The Impact of the Situation in the Middle East on Kyrgyzstan’s Tourism Sector is Restrained but Not Critical – Tourism Department

**Tazabek** – The impact of the situation in the Middle East on Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry remains restrained and does not have a critical character. This was reported on the radio by Erdenet Kasymov, Director of the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce.

According to him, at the moment, the main effect is reflected not so much on inbound tourism to Kyrgyzstan, but on regional logistics and the moods of travelers.

‘It is correct to speak of a restrained but not critical impact. The main immediate effect so far affects not so much inbound tourism as regional logistics and the emotional background of travelers,’ he said.

As Kasymov noted, there is a decrease in demand for trips to the Persian Gulf countries and a redistribution of tourist flows to alternative destinations.

He added that for Kyrgyzstan, this means the need to monitor the situation with air traffic, transit routes, and the behavior of tourists from sensitive markets.

‘There are no grounds to talk about a systemic disruption of the tourist season at the moment,’ he reported.

According to him, tourists from Middle Eastern countries come to Kyrgyzstan, but their share is not significant.

Kasymov also reported that tour operators were given recommendations to refrain from selling tours to Middle Eastern countries.

However, according to him, part of the citizens who have already paid for trips continue to fly after the resumption of flights.

‘Those who have already bought tours fly at their own risk because the money has already been paid,’ he added.

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