Kyrgyzstan's Tourist Numbers Soar to 13 Million Annually, Says President Japarov

Kyrgyzstan is experiencing a tourism boom, with annual visitor numbers soaring to 13 million, a dramatic increase from the 2-3 million recorded before 2020-2021, President Sadyr Japarov announced. This surge in tourism is seen as a significant indicator of Kyrgyzstan's growing international recognition and economic development.

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The population of our country is about seven million people. When the number of tourists is almost twice as high, this means an additional contribution to GDP growth at the level of 4–5 percent.

President Japarov highlighted the substantial economic impact of this tourism growth, noting that with a national population of about seven million, the near doubling of tourist numbers provides an additional contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately 4-5 percent. He contrasted Kyrgyzstan's approach with other nations that invest heavily in tourism promotion, stating that Kyrgyzstan's appeal lies naturally in its stunning landscapes and recreational offerings.

Looking towards the future, Japarov declared that tourism is poised to become one of Kyrgyzstan's main economic pillars, surpassing the eventual depletion of mineral resources. He urged Kyrgyz citizens to treat tourists with attentiveness and respect, emphasizing that each visitor plays a role in the nation's economy and the development of its regions.

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Mineral resources will eventually run out, but tourism will remain. In the future, tourism will become one of the main pillars of Kyrgyzstan’s economy.

The president also encouraged young people to pursue careers in the burgeoning tourism sector, suggesting roles such as tour guides and hospitality specialists. This call to action aims to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting and enhancing the visitor experience as the industry continues to expand.

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He called on citizens to treat tourists with attention and respect, noting that every visitor contributes to the economy and the development of the regions.