Kyrgyzstan’s Digital Leap: Adylbek Kasymaliev Orders Unified Tourism Platform to Boost Travel

For many travelers, the allure of Kyrgyzstan lies in its ruggedness—the sprawling Tien Shan mountains, the nomadic traditions, and the untouched alpine lakes. However, while the landscapes are breathtaking, the logistics of navigating them have historically been fragmented. Recognizing this, the Kyrgyz government has officially prioritized the digital “re-engineering” of the traveler’s journey.

OnJanuary 26, 2026, Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev made it clear that “bureaucracy and language barriers” should no longer be part of the tourist experience. His order to create a unified digital platform represents a shift from simply attracting visitors to actively caring for them through technology.

The “Single-Window” Vision

The core of Kasymaliev’s mandate is the creation of asingle-window system. Currently, a tourist visiting Kyrgyzstan might have to navigate different portals for visas, separate apps for local transport, and various methods for park entry fees or insurance.

The new platform aims to integrate:

• Government Services: E-visas and registration via the Tunduk State Portal.
• Private Sector Offerings: Direct links to certified tour operators, hotel bookings, and equipment rentals.
• Logistics & Safety: Real-time information on mountain routes, weather alerts, and emergency contacts.
• Payment Instruments: A unified gateway that accepts international credit cards and digital wallets, solving the “cash-only” struggle in remote regions.

Why Now? The Economic Context

The timing of this digital push is no coincidence. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s tourism sector accounted for4.3% of the national GDP, with nearly21 million foreign entries(including transit and business). As the country lands on prestigious lists likeThe New York Times’“Best Places to Visit in 2026,” the pressure is on to provide service that matches the hype.

“We cannot manage millions of guests with 20th-century tools,” Kasymaliev noted during the cabinet session. The platform is seen as a way to formalize the tourism economy, ensuring that revenue from small guesthouses and mountain guides is tracked and supported by the state.

Humanizing the Tech: Removing the “Language Barrier”

One of the most human-centric aspects of the mandate is the focus onlanguage accessibility. For many Western and East Asian travelers, the Cyrillic alphabet and lack of English-speaking infrastructure can be daunting.

The digital platform is expected to feature multilingual AI assistants. Imagine a traveler at a remote trailhead in Naryn being able to scan a QR code and receive route descriptions and historical context in their native language. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about making the traveler feelwelcome and safe.

The Digital Som and 2026 Goals

The digital tourism platform is part of a larger national ecosystem. By late 2026, Kyrgyzstan also plans to pilot theDigital Som(the national digital currency). Integrating this currency into the tourism platform could allow for “gas-less” and “fee-less” transactions for travelers, making the cost of exploration even more transparent.

TheMinistry of Financehas been tasked with securing the necessary funding immediately, ensuring that technical implementation isn’t delayed by red tape.

What This Means for Future Travelers

If you are planning a trip to the Tien Shan mountains in late 2026 or 2027, the experience will likely look very different:

• Pre-Arrival: A single login where your visa, insurance, and airport transfer are managed.
• During the Trip: Access to digitized eco-trails integrated into navigation systems like 2GIS.
• Security: A digital “check-in” system for hikers so local authorities can monitor safety in high-altitude zones.

Conclusion: A Digital Welcome

Adylbek Kasymaliev’s directive marks the moment Kyrgyzstan decided to become asmart destination. By merging the Ministries of Digital Development and Finance with the Department of Tourism, the country is building a bridge between its ancient heritage and the digital future.

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