Today in Osh PERETO project organised a high-level policy round table on "Challenges and opportunities in introducing sustainable consumption and production in the tourism development of Osh region.” The event took place with the support of the Osh Regional Administration, Department of Tourism and Osh mayor's office.

The event offered a space and platform for all key stakeholders of the tourism and HoReCa sectors in Osh: government agencies responsible for environmental protection, tourism development and infrastructure, local authorities, commercial banks, green technology providers, tourism SMEs, business associations as well as Osh State University.

Through the event, the project seeks to facilitate the integration of green economy, energy and resource efficiency, as well as sustainable consumption and production (SCP) into sustainable tourism development strategy of Osh city and Osh region.

A draft of action plan of Osh tourism development for 2023-2028, as well as a marketing strategy, were presented during the roundtable.

Background:
Tourism remains one of key sectors of the country. It should be noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the main driver of growth in the tourism sector, face additional challenges in terms of remaining competitive and reducing their environmental impact. Among most significant problems facing SMEs include high energy intensity of buildings and equipment, infrastructure unsuitability for a year-round operation, high maintenance costs, lack of comfort that SMEs can offer to visitors, and rising energy prices and tariffs, unreliable power and water supply, and limited coverage of central sewerage and waste collection.
For example, in the energy sector, regular power outages outside major cities have disrupted businesses and imposed additional costs on SMEs. Currently, 85% of the country's electricity is produced by hydropower, and with climate change, the supply of electricity is becoming more unpredictable.

The main outcome of the roundtable was a Resolution, where all participants emphasized the principles of energy saving and resource efficiency through the introduction of modern green technologies, the implementation of logistics for municipal solid waste by creating dialogue platforms with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including business, civil society, state and local administrations. Participants gave their recommendations for new policies, and proposed measures for more active development of sustainable tourism in Osh city and Osh region.