Asylbek Aliev

Vice-president

Tourism development support fund of the Kyrgyz Republic

Asylbek Aliev, Vice-President of the Tourism development support fund of the Kyrgyz Republic, shares his expert view on the upcoming season and key changes in the industry.

The 2025 season for Kyrgyzstan is characterized by moderate risks: transportation shortages (5/10) – seasonal fluctuations in demand, flight restrictions (2/10) – minimal impact, visa issues (0/10) – open for most countries, competition with aggregators (0/10) – the local market is still poorly affected.

The main flow of tourists can be divided into the following categories: tourists for whom the minimum price of a package is important but these tourists understand and realize what the price–quality ratio is (6/10), tourists for whom a high-quality package is important but there are budget restrictions (5/10), VIP travelers (3/10), those who chooses the cheapest tours (3/10).

Key markets: Western Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the CIS countries. Issyk-Kul remains the main destination, but the demands of tourists have begun to change. There has been a decline in interest in beach holidays. There is an increase in the popularity of active tourism: trekking, cycling, mountaineering. The involvement in cultural, historical and adventure tours has increased.

Regarding digital tools and B2B cooperation, we can say that social networks and targeted advertising have become mandatory channels of promotion, and working with the B2B segment helps to establish international partnerships and attract new customers.

Kyrgyzstan relies on a variety of tourist products, from thermal springs to extreme routes. The success of the season will depend on adapting to new demands and making effective use of digital resources.