Friday, April 13, 2012 -
Kyrgyzstan’s premier signed off on Thursday a national tourism development plan that requires citizens to improve their behavior or face the consequences.
Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov outlined the medium-term program entitled ‘Heart of Asia’ in remarks at a government meeting in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
Until now tourism only focused on the popular mountain lake haven of Issyk-Kul, leaving abandoned many potential tourism attractions throughout the country, he said.
“But in each area we have historic, holy, and equally-beautiful places; a lot of sites that can be shown,” the knews.kg site quoted Babanov as telling ministers.
The concept calls on strong impetus on the tourism sector for the next 10 years.
Citizens will also be pressed to improve their behavior with punishments for misbehavior.
Babanov noted that Kyrgyzstan should follow other countries that impose fines and jail sentences on litter louts.
"In developed countries, those who throw trash on the ground are held responsible. For example, a piece of paper thrown down can get a $500 fine or three-to-seven days in jail. We also need to think about such steps,” Babanov said.
“Whether it's chewing gum, litter, a plastic bag - we need to convey to the people that you cannot do so," he said.
“Kyrgyzstan is worthy is the title, ‘Heart of Asia’, and should get it,” Babanov added.
This week in neighboring Kazakhstan, President Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed annoyance at the sorry state of his new capital city and also said chewing gum litterers should be fingerprinted and spend three days behind bars.