According to forecasts, the number of hotel rooms will increase over the next five years. However, each country will develop on its own unique path, and Kyrgyzstan is expected to show the most noticeable growth.
Tourism in Central Asia: New Horizons
Central Asia today is emerging as one of the new key tourist centers, combining the heritage of the Silk Road, UNESCO World Heritage sites, unique mountain landscapes, and cultural traditions. The region attracts both cultural route enthusiasts and those interested in eco, medical, and gastronomic tourism. Last year, over 15 million tourists visited the countries of Central Asia.Among hotel chains, Accor and Hilton demonstrate the greatest stability, opening new hotels almost every year (Accor except for 2024; Hilton - in 2025). A temporary slowdown is expected in 2024, after which activity will recover in 2025.
Each country in the region has its own characteristics in the development of the hotel business. Kazakhstan continues to be a key center of the hospitality industry, with the peak of new hotel openings occurring in 2020.
In Uzbekistan, the Hilton chain shows the most stable growth rates, opening hotels every year from 2020 to 2024. As a result, the arrival of international brands has allowed the hotel sector to quadruple since 2020.
In Tajikistan, the hotel market is limited but is beginning to show signs of revival, with plans to open new facilities. The Hyatt brand holds a leading position, controlling 46% of the market, while Hilton and IHG occupy 30% and 24%, respectively.
Development of the Hotel Industry in Kyrgyzstan
The hotel market in Kyrgyzstan, although small, shows steady growth. In Bishkek, international chains such as Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor, and Marriott are represented. The main demand factors are business, diplomatic, and eco-tourism.
The Hyatt chain was the first to enter the Kyrgyz market, followed by Accor in 2021, completing the formation of the country's international hotel portfolio. Currently, Hyatt and Marriott each hold 31% of the market, while Accor controls 27% and Wyndham 11%. Since 2019, the development of the hotel industry has accelerated due to growing interest from investors and an increase in tourist flow.
A unique feature of the Kyrgyz market is its diversification through projects in the premium and niche segments.
Growth Prospects
Analysis shows that in the next five years, the number of international hotel brands in Central Asia will grow. The main drivers of this process will be Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. While Kazakhstan previously led in the number of hotel rooms, Uzbekistan may take this position as early as this year. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan continue to develop slowly but steadily.Kyrgyzstan stands out due to the diversity of brands and the number of new market entries.The project portfolio of Kyrgyzstan is focused on 2026-2027, led by Wyndham, while the entry of Hilton and AZIMUT heralds a new wave of diversification. Wyndham occupies 69% of Kyrgyzstan's project portfolio, followed by AZIMUT (16%) and Hilton (15%).
From 2025 to 2030, the number of hotel rooms in Central Asia is expected to nearly double, with Accor (19% of the market) as the leading player, followed by Hilton (18%) and IHG (17% each).
