Russian expertise for promoting tourism in the Toktogul district of Kyrgyzstan

Building on the strong record of the Kyrgyz Republic in territorial development, UNDP Kyrgyzstan is exploring innovative approaches toward regional and local development synergizing efforts of the diverse actors and based on the cross-cluster collaboration.

Two Russian experts provided supportforcolleagues from the UNDP Accelerator Lab in Kyrgyzstan in assessing the potential of the tourism sector in Toktogul and in strategic planning for the development of the tourism destination, aimed at promoting tourism in this region. The Toktogul district has immense potential due to its unique natural resources and the Toktogul Reservoir, which can serve as a basis for local development and attracting new investments.

On August 2, 2024, experts conducted a training session for representatives of the Republican authorities and the administration of the Toktogul district. The focus was on territorial development strategies, mobilization of financial resources, and accelerating regional growth. Local entrepreneurs from tourism and creative industries, owners of guest houses, representatives of tourist communities and local activists also took an active part in the training session. Participants were equipped with the skills to develop and implement a strategic action plan for the advancement of the tourist destination.

The Russian experts contributed to the tourism strategy development of the Toktogul District by preparing recommendations for the territory development, a portfolio of the tourist products and investment-attractive projects, as well as a marketing strategy of the territory. It will support the Toktogul District in maximizing its tourism potentialand its integration into the international tourism market.

The innovative methods proposed by Russian experts will assist the Toktogul District in attracting new investments, creating job opportunities, and boosting the development of entrepreneurship in the regionwhile promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The work of the Russian experts was implemented with the financial support of the Russian Federation within the framework of the project "Knowledge Management and Capacity Development in the UNDP-Russia Partnership".