LocationsUNDP supports Kyrgyzstan's tourism expansion in the global markets
November 14, 2024
Bishkek, 14 November 2024 – UNDP is collaborating with the Kyrgyz Government to enhance the country’s tourism sector and expand its presence in global markets, leveraging Kyrgyzstan’s unique natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In partnership with national stakeholders, UNDP is helping the country tap into global tourism opportunities through targeted policy initiatives, capacity building, and support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Today, the tourism sector is recognized as a vital driver of sustainable economic growth in Kyrgyzstan, offering vast potential due to its diverse natural beauty, cultural richness, and emerging reputation as a top eco-tourism and adventure travel destination. UNDP’s support is focused on harnessing this potential to diversify the economy, create new jobs, and generate sustainable income, particularly in rural areas where economic opportunities are often limited.
The tourism sector in Kyrgyzstan presents significant opportunities to drive inclusive development, empower women, and support local communities. By improving infrastructure, enhancing market access, and building local capacity, UNDP is working to ensure that the benefits of tourism are widely shared, particularly in remote and rural areas.
«This aligns with UNDP’s broader mission to help Kyrgyzstan achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by creating long-term economic opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and safeguarding the country's unique environment. Through these efforts, UNDP not only positioning Kyrgyzstan as a competitive player in the global tourism market but also contributing to the resilience and sustainable growth of both local and national economies» — says Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan.
This month marked an important milestone for Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector as the country explored new opportunities in Southeast Asia. Kyrgyzstan participated in two major events: the ITB Asia Exhibition in Singapore (October 23–25, 2024) and the Tourism Roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (October 28, 2024). These events provided a unique platform for Kyrgyzstan to showcase its tourism potential to a global audience. The participation of Kyrgyz delegates in these events was supported by UNDP’s “Aid for Trade” project, funded by the Government of Finland, helping to expand the country’s tourism reach and strengthen its international presence.
Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest growing regions for outbound tourism, and the events provide an opportunity for Kyrgyzstan to showcase its tourism potential to a new audience. With increasing global demand for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural exploration, Kyrgyzstan is well positioned to expand its export offer. At ITB Asia, Director of the Tourism Department Tourism Department of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, Maksat Usubaliev, met with Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director Oliver Chong, discussing opportunities to strengthen bilateral tourism initiatives, foster collaboration between tourism associations, and explore marketing partnerships and charter flight possibilities. The exchange marked a promising step in bolstering connections between the Kyrgyz Republic and Singapore.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Kyrgyz delegation engaged with over 65 representatives from Malaysian tourism companies at a roadshow organized by the Tourism Development Support Fund and the Tourism Department of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. The event showcased Kyrgyzstan’s tourism potential, highlighting the country’s tourism policies and projects, with insights from the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO). A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Tourism Department and the Malaysian Islamic Tourism Centre to promote sustainable tourism, emphasizing the possibilities for collaboration in Islamic tourism. This engagement underscores Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to attracting Southeast Asian travelers and lays the groundwork for future partnerships.
“These events are a vital step toward expanding Kyrgyzstan’s presence on the global tourism stage, unlocking new opportunities in Southeast Asia, and setting the foundation for future collaborations in this dynamic region” – said Saltanat Midin, President of KATO.
The Aid for Trade Project, funded by the Government of Finland and implemented by UNDP, is proud to support Kyrgyzstan’s tourism representatives at these high-profile events. By enabling participation from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and KATO, the project ensures that Kyrgyzstan’s tourism potential is fully represented in Singapore and Malaysia.
Participants in this global tourism event will have the opportunity to expand their market reach by engaging with tour operators and travel agencies from Singapore, Malaysia, and across Southeast Asia, showcasing Kyrgyzstan's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. They will also strengthen ties with Southeast Asia’s tourism industry by exploring potential collaboration agreements and investigating direct flight routes to enhance connectivity between the regions. Additionally, participants can develop their professional networks through business-to-business meetings facilitated by the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO), allowing Kyrgyz tour operators to negotiate with travel agencies and tourism companies in Southeast Asia.
For further information please contact Ainagul Abdrakhmanova, UNDP Communications officer, at Ainagul.abdrakhmanova@undp.org
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About UNDP’s AFT project:
UNDP is implementing the fifth phase of the regional project "Aid for Trade in Central Asia," funded by the Government of Finland, which aims to support Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth by promoting green value chains and enhancing economic competitiveness. The project focuses on building more resilient, secure, and gender-sensitive economic structures by diversifying economies and adapting to evolving market and consumer trends. It employs an integrated approach that operates at the macro, meso, and micro levels to maximize development impact. Key components include creating an enabling environment to bolster economic resilience and foster inclusive growth, as well as supporting job creation and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of value chains in green sectors. Gender equality and environmental sustainability are central cross-cutting themes throughout the project.
More about tourism VC development can be found here.
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