KHOROG, October 2, Asia-Plus -- Tour operators of Gorno Badakhshan have decided to unite.   

Such a decision was made at a meeting of tour operators of the region that was held in Khorog yesterday under support of Aga Foundation’s Mountain Societies Development Support Program (MSDSP) and in the framework of the Pamirs eco-cultural tourism development project, which is being implemented under financial support of the European Commission.

The meeting brought together representatives from 24 local tour operators and interested organizations.  The meeting participants agreed to set up the Pamirs Eco-Cultural Tourism Association (PECTA).  

A working group was set up to elaborate the Association charter and a plan of work for the near future.    

The Association, which is expected to begin functioning at the end of this year, will closely cooperate with the University of Central Asia (UCA), in particular the School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) at the University.  

During the meeting, it was noted that due to work of the Pamirs Eco-Cultural Tourism Association a number of tourists visiting Gorno Badakhshan could increase to 5,000 by 2009.