Hotels and resorts in Kyrgyzstan will soon be classified under a new state rating system aimed at enhancing service quality and transparency.
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev has signed a decree establishing the classification framework, which will apply to various types of accommodation, including hotels, resorts, guest houses, glamping sites, and yurt camps.
The system is being implemented with support from the Asian Development Bank and follows international best practices adapted to Kyrgyzstan’s hospitality sector.
According to the Tourism Development Support Fund in the Kyrgyz Republic, the classification will introduce star ratings ranging from one to five for hotels and resorts.
Guest houses will be rated using edelweisses, with a maximum of four, while yurt camps will be assigned tunduks, with four being the highest distinction, according to a report by 24.kg.
The initiative aims to provide clear service expectations for visitors while encouraging accommodation providers to improve quality.
“The new system of quality standards will increase guests’ trust in accommodation. They will immediately understand what level of service they can expect,” the organization stated.
For business owners in the hospitality sector, the classification represents an opportunity to attract more guests through a standardized and recognized rating system.
In a competitive tourism market, a higher rating could serve as a marketing tool, setting businesses apart from unclassified competitors.
Initially, participation in the classification will be voluntary, with a digital platform facilitating assessments. The government is also working on a system of incentives to encourage participation. If the initiative proves successful, it could lead to mandatory implementation in the future.
By introducing standardized ratings, the Kyrgyz hospitality industry aligns itself with international norms, potentially increasing its appeal to global travelers.
With the first classifications expected this year, hotels, resorts, and alternative accommodations may need to evaluate their current service offerings and make adjustments to achieve higher rankings.