Forecasts indicate that the number of hotel rooms will increase over the next five years. However, each country in the region will develop along its unique path, and Kyrgyzstan, according to the analysis, will become a leader in this process.
Growing Flow of Tourists and Business Trips
Currently, Central Asia is actively positioning itself as a new tourist hub, combining the heritage of the Silk Road, UNESCO-protected cultural sites, picturesque mountain landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. The region attracts both cultural tourism enthusiasts and those choosing ecological, medical, and gastronomic routes. Last year, over 15 million tourists visited the countries of Central Asia.Among international hotel chains, Accor and Hilton are the most active, opening new properties almost every year (except for 2024 for Accor and 2025 for Hilton). However, a temporary decrease in activity is expected in 2024 after a surge in new hotel openings, followed by a recovery in 2025.
Each country in the region has its own characteristics in the development of the hotel business. Kazakhstan remains the main center of the hospitality industry in Central Asia. The peak of new hotel brand appearances in this country occurred in 2020, after which the number of openings began to decline.
In Uzbekistan, the Hilton chain demonstrates steady growth, opening new hotels annually from 2020 to 2024. As a result, the arrival of global brands has contributed to a fourfold increase in Uzbekistan's hotel sector since 2020.
As for Tajikistan, although the hotel market here remains limited, it is beginning to show signs of activity. Hyatt holds a leading position, accounting for nearly half of all rooms (46%), followed by Hilton (30%) and IHG (24%).
Stable Growth of Kyrgyzstan's Hotel Sector
The hotel market in Kyrgyzstan, although small, shows stable growth. Currently, international chains such as Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor, and Marriott are represented in Bishkek, with demand for hotel services primarily driven by business, diplomatic, and eco-tourism.
The Hyatt chain was the first to enter the Kyrgyz market, and Accor's entry in 2021 completed the formation of the country's international hotel portfolio. Currently, Marriott and Hyatt each hold 31% of the market, Accor 27%, and Wyndham 11%. The acceleration of the hotel industry began in 2019, linked to increased investor interest and a rise in tourist flow.
A key feature of Kyrgyzstan is the diversification of the hotel market through projects in the premium and niche segments.
Growth Prospects
Analysis shows that the number of hotel brands in Central Asia will increase in the next five years. The main drivers of this growth are Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. While Kazakhstan was previously the leader in the number of rooms, Uzbekistan may surpass it this year. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan continue to develop more gradually.Kyrgyzstan is ahead of other countries in the number of new brands and market launches.The project portfolio of Kyrgyzstan is focused on 2026-2027, with Wyndham leading, followed by AZIMUT and Hilton. In Kyrgyzstan's project portfolio, Wyndham controls 69% of the rooms, AZIMUT 16%, and Hilton 15%.
According to forecasts, from 2025 to 2030, the number of hotel rooms in the Central Asia region could nearly double. In this process, the leading roles will be played by Accor (19% of the market), Hilton (18%), and IHG (17% each).
