Emilbek Akmatov, a representative of PERETO in Ala-Buka District, consulted more than 100 cafes and hotels. This is more than half of the total number of tourist facilities in the region.

The expert said that now all objects of the hospitality industry are preparing for winter tourism. Three memorandums of cooperation were signed within the PERETO project with Shahabidin Ata cafe, a business center with a teahouse in Kashkalak village, Ala-Buka district, and a cafe under construction near the district architecture.

Thanks to consultations, the Shahabidin Ata cafe replaced old windows with energy efficient ones, and insulation works were carried out at other sites. The owners of the cafes and guest houses are replacing all the regular bulbs with energy efficient ones because they understand that it is necessary to save electricity, and they have also started thinking about installing solar collectors.

"In Ala-Buka district now the electricity is often cut off. There is not enough voltage, the lights are dimly lit. Everyone is indignant, but there's nothing to do, but the bad thing is that coal has gone up in price. A bag of solid fuel weighing 25-30 kilograms costs 250-280 soms. Last year it cost 150-180 KGS. To save money, locals cut down trees for firewood. They also burn leaves, which should never be done," said Emilbek Akmatov.

Instead, he said, it is better to insulate the room and to use renewable energy sources. After all, the ecological state in the region leaves much to be desired. The lack of recycling and separate waste collection, including food waste, affects this. For example, in the Ala-Buka district there is no reception of glassware and plastic, and the efforts of local authorities are insufficient.

At the same time, tourists come in plenty even during the winter season. Many come for pilgrimages from Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz themselves also regularly visit the Ala-Buka district. There are two gold deposits in the region: Bozumchak and Ishtamberdi, so there are enough guests in guest houses. If all the tourist sites introduce energy efficient measures, not only will it create comfortable conditions for tourists, but it will also contribute to the preservation of the environment and save energy.

Emilbek Akmatbekov continues providing free advice to the tourism sector representatives in the Ala-Buka district. If you are interested in these opportunities, you can contact the project or directly Emilbek Akmatbekov by the following phone numbers: 0706 901216, 0556 901216, 0778 901216