President attends opening of int'l tourist fair in Issyk-Kul

Bishkek, May 15, 2021 . / Kabar /. President Sadyr Zhaparov participated on Saturday in the opening of the regular Issyk-Kul International Tourist Fair "ITF-2021" called "I am Nomad", his press service said.

In his welcoming speech, the Kyrgyz leader recalled the Issyk-Kul International Tourist Fair has been held at the international level since 2016.

He noted with satisfaction that the number of participants and those interested in this event grows every year - nowadays most travel companies in neighboring countries learn more about this platform and present their products at this event.

"The main goal of the state is to create favorable conditions for enterprises and organizations of the tourism industry. The goal - to create a modern legislative framework that will ensure the development of activities in this area to make our country, rich in natural beauty, attractive to tourists," the president said.

He added that the development of tourism largely depends on political stability and state support in the country.

"The 2020 pandemic had a negative impact on the development of the tourism industry in our country. The number of foreign tourists dropped sharply. Today, the number of tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan is beginning to increase again thanks to the efforts of state bodies and the tourism business.

The main reasons for the arrival of foreign tourists are the ecological attractiveness of the Kyrgyz Republic, the beautiful nature of the mountainous landscape, the variety of natural and climatic conditions, historical connections with the Great Silk Road, nomadic traditions, cultural wealth and hospitality of the Kyrgyz people," Zhaparov added.

The head of state stressed the need for regular activities aimed at promoting Kyrgyzstan's tourists products in the international tourism market for the active development of tourism as a real sector of the economy.

The program of the exhibition consists of three parts, which will be held at three sites:

- ISSYK KUL ITF -2021 exhibition-fair;

- Tourism Forum "Kyrgyzstan is a country of tourism;

- Awarding the best participants in the tourism market of Kyrgyzstan and partners.

IITF 2021 is an annual meeting that brings together international travel companies, tour operators and agencies, representatives of state bodies for tourism development, airlines, hotels, carriers and media sector.

IITF as a specialized international tourism exhibition has been held since 2016.