Karakol has been announced as the winner of the People’s Choice Awards 2024 at the world's largest tourism exhibition, ITB Berlin. This prestigious award was presented by the international sustainability platform Green Destinations. The city's commitment to sustainability and innovation in tourism was recognized on the global stage in 2023 when it was included in the top 100 successful sustainable destinations list by Green Destinations 2023.
Every year, ITB Berlin announces winners in various Green Destinations categories, along with winners of two special awards: People’s Choice Award and ITB Earth Award. Following an international online voting process with participants from around the world, Karakol emerged victorious in the People’s Choice Award category, garnering 2,892 votes. This achievement was made possible thanks to the active support of residents from Kyrgyzstan and other countries who appreciated and endorsed Karakol's efforts in sustainable tourism.
The story of Karakol's tour guides, depicting their hard work, passion for their craft, and commitment to providing visitors with unforgettable experiences year-round, symbolizes how a local community can inspire and attract tourists while adhering to sustainability principles. The success is attributed to years of collaborative work with partners in the destination of Karakol.
Gulnura Dzhanibaeva, the head of the Swiss project WTK, emphasized the significance of receiving this prestigious international award, affirming Karakol's status as one of the world's sustainable and attractive tourism destinations. This recognition opens up new opportunities for its development and promotion on the international stage.
Karakol's First Vice-Mayor, Nurzhigit Tursunbekov, believes that Karakol has set an example for other destinations in Kyrgyzstan that aspire to sustainability. The city's achievement serves as a beacon for others to follow in their pursuit of sustainable tourism practices.
