Postcard from Bishkek

THEY SHOULD ALSO KNOW THAT … the tourist industry in Kyrgyzstan is still “open for business” and is both “ready and willing” to welcome visitors.

Recent events have thrust the Kyrgyz Republic to the attention of the world’s media.  The press coverage has naturally concentrated on the dramatic events such as the storming of the government house, the change of government, and the civil disorder (riots and looting) that followed.  Time has passed since those historic events occurred, however, and life in the republic continues as the situation calms down and returns to a sense of normality.

Tourism is a major part of the Kyrgyz economy.  Over one and a half million foreigners visited the country in 2004.  Some of those would have been here on business, but about half of them were tourists.  They may have chosen the Kyrgyz Republic for their vacation so that they could enjoy the spectacular Tien Shan Mountains; or the pristine natural environment and varied wildlife; or the traditional lifestyle and culture of nomadic shepherds; or to travel along part of the Great Silk Road; or simply to relax on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul.

“It is true that seeing riots on the streets is not likely to encourage the potential tourist to think about Kyrgyz Republic as a likely holiday destination,” admits Ian Claytor, President of the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO).  “They should remember, however, that this is the first time that Kyrgyzstan has been headline news in the rest of the world.  (In fact, this may be the only time it ever achieves such prominence).  That’s because the events of the last week were extraordinary.  When Kyrgyzstan is not the ‘Top Story of the Hour’ the reason is simply because everything is normal.  These events were not typical, they are not normal.

“The advice of the KATO members to those who were thinking of visiting Kyrgyzstan this year is: ‘Wait and see’.  Don’t cancel your holiday yet.  Everyone was surprised at the speed with which events developed, but the signs are that the situation is now calm and returning to normal.

“Kyrgyz culture is one of hospitality.  When a nomadic shepherd spends months alone in the mountains tending their flocks, then every visitor is a welcome guest – and that tradition prevails as the norm.  It was not by accident that the motto chosen for this year was ‘Hospitable Kyrgyzstan’.”

END.

Notes for editors:

1. Kyrgyzstan is a small, landlocked country in Central Asia. One of the former Soviet Republics it declared its independence in 1991.  It is predominantly mountainous with over 90% of the country above 1500m, and the backbone of the landscape is formed by the Tien Shan Mountains.  Lake Issyk Kul is the world’s second largest mountain lake and its beaches and resorts, (hotels, sanatoria), have long been a popular holiday destination for citizens of the former Soviet Union.  The Kyrgyz are traditional a nomadic people, who take their horses and sheep into the high mountain meadows (jailoo) to graze on the lush pastures for the summer.  It formed an important link on the Great Silk Road, between the orient (China) and the ancient cities of Uzbekistan.
2. Recent events which have thrust the country into the international spotlight have included a parliamentary election; protests against the disputed results of those elections which led the storming of the Government house in the capital, Bishkek, and the establishment of a new government; a night of serious civil disorder, which included rioting and looting.
3. Tourism is a major part of the Kyrgyz economy, representing just over 4% of the GDP.
4. According to official statistics from the Border authorities, in 2004 1527500 foreigners crossed the state border – according to the State Statistical Committee, there were 703700 tourists recorded in the first nine months of the year.
5. According to official figures there were 115 Tour Operators and Tour Agencies working in the country in 2004.  There were almost 400,000 enterprises working in the industry (hotels, restaurants, casinos, homestays (Bed and Breakfasts), transport companies, etc.).
6. The Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators is the largest body representing Tour Operators and Institutes of Higher Education in the Republic.  It was formerly established and registered as a non-commercial organization in 1997, having existed as an ad hoc, unofficial, body for several years.  It is a growing organization – there are currently 39 members (which equates to about one third of all tour operators in the country) which includes some of the longest established and largest tour companies in the country, as well as ones which have been established more recently.
7. The President of the Association is currently Ian Claytor – a British citizen who has lived and worked in the Kyrgyz Republic since 1995.

Tags: History, Interesting_Times, KATO, Press_Release, Tulip_Revolution