Samuel Maret
Sustainable Tourism Strategist – Specialist in Central Asia
Any form of economy can be sustainable if, from the start, the strategy aims to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and the well-being of local communities and workers.
Samuel Maret is a seasoned economist (ESCEA) with over two decades of hands-on experience in Central Asia. His work focuses on the development of sustainable mountain tourism that respects natural ecosystems while empowering local communities. Samuel believes in aligning economic goals with social responsibility and ecological stewardship.
His mission is to evaluate the tourism potential of underdeveloped regions through careful analysis of natural, human, and infrastructure resources, and then to support the development of long-term strategies grounded in feasibility and sustainability.
Key competencies
- Site analysis and master planning for mountain destinations
- Creation and development of ecotourism products
- Economic feasibility studies for tourism sites
- Restructuring of existing resorts
- Formation of tourism-based local clusters
- Support for community-based tourism projects
Publications from this author
The Cluster Law in Kyrgyzstan: A Powerful Tool for Development Still Waiting to Be Unlocked
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Sustainable Tourism Strategist – Specialist in Central Asia
Revived under the initiative of President Sadyr Japarov, the Cluster Law in Kyrgyzstan is seen as a key opportunity to accelerate the country’s economic and tourism development. However, its implementation seems to face significant obstacles — particularly within the Ministry of Economy, which still struggles to fully grasp the mechanisms and long-term benefits of the cluster model.
Sustainable Tourism: Spotlight on Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan
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Sustainable Tourism Strategist – Specialist in Central Asia
Explore Central Asia's potential, with a focus on Kyrgyzstan, as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and community development.
Association Kyzyl Djar
Strategic Tourism Development in the Jeti Oguz District, Kyrgyzstan
To support the tourism development of Jeti Oguz district, Samuel Maret was commissioned to introduce a structured tourism development model in collaboration with a local association and regional authorities. Since 2023, a comprehensive strategy and a Destination Management Organization (DMO) have been established. A detailed inventory identified over 100 tourist sites, 70 one-day tour options, and dozens of multi-day itineraries. The project is currently ongoing.
Building a tourism destination is not just about attracting visitors — it’s about empowering communities and protecting what makes this place special.
Northern Pakistan Ecotourism Association
Strategic and Sustainable Development of Northern Pakistan as a Tourist Destination
To support the ecotourism development of Northern Pakistan, Samuel Maret was commissioned to introduce a sustainable tourism development model in collaboration with a local association and regional authorities.
Sustainable tourism is more than a goal – it’s a necessity for preserving what makes this region special while enabling communities to thrive.
Winter Sports Federation Pakistan
Strategic Development of the Naltar Ski Area, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Samuel Maret was commissioned to assess and develop the tourism potential of the Naltar ski resort, with a focus on infrastructure modernization, ski area expansion, and the promotion of unique tourism products for the international market.