Kyrgyz lawmaker proposes $50 fee for foreign tourists in national parks

Kyrgyz lawmaker Mahabat Mavlyanova has proposed a new fee structure for foreign tourists visiting the country's national parks, suggesting charges between $20 and $50 per person. Mavlyanova believes this measure could significantly increase state revenue and provide funds for improving tourism infrastructure.

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It is gratifying that interest in our country is growing. We need to strengthen our tourism potential. In this regard, we need to improve tourist infrastructure.

"It is gratifying that interest in our country is growing," Mavlyanova stated during a committee meeting. "We need to strengthen our tourism potential. In this regard, we need to improve tourist infrastructure." She noted that many foreigners visit Kyrgyzstan as tourists but pay the same fees as citizens for park access, a situation she believes the state could leverage for substantial earnings.

"For example, charge foreigners from $20 to $50. And direct these funds specifically to the development of tourism," she suggested, adding that implementing such a system would be straightforward. "We just need to install a camera, a booth, and start collecting fees. For example, many people now go hiking in Kol-Tor, where fees could also be charged to foreigners. And there are many such locations in the country."

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For example, charge foreigners from $20 to $50. And direct these funds specifically to the development of tourism.

Almaz Musaev, deputy head of the Ministry of Environment, confirmed that Kyrgyzstan has 23 specially protected areas, including 10 nature reserves off-limits to tourists. He highlighted "Sary-Chelek," "Besh-Tash," and "Kyrgyz-Ata" as the most popular natural parks for visitors. Musaev added that current fees vary between 150 and 700 soms, depending on the visitor type.

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We just need to install a camera, a booth, and start collecting fees. For example, many people now go hiking in Kol-Tor, where fees could also be charged to foreigners. And there are many such locations in the country.