Analysts predict that over the next five years, the number of hotel rooms will increase, with each country in the region developing in its unique way. Kyrgyzstan, in particular, is expected to see the most dynamic growth in this sector.
Increase in Tourist and Business Flow Due to International Brands
Central Asia has established itself as one of the new tourism centers, combining the heritage of the Silk Road, UNESCO sites, picturesque mountain landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. The region attracts both cultural tourism enthusiasts and fans of ecotourism, gastronomy, and medical services. Last year, over 15 million tourists visited the countries of Central Asia.Among the hotel brands opening new hotels are Accor and Hilton, which continue to demonstrate resilience by opening new properties almost every year (with the exception of 2024 and 2025). There is a temporary slowdown in openings in 2024; however, a recovery in activity is expected in 2025.
Each country in the region has its own characteristics in the development of the hotel business. The key player in Central Asia is Kazakhstan, where the peak of new hotel brand openings occurred in 2020, after which the pace slowed down.
In Uzbekistan, the Hilton chain is showing steady growth, opening hotels every year from 2020 to 2024. As a result, the country's hotel sector has quadrupled since 2020 due to the emergence of international brands.
According to Commonwealth Partnership Uzbekistan, the hotel market in Tajikistan remains small, but new openings are already planned, indicating a revival of activity. Currently, Hyatt holds a leading position, controlling almost half of all rooms (46%), while Hilton (30%) and IHG (24%) have smaller but significant shares.
Stable Growth of the Hotel Market in Kyrgyzstan
Although the international hotel market in Kyrgyzstan is still small, it is showing stable growth. The main hotel chains, such as Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor, and Marriott, are concentrated in Bishkek. The demand for rooms is primarily driven by business, diplomatic, and ecotourism.
The Hyatt chain has become a pioneer in the market, and Accor's entry in 2021 marked the latest note in the expansion of the country's international hotel portfolio. Currently, Hyatt and Marriott each hold 31% of the market, Accor 27%, and Wyndham 11%. Since 2019, the development of the hotel industry has accelerated due to increased interest from investors and a rise in tourist flow.
One of Kyrgyzstan's distinguishing features is the diversification of the hotel market, including projects in the premium and niche segments.
The Future of Hotel Market Growth
It is forecasted that over the next five years, the presence of international hotel brands in Central Asia will increase. The main driving forces behind this growth will be Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. While Kazakhstan previously led in the number of hotel rooms, this year Uzbekistan may take that position. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will develop more gradually.Kyrgyzstan outpaces other countries in brand diversity and the number of new properties in the market.In Kyrgyzstan's project portfolio, the focus is on 2026-2027, with Wyndham playing a leading role, and the arrival of Hilton and AZIMUT brands heralding a new wave of diversification. Currently, Wyndham controls 69% of the project portfolio, followed by AZIMUT (16%) and Hilton (15%).
From 2025 to 2030, the number of hotel rooms in Central Asia is expected to nearly double, with Accor becoming the dominant player with 19% of the market, followed by Hilton (18%) and IHG (17%).
