The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Development of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

This article examines the impact of Covid-19 on the development of the tourism industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. In accordance with the purpose of the research the theoretical issues of the tourism market are studied, the problems of tourism development in the post-covid period are identified, the analysis of the main economic indicators of the tourism industry is made, and at the end recommendations for eliminating the impact of the pandemic on the development of the tourism industry of the country are offered. The Kyrgyz Republic, like other countries of the world, faced Covid-19 in 2020, which affected the development of the economy in general - the tourism industry in particular. Especially external tourism suffered: according to the statistical committee of the republic in 2020 the inflow of tourists to the country decreased by 74% compared to 2019, the share of the tourism industry in GDP decreased several times. The closure of the borders of the republic, the announcement of curfews in many cities of the country and other restrictions related to the pandemic led to a record reduction in the flow of tourists into the country. Major travel agencies were closed. Under such conditions, the effects of the pandemic persist to this day. Therefore, in this article we will try to find more effective ways out of this crisis and give some suggestions for further stabilization of the situation in the market of tourist services in Kyrgyzstan.