Bishkek (TDI): Tourism continues to play a pivotal role in Kyrgyzstan’s economy, driving regional growth, job creation, and investment, particularly in the scenic Issyk-Kul region, home to the country’s most famous natural landmark, Lake Issyk-Kul.
Recent data from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the 2GIS mapping service show that tourism activity around the lake has tripled over the past six years. By the end of August 2025, coinciding with the close of the summer season, the volume of tourist services recorded along the lake’s shores was three times higher than in 2019.
The number of hotels and guesthouses in the Issyk-Kul region rose from 627 in 2019 to 1,833 in 2025, reflecting the growing demand from both domestic and foreign travelers. The largest clusters of accommodations are in Cholpon-Ata (377), Bosteri (336), Karakol (196), and Balykchy (27).
The hospitality boom is also evident in the food service sector, where the number of cafes and restaurants nearly tripled from 360 in 2019 to 963 in 2025. Karakol leads with 170 dining establishments, followed by Cholpon-Ata (157), Bosteri (142), and Balykchy (84).
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According to the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan hosted over 3.7 million tourists in 2024, marking a 30% increase compared to 2023. Of these, 2.4 million were served by the organized tourism sector, including hotels, resorts, and tour agencies, while 1.3 million chose guesthouses or private accommodations.
The Issyk-Kul region accounted for a significant portion of the national total, hosting about 714,000 organized-sector visitors and over 1.2 million in the unorganized sector in 2024.
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Tourism has become a cornerstone for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Issyk-Kul, creating employment opportunities and improving the local investment climate. Last year alone, the industry attracted more than $11 million in foreign direct investment, with the Issyk-Kul region serving as the primary driver of this growth.
