At a recent business forum B5+1 "CA - USA," Erdenet Kasymov, the director of the Tourism Department of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, noted that the tourism industry could become an important catalyst for the integration of Central Asian countries. According to him, for international travelers, this region appears as a single entity, which presents a significant opportunity for cooperation among the countries of the region.
Kasymov also pointed out the importance of the statements made by President Sadyr Japarov, who during the "CA - USA" summit on November 6 in Washington emphasized the significance of tourism as a tool for bringing peoples closer together and proposed the creation of a unified tourist space for Central Asia.
The Kyrgyz Republic supports the idea of promoting the region as a single tourist destination in markets such as the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia.
"Tourists in these markets are looking for unique experiences, not just visiting one country. Therefore, routes along the Silk Road and combined tours covering several countries are of the greatest interest to international operators," added Kasymov.
Among the proposed measures, he highlighted the need to create joint tourist products that can connect the mountain adventures of Kyrgyzstan with the historical landmarks of neighboring states and reveal the common nomadic heritage of the region.
Kasymov mentioned that Kyrgyzstan views the concept of "Open Central Asia" not as a replacement for national brands but as a complement that strengthens each country. He emphasized the need for coordinated participation of Central Asian countries in major international tourism exhibitions for more effective promotion.
Discussing the quality of service in tourism, he noted that a tourist's impression depends on the overall level of service, and shortcomings in one segment can negatively affect the perception of the region as a whole.
Kasymov also emphasized the importance of standardizing quality, developing human resources, and joint educational programs, as well as expanding the practice of community-based tourism (CBT).
He noted the necessity of simplifying border procedures and improving transport infrastructure to facilitate the development of tourism.
"Even the best marketing strategies will not work if a tourist faces problems with logistics. Therefore, it is important to ensure seamless movement within the region. Kyrgyzstan is focused on simplifying and digitizing visa and border procedures," concluded Kasymov.
