Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators DISCLAIMER CONTENTS This work is a product of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......................................................................i The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other INTRODUCTION....................................................................................2 information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. TOURISM TRENDS IN TAJIKISTAN............................................................5 RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS TOURISM SERVICES IN TAJIKISTAN.......................................................27 © 2019 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank TOURISM IN KHATLON REGION AND 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: +1 (202) 522-2422; email: pubrights@worldbank.org. GORNO-BADAKHSHAN AUTONOMOUS OBLAST (GBAO)...................45 The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and li- censes, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to the Office of the Publisher, The World Bank, PROFILE AND LIST OF RESPONDENTS................................................57 Cover page images: 1. Hulbuk Fortress, near Kulob, Khatlon Region 2. Tajik girl holding symbol of Navruz Holiday 3. Chakan embroidery in Kulob, Khatlon Region 4. Kalai Varma, near Khorog, GBAO 5. Fresco from Penjikent, National Museum of Antiquities, Dushanbe 6. Iskandarkul Lake, Sughd Region This page: En route from Bokhtar to Dangara, Khatlon Region Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators acknowledgments This work has been prepared by a World Bank Group team led by Andrea Dall’Olio (Lead Financial Sector Economist). Anne Ong Lopez (Consultant) performed the data analysis and Raha Shahidsaless (Senior Private Sector Specialist) wrote the text, with contributions from Yunfan Gu (Young Professional). Kathy Dragon (Senior Tourism Consultant) and Shanyue Yan (Consultant) contributed to the questionnaire. Madalina Pruna (Private Sector Specialist), and Deqa Aden (Consultant) were responsible for the rollout of the survey, together with Tatiana Segal (Senior Operations Officer), who was also responsible for the Russian editions of the questionnaire and report. Farrukh Umarov (Consultant), Alisher Isaev (Consultant), and Navruza Aliqulova (Program Assistant) followed up with individual respondents. Tolib Alimatov (Graphic Designer) provided the design and Sophie Ibbotson (Consultant) and Amanda Green (Consultant) contributed to the editing and finalization of the document. The work was produced during the preparation of the World Bank Rural Economy Development Project (REDP) for Tajikistan and has also benefited from the financial support of the Program for Asia Trade and Connectivity (PACT), a trust fund between the World Bank and the United Kingdom Department of International Development (DFID) that provides support for the deve- lopment of cross-border tourism between Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Selected images were provided by Surat Toimasov (Pamir Adventure). The team appreciates the useful feedback provided by Milena Nikolova (Adventure Travel Trade Association, or ATTA), as well as World Bank Group staff including Jan-Peter Olters (Country Manager), Barbara Weber (Senior Operations Officer), John Perrottet (Senior Private Sector Specialist), Kiran Afzal (Senior Private Sector Specialist) and Madina Nurmatova (Se- nior Private Sector Specialist). The team is also grateful for the support received from the ATTA in disseminating the survey to their tour operator members. Palace of Nations, Dushanbe i Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Fedchenko Glacier, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) INTRODUCTION A World Bank Group (WBG) team from the Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation Global Practice rolled out Tour operators not offering Tajikistan itineraries were asked separate questions to assess constraints and potential demand. a survey to obtain information on the experiences of visitors to Tajikistan. Data on tourism in Tajikistan are scarce: quantitative information is limited to mostly aggregate arrival data, while qualitative information is almost absent. To address this limitation, as part of the preparation of the Rural Economy Development Project (REDP), the WBG team rolled out a small-scale, The survey covered Tajikistan as a whole, but gave particular focus to the two regions targeted by the REDP: Khatlon independent survey. The objective of the survey was to complement quantitative data about tourism arrivals and spending and and Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Khatlon is a mainly agricultural area that is rich in historical and to collect information that could inform the design of REDP interventions. cultural assets. GBAO is a remote region that is already a popular destination for foreign tourists in Tajikistan. A survey of tour operators was conducted to collect data about target groups of tourists in Tajikistan. In the absence The survey was completed by a total of 45 operators. Respondents included 31 operators (21 domestic and 10 international) of more granular sources of information, such as a tourism satisfaction survey, the team developed and implemented a survey who offered tours in Tajikistan (referred throughout this report as ‘incumbent operators’) and 14 operators who did not offer tours of tour operators, who could provide first-hand quantitative information and indirectly reflect the opinions of their customers. The in Tajikistan. Of those respondents who did not offer tours in Tajikistan, nine indicated that they would be interested in doing so survey therefore focuses on the experience of tourists who visit Tajikistan with tour operators. The average numbers reported in if certain improvements were made ('potential operators') and five were not interested in launching tours in the country. the survey are weighted by the number of tourists the operators bring to Tajikistan to better reflect the views of tourists. The survey allowed the team to draw conclusions about constraints and opportunities in developing the tourism The survey was sent to incumbent tour operators who were already organizing tours in Tajikistan (to better understand sector in Tajikistan. The results of the survey confirmed and complemented some of the information collected by the team their customers’ experiences), and to operators who did not yet offer Tajikistan as a product (to analyze potential latent during focus group meetings with stakeholders, as well as discussions with individual tour operators in Tajikistan and abroad. demand). An online questionnaire comprising 58 questions was circulated among local and foreign tour operators, between This exercise provided a snapshot of the country’s tourism offerings, as well as the behavior and interests of tourists who arrive August and September 2018. Follow-up interviews were organized with some respondents to verify data and clarify qualitative in Tajikistan through tour operators. Quotes from tourists and other tourism-related sources are utilized throughout this document answers. Of the questions, 47 were for tour operators who have organized Tajikistan tours in the past five years. These questions to support and enrich the quantitative observations, and to provide context to the findings. Tourism satisfaction surveys will be focused on their customer profile, volume of tourists, pricing strategies, and a qualitative assessment of various tourism offerings. implemented under the REDP, and the findings are expected to validate and strengthen the present analysis. 2 3 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators TOURISM TRENDS in TAJIKISTAN Rudaki Monument, Dushanbe 4 5 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators A village on Afghan Darvaz, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) A man making traditional knife in Istravshan (Surat Toimasov) CURRENT AND POTENTIAL DEMAND HOW TO CAPTURE MORE SPENDING Tajikistan is already catering to adventure tourists from Tajikistan can capture more tourism spending. Tourists visi- high-income countries, who are predominantly interested ting Tajikistan as part of a multicountry tour stay for an average in nature-based and cultural activities, and to visitors from of six days and spend $800. Those visiting only Tajikistan stay for countries with large volumes of outbound tourism. Based on 12 days and spend $1,400. This includes an average of $200 in survey findings, tour operators offer Tajikistan itineraries mostly to out-of-pocket spending, but excludes air travel. This expenditu- older, more experienced tourists from Europe, North America, and re is significantly below the global average. The United Nations Australia. Tajikistan also attracts visitors from the high-potential World Tourism Organization reports that adventure tourists spend Chinese market (Table 1). an average of $3,000 on an eight-day trip. Although demand has increased, there is still unrealized po- There is significant untapped demand among operators who tential for tourism in Tajikistan. Over 80% of tour operators re- do not cover Tajikistan, which could be captured through ported that demand for tourism to Tajikistan has increased in the better promotion of the country as a destination. Almost two- last two years (Figure 4). Respondents felt that the increase in thirds of the international operators surveyed who did not offer demand has resulted in large part from a growing knowledge and tours to Tajikistan would be interested in doing so (Figure 7). The awareness about Tajikistan and the region in general (Figure 5). vast majority of these operators reported that the lack of availabi- Nearly half (46 percent) of incumbent domestic operators and 89 lity of destination information and low demand from clients are the percent of incumbent international operators believed that Tajikis- main reasons for not offering trips at the moment (Figure 8). tan has not yet reached its tourism potential (Figure 6). The diffe- rence between international and domestic operators is indicative Tajikistan offers both nature-based and culture-based tou- of the need to build capacity to improve the country’s tourism offe- rism, but international operators are yet to fully discover the rings and services to tap into the potential demand. latter. Tourists currently visiting Tajikistan are almost equally inte- rested in cultural and natural sites, but international tour operators Despite its proximity to Afghanistan, Tajikistan remains a primarily offer nature-based products (Figure 11). Strengthening safe destination to visit. The majority of incumbent tour opera- cultural tourism offerings would increase opportunities for spen- tors surveyed reported that they were somewhat or very satisfied ding and widen the country’s appeal. with the current security situation in Tajikistan, and approximately 95% reported that they were not affected by the terrorist attack in the summer of 2018 (Figure 9 and Figure 10). 6 7 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Hindikush, seen from Shakhdara, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) By improving the quality and variety of tourism products, Tajikistan could encourage tourists to stay longer and results of the survey, 70% of the price of a tour package purchased from a foreign company is transmitted to the local tour spend more money. Tourists spend almost the same amount of money per day on trips to Tajikistan as part of a multicountry operator (Figure 17). Building the capacity of local tour operators will allow them to attract more tour-based tourists through tour as they would on a Tajikistan-only tour (Figure 13), but they stay in the country twice as long, on average, during a Tajikis- international tour operators and to directly link to their markets. tan-only tour (Figure 12). Better links to multicountry packages, improved tourism offerings, and opportunities for a longer stay in the country could therefore attract a larger share of tourism spending to Tajikistan. More specifically, domestic operators Most operators cater to international tourists only, making domestic tourism an undertapped market. Domestic tou- believe that better transport and local souvenirs would increase tourism spending, whereas for international operators quality rism accounts for three-quarters of total travel and tourism spending globally (World Travel and Tourism Council, 2018). In of food and better accommodation are the critical factors (Figure 15). Tajikistan, the majority of tour operators cater to international tourists only (Figure 18). Among tour operators who reported catering to both international and domestic visitors, only a quarter of their tourists are local. Local tourists are predominantly Guided package tours attract premium prices, and local tour operators in Tajikistan can extract more value from this men, and generally younger than their international counterparts.. Domestic tourism, particularly among young men who are type of tourism by better linking to the tour-based market, whether directly or through international tour operators. likely to be interested in rural tourism, helps to address seasonality and allows tourists and tourism spending to be dispersed Based on available data, a tour-guided tourist spends approximately twice as much per day as a backpacker. Based on the to areas less often visited by international tourists. This is an area that could be further developed in Tajikistan. 8 9 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Hiking in Wakhan, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) Pamir River, Great Pamirs, GBAO Most tourists visiting Tajikistan through tour operators are International tourists are mostly middle-aged and equally dis- from high-income countries in North America and Europe, or tributed between men and women. from China and Australia. Figure 2. Gender of international tourists visiting Tajikistan Figure 1. Tourists’ region of origin 50% 50% 2% 20% 41% Europe Male Female Asia and Oceania North America Africa Figure 3. Age brackets of international tourists visiting Taji- kistan 37% 15% 38% 47% Table 1. Top countries of origin of tourists Aged 29 Aged 50 Aged 30-49 and below and above USA 12% Germany 11% China 11% UK 9% Australia 7% France 6% Canada 5% Italy 5% Russia 4% 10 11 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Tajikistan has seen an increase in tourism demand, due most- ly to increased knowledge about the region. Figure 4. Change in demand over the past two years All incumbent operators 25% 61% 11% 3% Domestic operators 10% 73% 13% 4% International operators 87% 10% 3% Increase by Increase by No change Decrease 25% or more up to 25% Figure 5. Reasons behind the increase in tourism arrivals All incumbent operators 55% 34% 11% Domestic operators 40% 50% 10% International operators 86% 2% 12% Growing knowledge Better tour Other (visa policy reform, about Tajikistan operator services land border openings, and Central Asia in improved security, and general other reasons not specified above) Castle Karon, Darvaz, GBAO 12 13 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Ismaili Center, Dushanbe Ismoili Somoni Monument, Dushanbe According to tour operators, however, the country has yet to There is significant untapped demand for travel to Tajikistan, reach its tourism potential. which could be captured through better country promotion. Figure 6. Whether or not Tajikistan has reached its tourism po- Figure 7. Interest of international tour operators not yet offering tential tours to Tajikistan All incumbent operators 64% 36% 55% 45% Domestic operators Interested in doing tours in the future Not interested 46% 54% International operators Figure 8. Reasons why international operators are not offering 89% 11% tours to Tajikistan Has yet to reach potential Reached potential 37% 46% 6% 11% Lack of Lack of Security Other (greater knowledge of demand from concerns appeal of other Tajikistan as a clients Central Asian destination destinations, lack of access to health care and other reason not specified above) 14 15 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Despite its proximity to Afghanistan, incumbent operators believe that Tajikistan remains a safe place to visit. Figure 9. Satisfaction rating of the current security situation in Ta- jikistan All incumbent operators 4% 43% 46% 7% Domestic operators 5% 34% 54% 7% International operators 3% 78% 12% 7% Extremely Neutral Somewhat Very satisfied dissatisfied satisfied “My wife and I lived on the Figure 10. Affect of Tajikistan’s current security situation on tour opposite sides of the country. operators We both used public transport and shared taxis exclusively and traveled throughout the All incumbent operators country. Travel there has no safety issues with local people. 5% 95% They will take care of you.” Male (USA), Lonely Planet  Domestic operators 5% 95% International operators 7% 93% Affected Not affected Wakhan Corridor, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 16 17 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Market Square Panjshanbe, Khujand (Surat Toimasov) Although Tajikistan offers both nature-based and culture-ba- Attracting more Tajikistan-only visitors and encouraging sed tourism, international operators are less likely than their multicountry tourists to stay longer would increase tourism domestic counterparts to offer the latter. spending. Figure 11. Types of activities tourists are interested in Figure 12. Median length of stay in Tajikistan by type of tour itine- rary (days) All incumbent operators All incumbent operators 8% 22% 14% 25% 22% 9% Multicountry tours 6 Domestic operators 5% 22% 13% 26% 22% 12% Tajikistan-only tours 12 International operators Domestic operators 20% 21% 18% 19% 20% 2% Multiplecountry tours 6 Soft Visits to Hard Local Visits to Other*** adventure* natural adventure** culture historical Tajikistan only tours 12 sites sites International operators Nature-based tourism: hard adventure, soft adventure and visits to natural sites. Culture-based tourism: Immersion in local culture and cultural activities. Multiplecountry tours 5 * activities that require little or no experience and are low risk. ** physically demanding, risky, and challenging activities that require skill, specialized training, and willpower. *** duty-free shopping, spas, resorts, etc. Tajikistan only tours 14 “The famous traders of the Silk Road still live in remote villages up in the mountains. Medieval mosques, ancient settlements, magnificent fortresses, Islamic shrines and even Buddhist relics can be found in today’s Tajikistan. Many Soviet monuments like that one of Lenin and neoclassical soviet buildings still exist in big cities…allowing travelers see and sometimes experience the reality of Soviet rule. So for lovers of history and culture, Tajikistan offers both.” Indy Guides, 2018 Hissar Fortress, Hissar (Barbara Weber) 18 19 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Pamiri child, GBAO Tourists spend the same amount per day on their Tajikis- In addition to the cost of the tour, tourists pay approximately tan-only packages as they would on the Tajikistan portion of $200 in out-of-pocket expenses. their multicountry tour. Figure 13. Median tour package price excluding airfare by type of Figure 14. Median out-of-pocket spending per trip (US dollars) tour itinerary (US dollars per day) All incumbent operators All incumbent operators Tajikistan portion of multicountry tours 110 200 Tajikistan-only Domestic operators tours 100 Domestic operators 200 Tajikistan portion of multicountry tours 100 International operators Tajikistan only 250 100 tours International operators Tajikistan portion of multicountry tours 130 Tajikistan only tours 130 Pamiri dance, GBAO 20 21 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators More developed transport, food, and accommodations would Incumbent international tour operators typically work with increase tourism spending, while better marketing of the local operators to organize tour packages, and on average country and improved information about tourism experienc- 70% of the package price is transferred to the local operator. es would encourage tourists to stay longer. Figure 16. How incumbent international tour operators organize tour packages Figure 15. Share of tour operators stating that improving these factors would encourage tourists to stay longer in Tajikistan and 3% spend more* Better transport 83% 82% 87% 97% Higher food quality 81% 78% 95% Better accommodations 69% 63% 95% Organize through local tour operators Improved local souvenirs 69% 84% 9% Organize tours directly Better marketing of the country 56% 47% 90% Figure 17. Share of total package price going to local tour opera- Better information about 50% 42% 85% tors experiences Other 11% 9% 19% 30% All incumbent Domestic operators International operators 70% operators * Operators could select multiple factors Percentage of tour price retained by international operators Percentage of tour price paid to local operators Panjshanbe Market, Khujand (Surat Toimasov) Wakhan Corridor, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 22 23 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Incumbent operators cater primarily to international tourists, leaving domestic tour- ism-which serves mainly younger men-an undertapped market. Figure 18. Types of tourists that operators cater to in Tajikistan All incumbent operators 18% 82% Domestic operators 22% 78% International operators 100% International and domestic tourists International tourists only Figure 19. Gender of domestic tourists 79% 21% Male Female Figure 20. Age of domestic tourists 39% 35% 26% 29 and younger 30-49 50 and older Apple picking in Shamsiddin Shohin District, Khatlon Region 24 25 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators TOURISM SERVICES IN TAJIKISTAN Pamir Highway, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 26 27 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators HOW CAN TOURISM SERVICES IN TAJIKISTAN IMPROVE? WHAT COULD THE IMPACT OF IMPROVEMENTS BE? On average, tour operators are satisfied with what Tajikistan has to offer. Survey respondents assessed three main categories of If improvements were made to accommodation services, tour operators believe that tourists would pay approximately 30% more tourism services: (i) tourism offerings (including sites, attractions, handicrafts, guides, and activities), (ii) hospitality (including accommo- for hotels and approximately 60% more for homestays. This would boost average spending on hotels from $48 to $62 per night per dations and food), and (iii) transportation (into and within the country). person, and on homestays from $14 to $23 per night per person (Figure 25 and Figure 26). If improvements were made to food offerings, operators believe that tourists would pay approximately 70% more for their meals. Operators suggest a mix of priority interventions to support tourism development. Enhanced country promotion, improvement of This would increase average spending on food from $9 to $15 per meal per person (Figure 29). hospitality services, better domestic and international air connectivity, preservation of sites, and simplification of regulatory environment are considered top priority by most respondents (Figure 32). TOURISM OFFERINGS The novelty of the experience is hampered by poor services at and around sites. While international operators are significantly more satisfied with the novelty of what Tajikistan has to offer, the quality of this experience could improve by improving sanitation services, tou- ristic signage, and the condition of trails (Figure 22). HOSPITALITY Homestays: Basic sanitation should improve, as this received the lowest satisfaction rating (Figure 23). For international opera- tors, in particular, it is important to also simplify booking procedures. Hotels: Clients should receive a quality of service that matches the price. For hotels overall, international operators were less satis- fied than their domestic peers across all measures, and price in particular received the lowest satisfaction rating (Figure 24). Food: Improving the quality, safety, and presentation of food in restaurants is critical for increasing tourists satisfaction levels (Figure 27). The fact that international tour operators do not bring tourists to restaurants and prefer to feed their clients by purchasing food and cooking it themselves is indicative of a widespread problem with restaurants in Tajikistan (Figure 28). Improving food quality and hygiene will increase restaurant usage among both international and domestic tour operators. TRANSPORTATION Travel into Tajikistan: There is a need to increase the frequency of flights and the number of land border crossings. Frequency of flights received the lowest satisfaction rating regarding transportation into Tajikistan (Figure 30). For those who enter the country by land, particularly international operators, border-crossing procedures posed the most significant challenge. Travel within the country: Internal flights and road signage need to be improved. Once in Tajikistan, availability of internal flights and road signage were least satisfying to operators (Figure 31). Domestic operators were generally more satisfied with in-country transporta- tion infrastructure than their international counterparts. Shashlyk “Kabab”, Khujand (Surat Toimasov) 28 29 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators International tour operators report lower overall levels of tourism satisfaction in Tajikistan than domestic operators. Figure 21. Average tourism satisfaction ratings: 1 (extremely dissatisfied) – 5 (very satis- fied) Domestic International operators operators Tourism offerings 3.3 2.3 Hospitality 3.5 2.5 Transportation 3.5 2.5 Lake Karakul, Murgab area, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 30 31 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators While incumbent international operators are satisfied with the novelty of the Tajik tou- rism experience, sanitation, signange, and especially trails are considered to be of low quality. Figure 22. Average satisfaction rating of site attractiveness, tour services, and activities: 1 (extremely dissatisfied) - 5 (very satisfied) Overall 3.0 3.3 2.3 Availability of tourist equipment 3.7 3.7 3.2 Therapeutic services 3.4 3.4 3.4 Novelty of experience 3.1 2.7 4.7 Foreign language skills of guides 2.9 2.9 3.0 Handicrafts 2.8 2.8 2.8 Availability of guides 2.9 2.9 3.0 Accessibility to the site 2.7 2.8 2.2 Touristic signage of sites 2.6 3.0 1.3 Trails 2.5 2.8 1.3 Knowledge of guides 2.5 2.6 2.2 Availability of support services 2.2 2.2 2.1 Sanitation conditions at sites 1.7 1.8 1.2 All incumbent operators Domestic operators International operators Khoja Mashhad Mausoleum, Khatlon Region 32 33 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Serena Inn, Khorog, GBAO Accommodations provided by homestays are convenient, Hotels are considered too expensive for the quality offered but tour operators, especially international ones, are highly and receive average ratings across all criteria, with satisfac- dissatisfied with basic sanitation and with the ease of boo- tion levels being much lower among international tour ope- king, although the latter is less of a concern for domestic rators. operators. Figure 23. Average satisfaction rating of homestay services: Figure 24. Average satisfaction rating of hotel services: 1 (extremely dissatisfied) - 5 (very satisfied) 1 (extremely dissatisfied) - 5 (very satisfied) Overall 3.1 3.4 2.5 Overall 3.3 3.6 2.4 Price 3.5 3.2 4.9 Quality 3.2 3.3 2.9 Ease of booking 3.1 3.5 1.2 Ease of booking 3.1 3.3 2.2 Quality 2.5 2.4 2.9 Basic sanitation 3.0 3.2 2.2 Capacity/number of rooms 2.4 2.4 2.3 Capacity/number 3.0 3.2 2.2 of rooms Basic sanitation 2.0 2.1 1.2 Price 2.7 2.8 2.3 All incumbent operators Domestic operators International operators All incumbent operators Domestic operators International operators “The Pamir highway is the highlight of any trip in Tajikistan if you want to explore mountains, villages and nature. But do not expect hotels along the way. In remote places you can only sleep in a Homestay or Guesthouse (beds and food are usually good, but bathrooms are not always working well).” Frederique B. (United States), Trip Advisor, June, 2018 Fan Mountains, Aini area, Sughd Region 34 35 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators If accommodations were to improve, tourists would be will- Quality, safety, and presentation of food need to improve for ing to pay up to 30% more for hotels and approximately 60% tourists to use more local restaurants... more for homestays. Figure 27. Characteristics of food that should improve so that Figure 25. Spending on hotels by tourists (US dollars, per night, tourists spend more in restaurants per tourist) today versus in the future, once improvements are made All incumbent operators All incumbent operators 47% 22% 29% Price today 48 Domestic operators Price in the future 62 46% 26% 27% Domestic operators Price today 48 International operators 53% 7% 37% Price in the future 59 International operators Quality Safety Presentation Variety (e.g. Nothing to vegetarian improve Price today 50 options) Price in the future 72 Figure 26. Spending on homestays by tourists (US dollars, per night, per tourist) today versus in the future, once improvements are made All incumbent operators Price today 14 Price in the future 23 Domestic operators Price today 15 Price in the future 23 International operators Price today 13 Price in the future 22 Osh palav, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 36 37 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators … and most international operators are reluctant to use local If the quality of food offerings were to improve, tourists would restaurants to feed tourists. be willing to pay approximately 70% more for their meals. Figure 28. How operators organize food for their tourists Figure 29. Meal prices (US dollars, today versus in the future, subject to improvements) All incumbent operators All incumbent operators 66% 19% 7% 8% Price today 9 Domestic operators Price in the future 15 75% 17% 2% 6% Domestic operators International operators Price today 10 30% 25% 24% 21% Price in the future 17 International operators Take visitors Purchase Source food Other (buy to local locally directly from imported food, Price today 6 restaurants sourced local bring from food from producers overseas) local shops Price in the future 11 “You will not find the density or diversity of restaurants typical in some other parts of Asia. Restaurants in Tajikistan (particularly those situated outside of Dushanbe) typically have a limited menu of Russian and Tajik dishes. It is rare for everything listed to actually be available. If the restaurant is not fully booked for a celebration you won’t need a reservation, nor to wait for a table. Service may be chaotic but it is generally good-natured.” Bradt Guide, Tajikistan Cooking the Sumanak at Navruz Traditional Spices, Khujand (Surat Toimasov) 38 39 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Transportation into Tajikistan remains problematic for Once in-country, limited internal flights and the absence of international operators, particularly with regard to land border road signage constrain tourists’ experiences. crossing procedures and frequency of flights. Figure 30. Average satisfaction rating of transportation Figure 31. Average satisfaction rating of in-country transportation into Tajikistan: 1 (extremely dissatisfied) - 5 (very satisfied) infrastructure: 1 (extremely dissatisfied) - 5 (very satisfied) Overall 3.1 3.4 2.4 Overall 3.2 3.5 2.6 Availability/accessibility of trans- port services 3.6 4.0 2.2 Safety aspects 3.4 3.7 2.4 of transport Quality of transport services 3.6 3.7 3.0 Land border 3.2 3.6 2.0 crossing procedures Condition of roads 3.4 3.5 2.9 Price Airport arrival procedures of transport services 3.3 3.4 3.0 and multiple visas 3.1 3.1 3.1 Amenities along the road (rest areas and gas stops) 2.7 2.7 2.9 Price/quality ratio 2.8 2.9 2.3 of the transport option Road signage for tourists 2.5 2.6 2.1 Number and frequency of flights 2.7 2.9 2.1 Availability of internal flights 1.9 1.8 2.1 All incumbent Domestic International All incumbent Domestic International operators operators operators operators operators operators “To a large degree, my journey was dictated by flight schedules. Dushanbe does not exactly boast many flight options: around 15 “I visited Tajikistan for 14 days and 15 nights, most of which were scheduled daily departures from its modestly sized airport mainly spent road-tripping to the next destination. The journey did not feel serve cities in Russia, with at least 4 daily flights to Moscow. There rushed, but we spent at least 6 hours every day in the car and are twice weekly flights to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and Dubai often felt exhausted enough to fall asleep right after dinner, at a with Flydubai…Other, less frequent, flights connect Dushanbe with laughably early hour of around 8pm.” Almaty, Bishkek, Kabul, Mashhad, Tashkent, Tehran and Urumqi.” Anna, frequent traveler and blogger, 2018 Anna, frequent traveler and blogger, 2018 Dushanbe International Airport Pamir Highway, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 40 41 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Operators suggest a mix of policy, public and private sector investment, and capacity-building interventions for Tajikistan to reach its tourism potential. Figure 32. Share of operators stating that Tajikistan should pursue the improvement Brand and promote the country 69% Improve accommodation and food services 65% Increase domestic and international (air) connectivity 62% Preserve and upgrade sites 61% Simplify regulatory environment 54% Create skills for tourism sector specialists 47% Improve transportation infrastructure 45% Reduce seasonality 42% Improve access to utilities (water, sanitation, and electricity) 40% Enhance safety and security 40% Simplify border crossing 38% Improve quality of souvenirs and handicrafts 37% Other 12% Kohi Navruz, Dushanbe 42 43 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators TOURISM IN KHATLON REGION AND GORNO-BADAKHSHAN AUTONOMOUS OBLAST (GBAO) Bulunkul Lake Murgab area, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 44 45 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators KHATLON AND GBAO - PATTERNS AND OPPORTUNITIES Both GBAO and Khatlon already cater to international tourists, but they have opportunities for further growth. The Wakhan Corridor (where Yamchun Fortress is located) and the Pamir Highway are the top tourist sites in GBAO. Kulob, the closest town to the Hulbuk Fortress, is the top site in Khatlon. Analysis of data from GBAO and Khatlon demonstrates three opportunities for regional growth: • Building Khatlon’s tourism as a destination in its own right and not just as a pass-through to GBAO. GBAO receives a significant proportion of tourists to Tajikistan, and operators bring more tourists to (and stay longer in) GBAO than Khatlon, using Khatlon merely as a route by which to access GBAO. Yet Khatlon has a lot to offer (Figure 34). The region is home to the archeological ruins of Takhti Sangin (source of the Oxus Treasure hosted at the British Museum in London), the holy site of Chiluchoschashma (where Imom Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, stayed to preach Islam), and the Buddhist sanctuary of Ajina Teppa (where a 12-meter-long Buddha was recovered). Lack of attention to Khatlon’s cultural tourism potential excludes visitors who would be interested in exploring Tajikistan but would not appreciate the long drive from Dushanbe to popular tourism destinations like GBAO.O. “Khatlon region, south of Dushanbe, is mostly a winter destination...in February and March, while the rest of the country is covered in snow, Pamir Lodge, Khorog, GBAO the south is already a pleasant place to be.” Caravanistan – The Silk Road Travel Guide 46 47 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators • Making GBAO more accessible. Private cars are the most commonly used means of transportation to Khatlon and GBAO, especially among domestic operators (Figure 37). International operators are also interested in alternative methods of transportation, including bikes and motorbikes for both regions, and helicopters for GBAO, which could help to tap further into the two regions’ unexploited potential: -- Bikes and motorbikes: Bike tourism could serve as a major economic contributor. For example, a 2016 European Cyclists Federation study concluded that there are an estimated 2.295 billion cycle tourism trips in Europe with a value in excess of €44 billion per year. Developing the right infrastructure and catering to the needs of cyclists could make a significant economic contribution, especially in rural Tajikistan. -- Helicopters and planes: Helicopters and planes are already being used by tourists to reach GBAO, but there are no regular, affordable services. If developed and expanded further, these could be a viable, complementary mode of transportation to GBAO, especially attracting tourists who do not appreciate the long drive from Dushanbe. • Improving the hospitality sector by offering better homestay experiences. In Khatlon, where homestays are limited, hotels are used, while in GBAO, both homestays and hotels are used equally (Figure 39 and Figure 40). The experience in GBAO shows that, when homestays are offered, they are used by adventure tourists. Improving the homestay experience for tourists would appeal to the interests of adventure tourists, who are usually interested in immersing themselves in the local culture while, at the same time, channeling more tourism spending to small homestay owners in rural areas. “Beautiful landscapes, nice people, adventure in the most peaceful place on earth! We cycled there for 3 weeks, it was the 3rd time for me to go... I am Pamir addicted!” Vero Geoffrey (ex pat living in Dushanbe), Trip Advisor, August, 2017 A cyclist on the Pamir Highway, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) Bulunkul Lake Murgab area, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 48 49 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators The Wakhan Corridor and Pamir Highway are the most-visited In Khatlon, international operators tend to have a strong destinations in GBAO, and international operators also have preference for trekking, off-roading, and wildlife activities. a strong interest in trekking and wildlife activities. Figure 34. Share of respondents identifying most-visited sites and Figure 33. Share of respondents identifying most-visited sites and activities in Khatlon activities in GBAO Kulob (including Hulbuk) 28% 2% Wakhan Corridor 56% 32% Shakhrituz 17% 0% Khorog 16% 4% Ajina-Teppa 17% 0% Trekking 3% 30% Cultural tours 14% 0% Trekking 2% 30% Historical sightseeing 9% 1% Off-roading 0% 30% Wildlife 1% 26% Wildlife 0% 30% Bartang Valley 6% 1% Takhti Sangin 7% 3% Jeep tours 1% 2% Hamadoni Shrine 5% 3% Vakhsh River 2% 2% Biking 1% 2% Childukhtaron 3% 0% Hot springs 3% 0% Other 5% 0% Other 4% 2% Incumbent Incumbent Incumbent domestic Incumbent international domestic international operators operators operators operators “The third largest city in Tajikistan, Kulob feels more like a provincial town with wide open streets lined with hollyhocks and punctuated “What a beautiful drive through the mountains [of Wakhan] where with polished civic statues. First referred to by historians in AD every turn is more beautiful than the one before. The striations 737, the city celebrated a special milestone in 2006 – namely, its on the rocks, the symmetry of the mountains the waterfalls was 2700th birthday... There are a couple of sights in and around town, indeed a wondrous sight.” including nearby Hulbuk Fortress, that make for a worthwhile break Rifty K, Florida, Trip Advisor, July, 2017 on the long drive from Dushanbe towards the Pamirs.” Lonely Planet Hiking on Shokhdara Range, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) Childukhtaron, Khatlon region (Surat Toimasov) 50 51 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators GBAO is the most popular tourist region in Tajikistan, both in terms of tourist volume and length of stay, while Khatlon is largely used as a pass-through to GBAO. Figure 35. Average number of tourists that each incumbent operator brings to Tajikistan annually (number) 260 129 27 104 Tajikistan GBAO Khatlon Other parts of Tajikistan Figure 36. Incumbent operators reporting average length of stay (days) GBAO 7 Khatlon 3 Hiking in Pamirs, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 52 53 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Private cars are the most commonly used means of The experience in GBAO, with a network of approximately transportation to Khatlon and GBAO, but international 200 homestays, shows that homestays are an attractive operators also use bikes and motorbikes, and helicopters are accommodation option outside of Dushanbe. occasionally used to reach GBAO. Figure 39. Incumbent operators reporting frequency of use of Figure 37. Modes of transportation used to take tourists to Khatlon accommodation services in Khatlon All incumbent operators Hotel 60% 39% 1% 84% 12% Domestic operators Homestay 16% 40% 44% 90% 5% International operators Camping 12% 72% 16% 60% 37% Frequently used Infrequently used Not applicable Private car Other (public transportation, planes, and helicopters) Bikes or motorbikes Figure 40. Incumbent operators reporting frequency of use of accommodation services in GBAO Figure 38. Modes of transportation used to take tourists to GBAO Hotel 75% 25% All incumbent operators 83% 11% Homestay 74% 26% Domestic operators 87% 4% Camping 53% 43% International operators 60% 40% Frequently used Infrequently used Not applicable Private car Bikes or motorbikes Other (public transportation, planes, and helicopters) “The Pamir highway is an unforgettable experience. land- “I cycled the Pamir in September and it was by far the toughest and scapes will blow you away and the lovely homestays will most beautiful cycling experience I’ve had on a bike. A must see.” make the trip even more memorable.” Mehdi M. (Tunisia), Trip Advisor, October, 2018 Tabdour, Trip Advisor, May, 2017 Jeep adventure in Murgab area, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) Guest House near Oktangi (Surat Toimasov) 54 55 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators PROFILE AND LIST OF RESPONDENTS Pamir Mountains, GBAO (Surat Toimasov) 56 57 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Most incumbent operators are from Tajikistan, and most international operators are based in Europe and North America. Figure 41. Number of all incumbent operators surveyed 21 10 Domestic operators International operators Table 2. Number of international operators by country of origin Switzerland 3 United States 2 United Kingdom 1 Netherlands 1 Kyrgyzstan 1 Uzbekistan 1 India 1 Pamir Highway, Karakul, GBAO 58 59 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Zorkul Nature Reserve, GBAO International operators tend to offer both Tajikistan-only and multicountry tours, but This survey would not have been possible without the domestic operators offer more Tajikistan-only tours. contributions of many tour operators who took the time to offer their views. The list below includes those who agreed to be acknowledged in this report: Figure 42. Types of tours offered in Tajikistan ‘‘ Aziana Travel ‘‘ Badakhshan Travel LLC All incumbent operators ‘‘ Berg + Tal ‘‘ Blini Reizen 34% 26% 40% ‘‘ Indy Guide ‘‘ Javohir Tour Domestic operators ‘‘ Kalpak Travel ‘‘ LLC “Pamir Trips” ‘‘ LTD “Pamir Highway” 42% 30% 28% ‘‘ Pamir Adventure ‘‘ Pamir Highway Adventure International operators ‘‘ Pamir Silk Travel Ko. ‘‘ Panj Travel ‘‘ Ptec-Travel.kg 1% 11% 88% ‘‘ Rohat-Tour ‘‘ Sayohati Oli LLC - Paramount Journey ‘‘ Silk Road Treasure Tours Tajikistan-only tours Multicountry tours Both ‘‘ Sitara International Ltd. ‘‘ Untamed Borders ‘‘ Wilderness Travel The majority of tour operators cover both Khatlon and GBAO. ‘‘ ВИП тревел энд тур ‘‘ Памир пикс ‘‘ Сайохат ба Помир Figure 43. Tour operators’ regions of coverage The quotes presented in this brochure have been extracted from various sources, including the Bradt Guide, Indy Guide, Lonely All incumbent operators Planet, Trip Advisor, the Silk Road Travel Guide, and Anjci All Over. 85% 14% 1% Domestic operators 84% 15% 1% International operators 76% 7% 13% 4% Cover both Cover only Cover only Cover neither Khatlon and GBAO GBAO Khatlon Khatlon nor GBAO 60 61 Tourism in Tajikistan as Seen by Tour Operators Qalai Khumb, GBAO MAP OF TAJIKISTAN 68°E 70°E 72°E KAZAKHSTAN TAJIKISTAN S yr 40 PROJECT REGIONS ELEVATIONS: Da UZBEK IS TAN MAIN BORDER CROSSINGS (IN METERS) ry a MAIN CITIES AND TOWNS TAJIKISTAN ry a Istiklol Da REGION CENTERS 6,000 Syr 5,000 AUTONOMOUS REGION CENTER* 4,000 72 74 CAPITAL NATIONAL Khujand Konibodom MAJOR ROADS 3,000 2,000 Gafurov Kayrakkum AUTONOMOUS REGION BOUNDARIES* 1,000 Reservoir REGION BOUNDARIES Istaravshan INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES * Area with no Region-level administrative divisions, UZBEK IS TAN K YRGY Z REPUBLIC and where raions are under direct Republic jurisdiction. u SUGHD Kyzyl-S u 74°E Zeravshan Panjakent Ayni REGION Jirgatal' Gharm Surkho b Lake DISTRICTS OF Karakul' CHINA DUSHANBE Komsomolabad REPUBLICAN ou SUBORDINATION Ob Obigarm i k h ing Murghab - Tavildara Osh/Bishkek UZBEKISTAN DUSHANBE sh kh Rangkul' Va Vahdat Kalaikhum Glacier Trek Norak Rukhch (6 days) Lake Murghab - Shorkul - Vanj Sarezskoye Mugharb- Modiyan Rangkul (Day tour) lsu Murgab Murgab Kyzy g tan r Dangara Ba 38°N Kulyab Kulyab Kulyab-Kargush KU HIS TONI BADAKH SH ON Kulma Pass 38°N Qurghonteppa (5 days) Ak AU TO NOMOUS REGI ON su Boce Alichur Murgab-Tokhtamish- KHATLON Guliston Murghab -Kalaikhum Kalaikhumb- Murgab Shaymak (Day tour) (5 days) Garavuti REGION Barsem (6 days) Khorogh Vakhsh 74 Shahrituz Andarob ir Panj Pam Short Afghan Tour Wakhan-Shokhdara AFGHANIS TAN (3-7 days) (7-8 days) Vrang IBRD 44043 | NOVEMBER 2018 nj This map was produced by the Cartography Unit of the World Pa Bank Group. The boundaries, colors, denominations and any other Ishkashim information shown on this map do not imply, on the part of the 0 30 60 90 120 World Bank Group, any judgment on the legal status of any territory, or any endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. 68°E 70°E 72°E PAKISTAN 74°E KILOMETERS