On March 10, 2025, the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Brussels hosted the tourism workshop “Discover Kyrgyzstan.” Organized by KATO, Turkish Airlines, the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz Tourism Fund and nüma tourism, the event attracted numerous tourism professionals, journalists, and industry experts from Belgium eager to learn about the latest developments and opportunities in Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector.
Ambassador Aidit Erkin inaugurated the event with a speech highlighting the significance of tourism for Kyrgyzstan’s development and the strengthening of international collaboration.
Focus on Sustainable Tourism and Economic Cooperation
The workshop emphasized sustainable tourism approaches, the promotion of eco and sustainable tourism, and the development of new flight connections with Turkish Airlines. Additionally, planned infrastructure projects were presented, aiming to make Kyrgyzstan a more attractive and accessible destination. The event provided a valuable platform for exchange between Kyrgyz and European stakeholders, opening new perspectives for cooperation within the industry.
The importance of sustainable tourism for Kyrgyzstan was thoroughly discussed. The country’s pristine landscapes and traditional nomadic culture offer ideal conditions for nature-based travel experiences. In this context, the Turkish Airlines Brussels representative Ms. Amine Kökten introduced their fleet and new flight routes to Kyrgyzstan, while the president of the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Organizations (KATO), Ms. Saltanat Midin, discussed existing and planned hotel projects and strategies to promote the tourism sector.
Asylbek Aliev, Vice-President of the Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic, presented measures for the sustainable development of the industry.
A representative of GIZ in Kyrgyzstan also contributed to the discussion by highlighting ongoing initiatives for sustainable tourism development in the country. Additionally Ms. Soysal from EUreporter shared insights on Kyrgyzstan from a broader perspective, offering an introduction to the country’s cultural and natural appeal.
Special attention was also given to cross-border tourism opportunities with neighboring countries, as highlighted by Dalya Altuntepe, director of nüma tourism.
To provide international tour operators with practical insights into the destination, new familiarization trips were announced, directly inviting tourism professionals to experience Kyrgyzstan’s diverse offerings firsthand.
The workshop was received very positively by participants and offered numerous opportunities for networking and direct exchange, complemented by traditional Kyrgyz specialties. Following the presentations, a B2B networking session took place, allowing attendees to connect and establish new business contacts in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying Kyrgyz cuisine.
The presented content underscored Kyrgyzstan’s significant potential as a destination for sustainable, adventurous, and nomadic tourism. In the coming months, the announced familiarization trips are set to be realized, and new cooperation opportunities will be further developed. The workshop organizers will continue to monitor developments in Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector and expand existing partnerships to enhance international interest in Kyrgyzstan as a travel destination.
Kyrgyzstan’s Tourism Landscape and the Growing Appeal of Central Asia
Kyrgyzstan has been gaining recognition as a captivating travel destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The country’s unspoiled mountain landscapes and traditional nomadic heritage provide travelers with authentic and immersive experiences. In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has been featured among top travel destinations, reflecting its growing appeal to international tourists.
The Kyrgyz government has been proactive in enhancing tourism infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Plans are underway to launch 40 new tourist bases across the country by 2025, focusing on improving infrastructure, creating investment opportunities, and developing new tourist routes.
Central Asia, as a whole, is witnessing a surge in tourism interest. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer deep cultural immersion and authentic experiences. This trend aligns with the global shift towards slow travel, where visitors spend more time in one place to engage deeply with the local culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Kyrgyzstan, with its rich traditions and welcoming communities, is well-positioned to benefit from this growing interest in the region.
As Central Asia becomes more accessible and its unique offerings become better known, Kyrgyzstan stands out as a destination that combines natural wonders with cultural depth, promising travelers an enriching and memorable experience.
