Japarov reflects on tourism gaps after visit to “Amirsoy” resort

On January 25, Kyrgyz President Sadir Japarov shared candid reflections on why Kyrgyzstan lacks resort zones similar to the" Amirsoy" ski complex. His comments followed an informal meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the renowned resort in the Tashkent region. Japarov later elaborated on the topic in a social media post.  

While praising the "Amirsoy" ski resort’s exceptional standards, Japarov expressed frustration over the absence of comparable facilities in Kyrgyzstan:  

“94 percent of our country is covered by mountains. Each of our seven regions could have such resorts. But we almost do not have them. Why? Because since gaining independence, from ordinary citizens to presidents, we have been preoccupied with politics. We held rallies every day, weddings every day. We did not prioritize the economy, tourism, or other vital sectors.”  

Japarov went on to commend the vision and execution behind Amirsoy:  

“I was amazed by the "Amirsoy" ski resort. My counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev built this resort from scratch. No problem. Excellent work. 

Look at the impact: so many people employed, millions of tourists visiting. The level of service here rivals that of Europe. Everything is top-notch.”  

The Kyrgyz leader’s remarks highlight a growing recognition of the untapped tourism potential in his country. Despite its mountainous terrain, Kyrgyzstan has yet to capitalize on developing world-class resorts that could attract international visitors and boost the local economy.  

It is worth noting that Mirziyoyev and Japarov also discussed broader topics during their meeting, including bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and international politics.