Bishkek, April 7, 2026 /Kabar/. Requirements for streamlining public administration in the tourism sector were set as part of the sustainable tourism development program. Based on these requirements, the State Agency for Tourism Development under the Cabinet of Ministers was established. The corresponding decree was signed by President Sadyr Zhaparov on March 31, 2026. Erdenet Kasymov, Director of the Department of Tourism, announced this on Birinchi Radio.
According to him, a digital platform and mobile app for tourists, "Tunduk Travel," are being developed in the republic. Marketing strategy is being developed to increase the country's international visibility.
He noted that a national program with sustainable tourism criteria has been developed, aimed at improving the quality of tour operators and festivals. It establishes requirements for guest houses and yurt camps.
Major legislative reform is planned for 2026, taking into account international experience, as well as domestic and national interests. All these measures are aimed at improving the quality of tourism businesses, according to Erdenet Kasymov.
He also added that the state is supporting small and medium-sized businesses by providing preferential loans. Since the beginning of the year, loans have been issued at 6% interest rates for amounts up to 5 million soms. There is a Tourism Development Support Fund, as well as a number of support mechanisms for private entrepreneurs.
Kasymov reported that the Karakol airport opened for the winter tourism, with flights from Bishkek, Osh, and including Almaty. Since the opening, tourist flow has increased significantly, and this year, a record number of tourists have visited the Karakol base, demonstrating growing interest in winter tourism.
"This year, the national project 'Ala-Too Resort' is planned to open, and over the next 10 years, it will develop into a major tourism cluster. The tourist complex will be capable of accommodating over 1 million tourists.
Furthermore, the large Baytik Mountain Resort project is planned for construction in Chui oblast. Chatkal has all the conditions for developing winter tourism, including the potential for a ski resort. Construction work on the large Chatkal Resort ski resort, in collaboration with international partners, is currently underway," Kasymov noted.
Expert Aysha Mambetalieva added that the country's tourism market is open, accessible, and democratically supported, and that its tourism products are excellent. "Unlike other countries, we are developing traditional tourism, as well as active, eco-friendly, and sustainable tourism. This, in my opinion, is a good indicator," she emphasized.