It is forecasted that in the next five years, the number of hotel rooms will increase, with Kyrgyzstan demonstrating the highest growth rate among the countries in the region.
Tourist Flow and Business Activity
Central Asia is actively positioning itself as an important tourist center, connecting the historical routes of the Silk Road, UNESCO sites, and unique cultural traditions. The region attracts both cultural tourism enthusiasts and those interested in eco, medical, and gastronomic tourism. According to last year's data, over 15 million tourists visited the countries of Central Asia.Among the hotel brands showing activity in the region, Accor and Hilton stand out, opening new properties almost every year (Accor — except for 2024; Hilton — starting from 2025). A temporary slowdown in the pace of new hotel openings is expected in 2024, but activity will resume in 2025.
Each country in the region has its unique features in the development of the hotel business. Kazakhstan remains a key center of the hospitality industry, although the number of new openings has decreased after peak growth in 2020.
In Uzbekistan, the Hilton chain is demonstrating stable growth, opening new hotels annually from 2020 to 2024. As a result, the hotel sector of the republic has quadrupled due to the arrival of international brands.
As for Tajikistan, the hotel market here is still limited, but signs of activation are emerging: new openings are planned. Hyatt holds a leading position in the Tajikistan market, controlling almost 46% of all rooms, followed by Hilton and IHG with 30% and 24%, respectively.
The Hotel Market in Kyrgyzstan: Steady Growth
Although Kyrgyzstan's international hotel market is relatively small, it is showing steady growth. In Bishkek, chains such as Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor, and Marriott are represented, with demand primarily driven by business and eco-tourism.The Hyatt chain was the first to enter the country's market, and Accor joined in 2021, becoming the last international player. Currently, Hyatt and Marriott each control 31% of the market, Accor occupies 27%, and Wyndham holds 11%. Since 2019, interest from investors and the growth of tourist flow have contributed to the accelerated development of the hotel industry.
The uniqueness of Kyrgyzstan lies in the fact that the republic is actively diversifying its hotel market, including projects in the premium and niche segments.
The Future of the Hotel Market
Analysis shows that in the next five years, the number of international hotel brands in Central Asia will grow. The main drivers of this growth will be Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. While Kazakhstan previously held leading positions in the number of hotel rooms, this year Uzbekistan may surpass it. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan continue to develop more slowly.Kyrgyzstan shows better results in brand diversification and the opening of new hotels.The project portfolio of Kyrgyzstan is focused on 2026-2027, with Wyndham accounting for 69% of this portfolio, followed by AZIMUT (16%) and Hilton (15%). It is expected that from 2025 to 2030, the number of hotel rooms in the region will nearly double, with Accor becoming the leading player with 19% of the market, followed by Hilton and IHG with 18% and 17%, respectively.
Thus, the hotel business market in Kyrgyzstan and the region as a whole continues its dynamic evolution, opening new opportunities for investors and tourists.
