Economic Impact: Increase in GDP Share and Currency Inflows
In the tourism sector, the republic demonstrated significant financial growth last year. Preliminary estimates show that the gross added value of this industry amounted to 74.4 billion soms, and the share of tourism in GDP increased to 3.8% (it was 3.6% in 2024).
The export of tourism services reached $1 billion 98.5 million, which is 8.1% higher than the figures for 2024.
Kyrgyz citizens' spending on trips abroad amounted to $564 million.
The growth rates of revenue in various service segments varied. The leader in growth was the sanatorium and resort services sector, which increased by 32.2% to 2.4 billion soms.
Catering enterprises earned 26.1 billion soms, which is 20.9% more than last year. Hotels generated 11.1 billion soms, while transportation services for tourists brought in 17.3 billion.
Industry Structure: Dominance of Individual Entrepreneurs
As of January 1, 2026, there were 148.1 thousand registered tourism enterprises in the country. The majority of them—87.1% or 129 thousand—are individual entrepreneurs.
The business is primarily concentrated in Bishkek (33.8 thousand entities), Osh region (21 thousand), and Osh city (19.5 thousand).
In the resort area of Issyk-Kul region, 3.2 thousand enterprises providing leisure and recreation services were registered.
In 2025, the infrastructure receiving tourists included 842 specialized institutions and 2,316 guest houses. The country had 388 hotels, 98 boarding houses, 17 sanatoriums, and 102 travel agencies.
The production of related goods increased by 26.7%. Notably, the output of national drinks and mineral waters rose significantly, reaching 4.5 billion soms.
Tourist Flow and Decrease in Investments
The total number of tourists accommodated in the organized sector was 1 million 780 thousand people, which is 50% more compared to 2024. The unorganized sector (private and guest houses) received 1 million 736 thousand tourists.
Through travel agencies, 74 thousand people traveled, the majority of whom are citizens of Kyrgyzstan traveling both within the country and abroad.
Despite the increase in income, there is a slowdown in investment activity in this sector.
Investments in the construction and reconstruction of tourism facilities amounted to over 19 billion soms, which is 3.3% less than in 2024. The share of investments in tourism decreased from 8.5% to 5.2% of the total volume of capital investments. The main funds were directed towards road repairs, updating the hotel stock, and developing natural parks.
The development of tourism remains a priority direction in Kyrgyzstan's economic policy. According to World Bank forecasts, the service sector, including tourism, will be a key driver for stabilizing economic growth at a level of 5.5%.
