Aisha Mambetalieva: Tourism as an Engine for Sustainable Development in Kyrgyzstan

June 3, 2025
Person in a pink sweater stands on rocky terrain with snowy mountains and glaciers in the background.

Aisha Mambetalieva

UNDP / Kyrgyzstan

Tourism is fast becomig a powerful engine for sustainable economic growth in Kyrgyzstan. With its picturesque scenery, rich cultural heritage, and growing reputation as a destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel, the country is discovering new opportunities in the global tourism market.

UNDP is working with the Kyrgyz government and national partners to strengthen the tourism sector and expand its global reach. Particular attention is being paid to the development of adventure tourism – a promising area that can bring stable incomes to local populations, especially in rural regions. These efforts are being delivered through the Aid for Trade project in Central Asia, with support from the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The project covers all levels, from national policy and standards for sustainable tourism to direct support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In recent years alone, over 100 tourism service providers, including women and people with disabilities, have gained access to business information, training programmes and new tourism products. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan welcomed more than 3,800 foreign tourists, generating $2.6 million USD for the industry.

A smiling woman in an orange jacket stands in front of a turquoise lake and rocky cliffs.

Aisha Mambetalieva

UNDP / Kyrgyzstan

One of the project's key partners is Aisha Mambetalieva – president of the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO), one of the first non-governmental organisations in this field, which brings together more than a hundred members working in all regions of the country. The association actively participates in UNDP projects, and, according to Aisha, this isn’t a mere formality, but a strategic partnership aimed at achieving concrete results.

Aisha emphasises the project's joined-up approach: "It covers the macro, meso, and micro levels. Support began with the development of government policy and standards for sustainable tourism, and extends to training and mini-grants for entrepreneurs in remote areas.”

A woman wears a black dress, standing in front of a textured wall and blue sofa.

Aisha Mambetalieva

UNDP / Kyrgyzstan

A significant achievement has been the adoption of the state programme for sustainable tourism to 2025-2030. This is the first such strategic document in the region, considering not only economic, but also environmental and social factors. The project supported the participation of 48 representatives of the Kyrgyz tourism business, including 21 women, in seven international tourism exhibitions. This resulted in 114 signed contracts with foreign partners.

"We're already seeing real results. The project started at a challenging time - immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic, and gave an impetus to businesses, especially in rural areas," says Mambetalieva. "The mini-grants helped many entrepreneurs to upgrade their equipment, improve services and attract more tourists.”

This partnership with tourism associations, national organisations and businesses demonstrates how targeted support can transform an entire sector. Thanks to the efforts of UNDP and the backing of Finland, Kyrgyzstan is strengthening its position on the global tourism map, developing a sustainable economy and creating new opportunities for its population.