Up to 30% of places free of charge: how the government supported participants at the tourism exhibition in Bishkek

The first Bishkek International Tourism Exhibition is taking place in Bishkek from 30 April to 2 May. This was announced by the organisers and industry representatives.

On the very first day, the event attracted over 1,200 visitors and brought together 139 companies and exhibitors from Kyrgyzstan and abroad.

As noted by Nagina Chokushova, head of the marketing department at the exhibition company BiExpo, the exhibition has become one of the largest platforms for the tourism industry in the country. Representatives from all regions of Kyrgyzstan, as well as international partners, are taking part.

According to her, around 30% of the exhibition space was purchased or leased by the state and provided free of charge to representatives of tourist destinations from the regions. This allowed for a broader presentation of the country’s domestic tourism potential.

The exhibition aims to promote Kyrgyzstan’s tourism potential and strengthen international ties. Participants include tour operators, hotels, guesthouses, associations and entrepreneurs.

Representatives from almost 10 countries are taking part in the event. The national stands of China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and India attracted particular attention. Delegations from Malaysia, Turkmenistan, Belarus and other countries are also present.

The organisers emphasise that the exhibition is not only a showcase but also serves a practical purpose: even in the first few days, participants are holding talks and concluding long-term agreements.

Tourism and the hospitality sector have been identified as priority areas for the country’s development up to 2030. In this context, the exhibition is seen as a tool for attracting investment and promoting Kyrgyzstan on the international market.

At the same time, preparations for the World Nomad Games are being actively discussed at the venue, with over 100 countries expected to participate and competitions to be held in more than 40 sports.

According to the organisers, the project is planned to be held annually, turning it into a sustainable platform for the development of tourism and international cooperation.