Event to promote Kyrgyz tourism in Brussels, co-organized by the embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Brussels and Turkish Airlines

Ambassador Erkin: Photo by Derya Soysal

At the event held in Brussels at the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkish Airlines, and the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Organizations (KATO) were present. The event began with welcoming remarks from Aidit Erkin, the Kyrgyz Ambassador to Brussels, and Nurlan Suerkulov, a Kyrgyz diplomat in Brussels, writes Derya Soysal.

Among the speakers were Asylbek Aliev, Vice-President of the Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic; Derya Soysal from EUReporter; Amina Kokten from Turkish Airlines; KATO representative Saltanat Midin, GIZ Representative Saikal Isaeva and Dalya Altuntepe.

Asylbek Aliev, Vice-President of the Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic, recently highlighted Kyrgyzstan's immense tourism potential. This Central Asian country, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is attracting more travelers worldwide. Over 90% of its territory is covered by majestic mountain ranges like the Tien Shan and Pamirs, offering diverse outdoor activities such as trekking, mountaineering, skiing, and paragliding. Lake Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest mountain lake, is perfect for beach holidays and water sports. Kyrgyzstan also boasts vast nature reserves and national parks ideal for ecotourism, along with unique nomadic life experiences. Its rich history, marked by the Silk Road, offers numerous archaeological sites, including Balasagun and the Burana Tower. The country is actively developing its tourism infrastructure, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. Simplified visa procedures and improved transportation links make Kyrgyzstan increasingly accessible to international tourists. In summary, Kyrgyzstan is a perfect destination for adventure and cultural exploration, welcoming visitors with open arms.

Derya Soysal from EUReporter highlighted the tourism potential of the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasizing its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure tourism. Located in Central Asia and bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China, Kyrgyzstan is home to approximately 7.2 million people. The country boasts stunning landscapes such as Issyk-Kul Lake and the Tian Shan Mountains, offering activities like swimming, boating, hiking, and mountaineering. Visitors can experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle by staying in yurts and exploring cultural sites like the Burana Tower and Saimaluu Tash petroglyphs. Festivals like the Nomad Games celebrate traditional sports and culture. The tourism sector significantly contributes to the economy, with each job in tourism generating roughly three additional jobs in related industries. The Kyrgyz government supports tourism through policies like lower corporate income tax rates and infrastructure development, making the country increasingly accessible to international tourists. With its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse activities, Kyrgyzstan is poised for significant growth in the tourism sector.

Amina Kokten highlighted the global importance of Turkish Airlines, noting that it has the best cabin crew in Europe. She mentioned that the airline has received numerous awards, including Best Airline in Europe and Turkey’s Most Valuable Brand Award.

Dalya Altuntepe, a tourism professional, shared her personal experience in the Kyrgyz Republic. She spoke about the 2023 Forum organized in Kyrgyzstan and mentioned that each time she visits, she discovers a new place to explore. She also noted that the best season to visit is May/June when everything is green.

According to the KATO representative Saltanat Midin, Kyrgyzstan is strengthening its tourism cooperation with Germany through a strategic partnership between KATO (Kyrgyz Tourism Association) and DRV (German Travel Association), supported by the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce, the Tourism Support Fund, and GIZ. Over the past two years, this collaboration has included targeted meetings, negotiations at ITB 2024 in Berlin, and discussions on Uzbekistan’s successful tourism model. To further promote the country, a FAM Tour will be held from September 27 to October 2, 2025, allowing German tour operators to explore Kyrgyzstan’s tourism potential. This initiative has already generated strong interest and led to the signing of a memorandum of cooperation. Additionally, the Destination Forum, scheduled for May 30 – June 5, 2025, will cover six regions of Kyrgyzstan, aiming to boost tourism from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland while enhancing the country’s reputation as a unique travel destination. These efforts reflect Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to positioning itself as a key player in the international tourism market.

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