1. Tourism in Kyrgyzstan Tourism In Kyrgyzstan Adam Woodworth
By Adam Woodworth
Adam Woodworth

2. Where is Kyrgyzstan?

3. Ethnic Composition of Kyrgyzstan

4. Brief Facts About Kyrgyzstan
Mountain country with a large variety of landscapes, animals and vegetation
1,923 lakes
Slightly smaller than South Dakota
Landlocked
World's largest natural growth walnut forest
Cotton, tobacco, wool, and meat are the main agricultural products

5. Relief Map

6. Short History of Kyrgyzstan
Largely nomadic for 2500 years
Part of the Silk Road
Achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991
In January 2002, US military built a military base to help aid in the fight in Afghanistan, and counter Islamist military in Central Asia
Russians also retain a base
Chinese fear both US and Russian bases

7. Overview of the Tourism Sector
In 1994, the World Tourism Organization launched the “Silk Road Project” with the aim of revitalizing tourism along the route used by Marco Polo
Tourism significantly affected by the September 11 events
Earnings from international tourism worldwide have increased by an average 9 percent annually for the past 16 years to reach $475 billion in 2000
During this period, there were 702 million international tourist arrivals globally, with the average tourist spending about $650 in the destination country

8. What Does Kyrgyzstan Offer?
Tourism was an important and flourishing industry in the Soviet era with large hotels and sanatoriums, particularly in the Issyk-Kul Lake region.
Business experts have commented favorably
In particular its mountain scenery, sunny climate, distinct culture, and hospitable people.

9. “Switzerland of Central Asia”
activities and attractions include mountain climbing, white-water rafting, hiking and overnight stays in traditional felt dwellings called “yurts.”
Opportunities for tourism remain to a large extent unexploited.

10. Year of Tourism
President Askar Akaev, proclaimed 2001 “The Year of Tourism.”
Reforms to address key barriers
Improving the overall business climate for the tourism sector, developing a transparent legislative base, creating reasonable levels of taxation, and easing the bureaucracy of customs clearance
Effective July 1, 2001, all visa requirements cancelled for citizens of Japan, the United States, and the European Union on travel

11. New Trends in Kyrgyz Tourism
Cultural tourism, focusing on exposing Western tourists to the nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz.
Even in the 21st century rural Kyrgyz still spend summers in the high mountain pastures with their flocks, bathing in local rivers, and cooking meals over open fires.
Untouched by heavy development and is considered a “healthier” alternative to spending time in the city during the summer.

12. Risks of Tourism
World attention when four American tourists were kidnapped by the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan while hiking in the mountains last summer.
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution in urban areas of the Kyrgyz Republic due to the high rate of violent crimes against foreigners.
Violent crimes due to unemployment and an increase in the number of organized gangs

13. Risks of Tourism (cont.)
Travelers should not take public transportation or walk after dark
Common crimes include auto theft, muggings, and pick pocketing in crowded places such as markets and public transportation.

14. Lake Issyk-Kul Sky blue water with sandy beaches
One of the largest mountain lakes in the world
Legends of ruined cities on the lake floor were confirmed when the ruins of Chegu, a former Usun town, were discovered under the water near Tyup

15. Lake Issyk-Kul cont. Reaches 2,303 feet(800 m) deep.
Its name, which derives from a word for "hot lake", alludes to the fact that it does not freeze over during the winter, even though the lake is situated at an altitude of 5,278 feet (1700 m).

16. Lake Issyk-Kul cont.
More than 20 kinds of fish live in Lake Issyk-Kul and serves as a wintering place for waterfowl gathering there in flocks of 20 to 50,000.
The water temperature in July on the surface is a comfortable 68° to 73° F and visibility of up to 60 feet (20 m).

17. Customers Natural and historical assets attract tourists
Country’s mountainous landscape with alpine lakes and mountain rivers attracts eco-tourists, climbers, hunters, trekkers and backpackers.
Casinos have opened in Bishkek recently to pursue growing business opportunities
The spa is 60 km from Karakol

18. Visitors From Outside Ex-USSR

19. Tourists/Money Spent

20. OBSTACLES Tourism season is short Still a largely unknown destination
Old Soviet-style hotels have not received investment during the last decade, and are often out-of-date by western standards.
Tourist services are often overpriced due to the inability to bring a large volume of tourists.
International flights are limited
Travel from the West is time-consuming and expensive

21. Conclusion The long-term outlook for tourism is optimistic
Country’s natural beauty, unspoiled environment, and cultural richness provide unlimited potential
Positive developments include, increased marketing efforts, foreign investment in the hotel sector, and greater per tourist expenditures

22. Works Cited
General Information on Kyrgyzstan
KYRGYZSTAN’S “YEAR OF TOURISM”
Kyrgyz Republic (formerly Kyrgyzstan)
Flag of Kyrgyzstan
Map of Kyrgyzstan
2nd map of Kyrgyzstan
Ethnic Composition of Kyrgyzstan
Relief Map
Yurt Picture
Burgular Picture
Lake Issyk-Kul
Lake Issyk-Kul
Lake Issyk-Kul
Breakdown of Vistors
Tourist/Money Spent
Lake Issyk-Kul Info