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Tourism

Insider’s View: Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and the United States in Tourism

In recent years, relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America in the field of tourism have reached a qualitatively new level. The foundation of this cooperation lies in the systematic efforts of the Tourism Committee to implement the provisions of the “Road Maps” aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, expanding tourism exchanges, and attracting American investment into the sector. The period of 2018–2019 became a turning point in enhancing the tourism dialogue between the two countries. Uzbekistan welcomed experts from the International Association of Tourism Professionals, led by H. Luis Lorenzo Gutierrez, representatives of “PBS” and “ABC” television channels, as well as a delegation from the Congress of Bukharian Jews of the USA and Canada. During the same period, the Tourism Committee organized a series of visits by well-known American bloggers Mark Wiens and Sonny Side, thanks to which millions of viewers around the world were introduced to Uzbekistan’s gastronomic and cultural richness. An important step was the introduction of American online booking services — Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Tripadvisor. By the end of 2018, 886 hotels across the country had been connected to these platforms, significantly improving Uzbekistan’s accessibility for American travelers. Since 2019, special attention has been paid to promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential through U.S. media and digital platforms. Within the framework of the “World Influencers Congress 2019” forum, more than 20 leading American bloggers arrived in Tashkent, including the “Devin Super Tramp” team, which filmed a short movie titled “Aladdin” in Bukhara and Khiva. These projects not only enhanced Uzbekistan’s visibility on global social media but also helped build its image as a safe and welcoming destination. Cooperation in professional training also developed in parallel. Edward Castley, Vice President of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), conducted master classes for university and college instructors, sharing U.S. best practices in training tourism industry professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, an online conference was held with the assistance of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C., bringing together leading American travel companies — ASTA, Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and others. The participants discussed measures to restore tourist flows and improve traveler safety. In subsequent years, American media outlets such as The New York Times, National Geographic, and Foreign Policy became increasingly active in covering the country’s tourism potential. Joint media collaborations, including Mystery Box’s 2021 production and CNN’s 2023 documentary The Spirit of Samarkand, have been instrumental in highlighting the cultural heritage and contemporary life of Uzbekistan’s historic cities. In recent years, Uzbekistan–U.S. cooperation in tourism has acquired strategic importance. In 2024, Chairman of the Tourism Committee Umid Shadiev met with U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick to discuss prospects for developing green tourism and workforce training. The participation of the Uzbek delegation in prestigious exhibitions — Miami World Travel Expo 2024 and New York Travel and Adventure Show 2025 — opened new opportunities for promoting the country’s tourism brand. Notably, Uzbekistan was recognized as the “Best New Exhibitor” at the New York event. The...

Tourism

Tourism at Kyrgyzstan’s Lake Issyk-Kul Shows Steady Growth

Tourism remains a vital sector of Kyrgyzstan’s economy, contributing significantly to regional development and employment. The Issyk-Kul region continues to serve as the country’s premier tourism hub, anchored by Lake Issyk-Kul, its most popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Commerce and the 2GIS mapping service, tourism activity in the Issyk-Kul region has tripled over the past six years. By the end of August 2025, which marked the close of the summer resort season, the volume of tourist services along the lake’s shores had increased threefold compared to 2019. In 2019, the region hosted 627 hotels and guesthouses. By 2025, that number had grown to 1,833. The highest concentration of accommodations is found in Cholpon-Ata (377), the neighboring village of Bosteri (336), the regional capital Karakol (196), and Balykchy (27). Food service establishments have seen similar growth. The number of cafes and restaurants has nearly tripled from 360 in 2019 to 963 in 2025. Karakol leads with 170 establishments, followed by Cholpon-Ata (157), Bosteri (142), and Balykchy (84). Nationwide, Kyrgyzstan received over 3.7 million tourists in 2024, a 1.3-fold increase compared to 2023, according to the National Statistical Committee. Of these, 2.4 million were served by the organized tourism sector, including hotels and resorts, while 1.3 million stayed in the unorganized sector, such as guesthouses and private homes. The Issyk-Kul region accounted for a substantial share of this total. In 2024, approximately 714,000 visitors were accommodated in the organized sector, and over 1.2 million in the unorganized one. Tourism has become a key driver of small and medium-sized enterprises in the region, generating employment and enhancing the investment climate. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry attracted more than $11 million in foreign direct investment, with Issyk-Kul playing a central role in that growth.

Tourism

Kazakhstan to Count Tourists Using Mobile Data

Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics will begin tracking tourist flows in the country’s resort areas using anonymized mobile data, the agency’s head Maksat Turlubaev announced at the Digital Bridge 2025 international forum. Turlubaev noted that recent amendments to the country’s laws “On State Statistics” and “On Communications” now provide a legal foundation for using anonymized mobile data for statistical purposes, aligning with international best practices. Among the key applications will be the generation of real-time information on domestic and international tourist flows. Currently, Kazakhstan’s tourism statistics are compiled through surveys of accommodation facilities and households, as well as data from the Border Service of the National Security Committee and the Ministry of Ecology. These traditional methods, however, face limitations, including incomplete coverage, high respondent burden, and delays in data collection. Following the implementation of the new legislation, a pilot project was launched this summer in partnership with Estonian firm Positium and with support from the World Bank. The initiative analyzed a 5% anonymized sample of data from mobile operator Kcell, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, to assess domestic tourist flows. The results far surpassed those of traditional survey methods. “Mobile data analysis showed that the number of domestic tourists reached 107.6 million, compared to 7.8 million in official statistics,” said Turlubaev. “In the Alakol resort area in southeastern Kazakhstan, mobile data recorded 658,200 visitors, 2.4 times higher than official figures. Mobile data allows us not only to count tourists, but to capture a comprehensive, objective picture of internal mobility and real travel patterns. It accounts for short-term and informal visitors not reflected in traditional methods, highlights seasonal trends, and shows the impact of holidays on tourism activity. This gives us a valuable tool for management, infrastructure planning, and evaluating the economic impact of tourism.” The methodology Kazakhstan plans to adopt aligns with recommendations from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It offers enhanced accuracy, near real-time analytics, reduced respondent burden, and the capacity to model tourist and migration flows using artificial intelligence. “This marks a major step in building a modern, digital statistical agency,” Turlubaev added. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan recorded a 62% rise in tourists from five Arab countries in 2024, reflecting broader efforts to diversify and modernize its tourism sector.

Tourism

Tourism in Tajikistan: Five Years of Progress and Persistent Barriers

Five years ago, Canadian researcher Christian Bleuer identified 25 key obstacles hindering the growth of Tajikistan’s tourism sector. Since then, the industry has made measurable progress but many challenges remain unresolved. Digitalization and Initial Progress Significant strides have been made in digital infrastructure. The introduction of electronic visas, online services, and the availability of eSIM cards has improved access for international travelers. Dushanbe has witnessed the opening of new hotels and restaurants, an expansion of taxi services in major cities, and the reconstruction of sections of the M41 highway. Other positive steps include training programs for tour guides, the creation of tourist information centers in Dushanbe, Khorog, and other cities, and growing competition in the hospitality and restaurant industries. Experts also note that travel bloggers and social media have, in some cases, done more to improve the country’s image than official marketing campaigns. Partial Improvements While services have improved in urban areas, regional disparities persist. Tourists can now find decent hotels and cafes in major cities, but service quality outside these hubs remains inconsistent. The e-visa system has streamlined entry procedures, although public awareness of the platform is still low. Digital tools such as Google Maps and mobile apps assist navigation in urban centers, but coverage remains sparse outside Dushanbe and Khujand. Financial infrastructure has also improved, with more ATMs available in the capital. However, access to foreign currency remains a barrier. Aviation has seen some progress under the "Open Skies" policy, with new routes to China and Uzbekistan launched, though high airfares continue to deter potential visitors. Ongoing Challenges Several systemic issues continue to hamper tourism development. Connectivity remains weak: Tajikistan ranks 117th globally for fixed internet speed and lags behind regional peers in mobile data performance, averaging under 24 Mbps. Environmental concerns also diminish the visitor experience. Litter is visible not only in rural areas but even in Dushanbe. Transport remains problematic, with the Jirgatal border crossing closed to foreigners and the Pamir Highway via the Khaburabad Pass largely inaccessible during winter months. A national ban on drones restricts opportunities for photo and video tourism. Additionally, poor coordination among tour operators, taxi drivers, and hoteliers prevents the formation of a unified tourism strategy. Structural Constraints Some limitations are more difficult to overcome. Tajikistan’s geography, landlocked and bordering Afghanistan, poses accessibility challenges. The country also lacks the architectural heritage that makes neighboring Uzbekistan a dominant player in regional cultural tourism. Urban development trends further complicate matters. The demolition of historical buildings and widespread tree-cutting in Dushanbe have eroded the capital’s aesthetic appeal. Tajikistan’s Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 acknowledges the sector’s underperformance. Its contribution to the global tourism market remains modest, constrained by low investment, weak infrastructure, and uneven service quality. Nevertheless, experts believe the sector holds untapped potential. Tourism could create employment opportunities for young people and help reduce labor migration. Realizing this potential will require stronger private sector involvement, upgraded services, and more effective international promotion.

History

“A Road Not for the Faint-Hearted”: How Austrian Prisoners of War Built a Tourist Path in East Kazakhstan

A winding mountain road in East Kazakhstan has become a point of fascination not only for tourists but also for historians, filmmakers, and researchers. Known variously as the Old Austrian Road, the Austrian Route, or Irek Zhol (“Winding Road”), this nearly 50-kilometer path connects the Katon-Karagai and Markakol districts, cutting through pristine wilderness in a national park and a state reserve. Today the path is being restored, but the road’s true value lies in a dramatic and little-known past that stretches back over a century. A New Chapter for an Old Road In July 2025, authorities announced the launch of extensive repair work on the Old Austrian Road. With a budget exceeding $1 million from the regional government, the project includes rebuilding a damaged bridge near Katon-Karagai, replacing culverts, reinforcing slopes, and rehabilitating impassable sections. The most challenging terrain lies near Lake Markakol, where the route crosses swampy stretches, sharp switchbacks, and granite outcroppings. Yet these obstacles have not deterred growing numbers of visitors, off-road enthusiasts, cyclists, hikers, and even horse riders, eager to explore the wild beauty of Eastern Kazakhstan. [caption id="attachment_35993" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA/Yulia Chernyavskaya[/caption] The Road’s Origins in War and Captivity Though few know it, this scenic mountain route has deep strategic and historical roots. Long before the 20th century, locals used it as a trail for horses and carts. But by the early 1900s, the Russian Empire decided to formalize the path, partly due to the road’s proximity to the Chinese border. Between 1914 and 1916, the road was reconstructed, largely by Austrian prisoners of war, mainly ethnic Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians, and Galicians, captured during World War I. According to Vienna-based historian Lana Berndl, who has conducted extensive research on the topic, roughly 800 prisoners were transported from Austria via St. Petersburg and Omsk to the Irtysh River and then forced to march to the village of Altai (now Katon-Karagai). Around 600 reached their destination. Construction began simultaneously from Katon-Karagai and Alekseevka. Despite working only in the warmer months, the prisoners built a road whose difficulty rivals Alpine passes. During the harsh winters, many worked on local farms and integrated into village life. Some even married and remained in Kazakhstan permanently. [caption id="attachment_35994" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: TCA/Yulia Chernyavskaya[/caption] Tragically, several were later repressed during Stalin’s purges. Among them was Ludwig Fritzen, a Hungarian prisoner who stayed, married a local woman, and was executed in 1937 after being accused of espionage. Remnants of this history remain: roughly 30 graves with Gothic-scripted crosses can still be found in old cemeteries throughout the region, silent testimonies to those who built the road under extreme duress. Film Rekindles Forgotten History In 2016, Austrian filmmaker Ruslana Berndl released a documentary titled The Austrian Road, which brought global attention to the forgotten story. She first learned about the road from a brief mention in a German travel guide that described it as “not for the faint-hearted” and built by Austrian POWs. Intrigued, Berndl, then a doctoral student at the University of...

Tourism

Where Tourists Stay in Kazakhstan: Hotel Trends and Costs

Analysts at Ranking.kz have examined hotel preferences in Kazakhstan, including nightly rates, regional popularity among tourists, and where accommodations are most expensive. New Rules and Classification Standards Kazakhstan has implemented updated classification rules for hotels, hostels, recreation centers, and other tourist facilities. While largely technical, the amendments aim to make the classification system more transparent. New standards define specific requirements for accommodations from bed sizes to the mandatory availability of bathrooms and clarify procedures for applications, review timelines, and certificate issuance. According to the National Statistics Bureau, Kazakhstan had 4,300 accommodation facilities in the first quarter of 2025, up 7.7% from a year earlier. These included: 1,500 hotels without restaurants 1,400 bungalows, rural houses, and cottages 804 hotels with restaurants 113 children's camps 108 holiday homes 60 tourist bases 46 resorts 46 campsites Additionally, the country had 28 motels, nine trailer parks and entertainment complexes, and five tourist camps. Out of the total number of hotels, 2,200 had no star classification. Among those categorized, 25 received five-star ratings, 54 received four stars, 32 three stars, three received two stars, and one hotel had a one-star rating. Rising Tourist Numbers and Revenue The hospitality sector continues to show growth. In the first quarter of 2025, Kazakhstani hotels and similar facilities hosted 1.9 million guests, an increase of 12% compared to the same period in 2024. Of these, 1.6 million were Kazakhstani citizens and 257,200 were international tourists. Among domestic travelers, 1.2 million were leisure visitors, while 489,500 traveled for business. For foreign visitors, 120,100 arrived for personal reasons and 137,000 for business purposes. The most common countries of origin included Russia, China, India, Turkey, Uzbekistan, the United States, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, the United Kingdom, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Ukraine, Belarus, and Malaysia. According to UN Tourism, Kazakhstan generated $2.6 billion in international tourism revenue in 2024, up 17.1% from the previous year. Statista projects that the hotel industry will reach $583.15 million in 2025 and grow to $775.03 million by 2030, with the number of users expected to rise to 5.82 million. Regional Tourism Hubs Almaty remains Kazakhstan’s primary tourist destination, attracting 496,900 visitors in the first quarter of 2025, a 5% year-on-year increase. Other leading destinations include Astana (314,100), Almaty Region (161,500), Akmola Region (113,500), and Shymkent (100,100). Tripadvisor lists approximately 2,600 lodging options in Kazakhstan. The top-rated hotels by value include: Kazakhstan Hotel (3.2/5 based on 431 reviews) Park Hotel Almaty (4.5/5, 290 reviews) Uyut Hotel (3.9/5, 166 reviews) Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty (4.2/5, 122 reviews) Grand Hotel Tien-Shan (4.3/5, 340 reviews) Data from the eQonaq platform shows that in June 2025, the most visited hotels were Rixos Water World Aktau, Holiday Inn, Sheraton Nur-Sultan Hotel, SAAD Hotel, and Rixos Almaty. The majority of guests during this period were from Uzbekistan (47,600), Russia (42,700), and China (19,500). Hotel Prices by Region In July 2025, the average cost of a hotel night in Kazakhstan was 20,100 KZT (approximately $37), a 0.3% increase from June and 6.2% higher...