15/09/2025
Launch of Ethical Tourism Project in Kalasha Valleys
KPDN engages stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism and safeguard local culture
Mumuret (Bumburet), Chitral — A significant step has been taken towards better tourism management and cultural preservation in the Kalasha Valleys. The Kalasha People’s Development Network (KPDN), with the support of AKRSP, organized a one-day Project Inception Meeting on “Ethical Tourism in the Kalasha Valleys” at the Ishpata Group of Companies Headquarters, Mumuret (Bumburet). The event brought together representatives from government departments, private organizations, tour operators, guides, students, and members of the local community, including both men and women.
Welcoming the participants, Bakhtawar Shah, President of KPDN, highlighted the organization’s work and past initiatives. Reshma, General Secretary of KPDN, emphasized the importance of ethical tourism, while Luke Rehmat, CEO of KPDN, introduced the project “Safeguarding Culture: Ethical Tourism in the Kalasha Valleys” and its planned activities.
The meeting was attended by Zarin Khan, Enforcement Inspector KPCTA, Akram Hussain, Assistant Director Culture KVDA, Yasir Ali, Vice President Hotel Association Bumburet, Sharif Ahmad, Chairman AVDP, Hayat Uddin, Secretary Village Council, Kalasha Qazis (religious representatives), Hazrat Gul (Health Department), Gul Nazar (Education Department), as well as several tour guides.
The objective of the meeting was to develop a practical strategy to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in the valleys — ensuring quality facilities for visitors while safeguarding local values, traditions, and heritage.
During the session, six working groups were formed. Using charts, they presented their ideas and recommendations, which included:
Establishing information points at key locations
Training local guides
Preparing an ethical code of conduct for tourists
Improving cleanliness and waste management at tourist sites
Participants strongly recommended setting up a Tourism Information Counter at Dobazh Check Post to ensure proper visitor registration, crowd management, and reliable information dissemination.
Under the project, an ethical code of conduct for tourists will be developed, local youth will be trained as guides and hosts, and awareness sessions will be conducted to strengthen community–tourist relations. Additionally, a three-day workshop for YouTubers, TikTokers, and social media influencers will be organized to promote a positive image of the valleys globally. Special training sessions for tour guides will also be arranged to improve the quality of visitor guidance.
At the conclusion, stakeholders expressed their full support for the initiative, terming it a milestone for better tourism management and the preservation of Kalasha culture.