As tourism in Kyrgyzstan is becoming a driver of inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provides comprehensive support to the tourism industry.
The regional project “Aid for Trade in Central Asia,” funded by the Government of Finland, demonstrates that a system approach to tourism development can transform local economies, strengthen communities, and pave the way for a greener and more resilient future.
UNDP’s comprehensive support includes key roles for knowledge sharing, mentoring, and expanding business networks. This comprehensive approach has yielded tangible results. Over the course of several years, the revenues of 42 local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) increased from 70.4 million to 180.2 million soms—a 156% increase, representing a breakthrough for remote regions where small businesses often form the backbone of the economy. Exports of tourism goods and services nearly quadrupled, reaching 42.9 million soms, while the flow of foreign tourists grew from 14,880 to over 36,000, providing a sustainable source of income for remote communities.
UNDP focuses on human capital and creates opportunities for people. Forty-four entrepreneurs participated in the project, and almost half of them received grant support. Women play a leading role: they accounted for half of the grant recipients and filled almost 80% of the newly created jobs. More than 110 specialists—guides, drivers, artisans, and tour company managers—were trained. Many have implemented eco-friendly solutions, including renewable energy sources and waste management systems.
The project covered the entire country, taking into account the specifics of each region. In Bishkek and the Chui region, the focus was on developing an organizational center and supporting associations. In Issyk-Kul, efforts are focused on strengthening infrastructure and developing ethnocultural trade. A regional tourism base has been established in Jalal-Abad, and a southern cluster is being formed in Osh, combining cultural routes and hotel services.
More than 20 tour operators from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have developed joint cross-border tourism products. National and regional dialogues on adventure tourism development led to the creation of the associations “Destination Jalal-Abad,” “Destination Osh,” and “Destination Karakol.”
UNDP will continue to implement the National Tourism Development Programme, supporting the government, tourism organizations, and local communities to attract tourists and strengthen infrastructure. This work aims to create modern services and conditions for a comfortable stay for visitors, develop the professional skills of industry specialists, and promote ethnocultural and eco-friendly tourism products.
