In the next five years, growth in the number of hotel rooms is forecasted; however, each country will follow its unique development paths, and Kyrgyzstan is expected to demonstrate the greatest dynamics, according to experts.
Increase in Tourist Flow Thanks to Global Brands
Central Asia today stands out as one of the main new tourist destinations, offering the rich heritage of the Silk Road, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent mountain landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. The region attracts both cultural tourism enthusiasts and those interested in ecotourism, medical services, and gastronomy. Last year, over 15 million tourists visited the Central Asian countries.Among international hotel chains, Accor and Hilton are showing the most activity, opening new properties almost every year (excluding 2024 for Accor and 2025 for Hilton). It is expected that 2024 will be characterized by a temporary slowdown, after which activity will resume in 2025.
Each country in the region has its own characteristics in the development of the hotel industry. Kazakhstan continues to be the key center of the hotel business in Central Asia. The peak of new hotel brand openings in this country occurred in 2020, after which the growth rate slowed down.
In Uzbekistan, the Hilton chain is demonstrating the most stable growth, opening new hotels every year from 2020 to 2024. As a result, the country's hotel sector has quadrupled due to the influx of international brands.
Experts from Commonwealth Partnership Uzbekistan note that the hotel market in Tajikistan is still limited, but the first signs of activity are already appearing – new openings are planned. The Hyatt chain holds a leading position in the Tajik market, controlling almost half of all hotel rooms (46%), while Hilton (30%) and IHG (24%) occupy smaller but significant shares.
Stable Growth of the Sector in Kyrgyzstan
Although the international hotel market in Kyrgyzstan remains small, it is showing steady growth. Bishkek is home to major hotels from global chains such as Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor, and Marriott. Demand in the country is driven by business, diplomatic, and ecotourism.
The Hyatt chain became the first international chain in the country, and Accor's entry in 2021 completed the formation of Kyrgyzstan's hotel portfolio. Currently, Marriott and Hyatt each hold 31% of the market, Accor has 27%, and Wyndham has 11%. Investor interest and the growth of tourist flow since 2019 have contributed to the accelerated development of the sector.
One of the features of Kyrgyzstan is the diversification of the hotel market through projects in the premium and niche segments.
Future Growth
The analysis shows that over the next five years, the number of international hotel brands in Central Asia will increase. The main growth drivers are Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. While Kazakhstan previously led in the number of hotels, this year Uzbekistan may take that position. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan continue to develop more slowly.Kyrgyzstan surpasses in brand diversification and the number of new projects in the market.The project portfolio of Kyrgyzstan is focused on 2026-2027, with Wyndham playing a leading role, while the entry of Hilton and AZIMUT brands into the market heralds a new wave of diversification. Wyndham accounts for 69% of Kyrgyzstan's project portfolio, followed by AZIMUT (16%) and Hilton (15%).
From 2025 to 2030, it is expected that the number of hotel rooms from international brands in the Central Asia region will nearly double. The leading players in the market will be Accor (19%), Hilton (18%), and IHG (17% each).
