there has been an improvement in developing the cooperation between GBAO and Osh region of Kyrgyz Republic. There was signed an Agreement on establishing of joint inter- regional commission to promote economic and cultural cooperation between two oblasts. The other signed memorandums referred to the intention of processing of agricultural products and decorative stones, tourism development and construction. In the Forum the representatives of the government at the level of ministries and departments of the republic, international and local organizations, neighboring regions of foreign countries, local and foreign businesses jointly discussed the potential, possibilities for development and problems of mountainous regions and have expressed specific proposals to accelerate their socio-economic development. During the organized survey more than 80% of the Forum’s participants underlined to conduct the “Pamir Invest” Forum annually. This will allow on a permanent basis to seek and solve the issues of sustainable development of mountain regions. Next year other regions of the country may be actively involved in this work.
ПРЕСС – РЕЛИЗ О проведении инвестиционного Форума «Памир Инвест – 2011» 16-17 июня 2011 года в городе Хороге проходил инвестиционный Форум «Памир Инвест 2011». Форум был организован по проекту Ассоциации предпринимателей и Горных Фермеров «Милал Интер» при поддержке Государственного комитета по инвестициям и управлению госимуществом Республики Таджикистан и местного органа исполнительной власти ГБАО. Генеральным спонсором Форума являлось Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. На форуму участвовало 180 человек. С приветственным словом от имени Правительства Республики Таджикистан Форум открыл Председатель Государственного комитета по инвестициям и управлению государственным имуществом Республики Таджикистан Саидов Давлатали. Он отметил важность проведения целенаправленной работы по привлечению и эффективному использованию отечественных и иностранных инвестиций в развитии экономики. Он также выразил уверенность, в том, что рассматриваемые на Форуме вопросы положительно повлияют на развитие экономики Горного Бадахшана и других высокогорных территорий страны. С приветственным словом также выступили постоянный Представитель Немецкого Посольства в Республике Таджикистан Рихтер Паскаль и представитель GIZ госпожа Ута Хорн. Деловая часть Форума началась с презентации Председателя ГБАО Кодира Косима по вопросу «Реальный потенциал экономического развития ГБАО». Он отметил, что за годы независимости Таджикистана, благодаря постоянной поддержке руководства страны и международных организаций заметное развитие получила экономическая инфраструктура области. Он более подробно рассказал о природном потенциале области, возможностях и путях их использования и призвал предпринимателей и инвесторов более активно участвовать в развитии Горного Бадахшана. Выступившие с презентациями начальник главного управления по инвестициям и координации внешней помощи Госкоминвеста РТ А.Раджабов, заместитель начальника Главного управления геологии РТ М.Абдуллоева, заместитель Министра сельского хозяйства РТ С.Исроилов рассказали участникам Форума о работе по совершенствованию в республике законодательства по инвестициям, использованию бюджета и внешних инвестиций для развития экономики страны, направлениях развития высокогорных регионов. Участники Форума с интересом ознакомились с презентациями начальника управления развития туризма в Комитете по делам молодежи, спорту и туризму Д.А. Хабибова, начальника управления по развитию науки, техники и технологий Министерства энергетики и промышленности К. Олимбекова, начальника управления по анализу и экономическому прогнозированию Министерства транспорта РТ У. Аксаколова, директора Фонда Ага Хана по экономическому развитию в Таджикистане О.Давлатшоева, заместителя руководителя администрации свободной экономической зоны «Ишкашим» Ш.Кадамшоева и других. В этот день участники Форума также ознакомились с организованной выставкой-ярмаркой товаров местного производства. Гостям Форума особенно понравились изделия, изготовленные местными ремесленниками. Первый день работы Форума завершился просмотром в областном театре музыкальной комедии им. М.Назарова красочного мероприятия «Чакомаи гесу», конкурса лучшей прически с демонстрацией образцов музыкального фольклора всех районов Горного Бадахшана, что оставило у участников Форума, особенно иностранцев неизгладимое впечатление. Второй день участники начали с работы в секциях. В трех секциях – туризм и сфера услуг, переработка природных ресурсов и отрасль сельского хозяйства, промышленность, логистика и экспорт местной продукции – местные предприниматели выступили с презентациями по разработанным бизнес планам. Подготовленные более 100 бизнес планов охватывали почти все отрасли экономики области, и участники Форума с интересом обсуждали их. Уже в ходе работы секций, а также в кулуарах между участниками налаживались деловые контакты, велись переговоры о сотрудничестве, намечались пути совместной деятельности. По итогам двухдневной работы участниками были предложены для подписания более 30 меморандумов и протоколов намерений, 14 из которых были подписаны сторонами на заключительном пленарном заседании Форума. Примечательно, что на Форуме наметился большой сдвиг в развитии сотрудничества между ГБАО и Ошской областью Республики Кыргызстан. Здесь было подписано соглашение о создании совместной межобластной рабочей комиссии по содействию развитию экономического и культурного сотрудничества между двумя областями. Другие подписанные меморандумы относились к намерениям по переработке продукции сельского хозяйства и отделочных камней, развитию туризма, строительству. На этом Форуме впервые представители госструктуры на уровне министерств и ведомств республики и госструктур области, международных и местных организаций, соседних регионов зарубежных стран, местного и иностранного бизнеса совместно обсуждали потенциал, возможности и проблемы развития высокогорных регионов Таджикистана и высказали конкретные предложения по ускорению их социально-экономического развития. В ходе организованного опроса более 80 процентов участников Форума отметили целесообразность ежегодного проведения Форума «Памир Инвест». Это позволит на постоянной основе заняться поиском и решением вопросов устойчивого развития высокогорных регионов. В будущем году к этой работе могут активно подключиться другие высокогорные районы страны. Disaster after Disasters--Tourism industry crumbling in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country that is facing its worst conditions ever regarding its tourism industry. First, it was the great tragedy of 9/11 that dented the tourism industry, and then in 2005, a horrific earthquake collapsed the total tourism infrastructure in Kaghan valley, and this was followed by the Taliban capturing the beautiful Swat Valley. These disasters were followed by year 2010 bringing the floods that wreaked havoc with the entire tourism sector. Now, there is no tourism ministry left in Pakistan, and no tourism ministry means no tourism department and no tourism minister. For details click here
Palitha receives Presidential Awards Head of The Region South Asia Mr Palitha Gurusinghe receives Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism Sri Lanka, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the country's tourism industry. Focus of Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation is the social and 'economic development of rural communities in Sri Lanka, through Community Based Ecotourism Enterprises (CBEs). From its inception, SLEF has worked hard to introduce and implement poverty alleviation programs through ecotourism. To realize this objective, SLEF provides support services and motivates local communities to participate in Community Based Ecotourism and environmental conservation projects. |
