Recent mass protests against foreign students have put the entire tourism industry of Kyrgyzstan on edge. The situation in Bishkek was not always portrayed objectively in foreign media, fake news unrelated to reality was spread, and social media was filled with negativity.
Following the heated phase, videos of crowds of foreigners at Manas Airport trying to return to their homelands further fueled the atmosphere.
Despite Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh never being countries contributing to the tourist flow in Kyrgyz Republic, a common saying among foreigners became that "they don't attack based on passport, but on appearance."
Negative Impact on Tourism
The recent events are beginning to affect the tourism sector. Director of a tour company, Sergey Glukhoverov, mentioned that many foreigners have started to cancel their bookings. Partners from around the world are reaching out, questioning why foreigners are being attacked and why the police are not protecting tourists.
"They are worried and considering whether it's worth coming to us or canceling groups. Few people know the details of why this happened. They know that a huge crowd attacked foreigners. This has a very negative impact on tourism," emphasized Sergey Glukhoverov.
According to him, others are sending all links to our local media resources, showing that they caught, punished, and are taking measures.
"But in the public consciousness, all that remains is the attack. It's good that the president and the Ministry of Internal Affairs spoke about the situation. They said everything is under control. We need to show that we are a kind country," said the owner of the tour company.
In his opinion, it is currently "difficult to say how much the influx of tourists may decrease."
"Tourism is about pleasure, and no one will risk their safety. A trip can be postponed for six months to a year, or they can go relax in another country," Sergey Glukhoverov concluded.
Positive Outlook and Potential for Recovery
Not to panic and exaggerate the situation, former director of marketing and promotion management at the Tourism Development Fund, Mars Cherikchiev, is confident that the events in Bishkek will not affect the overall tourist flow.
"The season is about to start—there will be an influx of tourists. In the Issyk-Kul region, there is good tourism development, Uzbekistan has launched new airlines, which also contributes to the influx of tourists. Plus, they want to open year-round ski resorts, which will lead to an additional flow of tourists," the expert emphasized.
According to him, to develop tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic, there is a need to work intensively in terms of information, to talk about the country's tourism potential and participate in exhibitions.
"It is necessary to support bloggers who show the beauty of Kyrgyzstan. Thanks to them, a lot of tourists come. People, seeing these publications, become interested in our republic. Tourists are also different: Russia, Uzbekistan—more resort visitors. Europe, Arab states love mountains," noted Mars Cherikchiev.
"To Be or Not to Be?"
All experts agree on the necessity of a large-scale information campaign aimed at improving the image of the Kyrgyz Republic as a safe country for foreign tourists. The potential for the tourism sector in the country is enormous. It is possible to develop all types of tourism—from traditional beach holidays to ecological and extreme ones. It is now essential to intensify work in the information field to regain the trust of tourists and strengthen the image of the Kyrgyz Republic as a hospitable and safe travel destination.
It is worth noting that the spontaneous protest against foreigners began on the evening of May 17 in Bishkek and ended only on the morning of May 18. The police managed to negotiate with the participants of the rally, they opened Chui Avenue and dispersed.
Several people have been detained by the police for attacking foreign students and migrants, hostels, and workshops where they lived and worked. They are charged under the article "Mass Protests" of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Regarding the fight on May 13 in the hostel, which was one of the reasons for the protests, four citizens of Egypt were detained by law enforcement. Later, they were placed under house arrest. A criminal case has been initiated under the article "Hooliganism" of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.
