In the Central Asian region, cooperation practices in the period following the dissolution of the Soviet Union primarily developed around the axes of national independence, border security, and the institutionalization of bilateral relations. However, in recent years, the search for diversification in development models, influenced by global economic fluctuations and international competition, has led to a shift towards more effective and sector-focused cooperation areas. In this context, tourism has become one of the prominent policy areas in Central Asia due to its low political cost, job creation potential, and its ability to encourage cross-border interaction.
This trend is particularly evident in the examples of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Both countries, with their mountainous geography, landlocked status, and high need for economic diversification, position tourism as a complementary element of their development strategies. Historical Silk Road routes, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage sites form the material basis of this strategy, while joint practices and institutional agreements strengthen the governance dimension of the partnership. In this context, joint tourism initiatives developed between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can be considered an example indicating the development of sector-based regional integration beyond bilateral economic relations.[i]
Despite the state’s limited economic capacity, Tajikistan’s tourism potential offers remarkable diversity and depth. The Pamir and Fann Mountains have gained international recognition for their nature, trekking, and adventure tourism, while cities like Penjikent, with a history spanning nearly 5,000 years, make Tajikistan a significant stop on the historical Silk Road. Penjikent’s heritage, stretching back to the Sogdian civilization, demonstrates that Tajik tourism is based not only on natural beauty but also on a rich history of civilization.[ii]
Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, has a more institutionalized infrastructure in mountain tourism, ecotourism, and cross-border travel experiences. The experience in the Issyk-Kul basin, trekking routes, and tourism services makes Kyrgyzstan a natural complementary partner for Tajikistan. This constitutes one of the main pillars of joint tourism projects created between the two states. Memorandums of understanding signed in 2025 within the framework of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation Business Forum (CAREC) have established a corporate framework for cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the field of tourism.[iii] These agreements aim to create joint tourism routes that integrate the natural, historical, and cultural sites of both countries, and to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience in the tourism sector.
These agreements are not limited solely to improving tourist routes. They also include key elements such as enhancing the quality of tourism services, organizing joint training programs for sector employees, and strengthening private sector partnerships through regular business forums. In this respect, the tourism partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan represents a comprehensive governance model bringing together public and private sector actors. Furthermore, the emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism demonstrates that ecological sensitivities are becoming more visible in the development policies of both countries.
Viewed on a regional scale, this partnership is considered part of a broader integration phase centered around the “Central Asian Routes” concept. Through joint promotional strategies, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan aim to offer holistic and multi-stop travel experiences in international markets, rather than isolated destinations. This approach extends tourists’ stays in the region and allows for a more balanced sharing of tourism revenues. Furthermore, it supports the perception of Central Asia as an accessible, safe, and culturally rich region.[iv]
Another key factor influencing the success of tourism partnerships is the legal and administrative frameworks governing human mobility. From this perspective, Kyrgyzstan’s updating of rules regarding the stay of foreigners in the country by the beginning of 2026 can be considered a significant complementary step for regional tourism. The new regulations aim to reduce legal uncertainties by clearly defining the duration of stay for foreign visitors according to their citizenship status. The establishment of differentiated stay durations for citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union, Central Asian countries, and certain third-party groups demonstrates that Kyrgyzstan is pursuing a controlled but transparent mobility policy.
These arrangements directly affect the feasibility of joint tourism practices between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. More predictable visa and stay regimes facilitate the development of joint packages by tour operators and make travel planning more attractive for individual tourists. Therefore, mobility policies are becoming an important part of the regional cooperation architecture as a complementary element supporting tourism.
In conclusion, this cooperation developed between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan demonstrates that regional integration in Central Asia has gained a new, soft power-oriented dimension. Joint tourism practices combine the heritage of the historical Silk Road with contemporary development and sustainability goals, while also increasing economic interdependence between the two states. Kyrgyzstan’s regulations regarding human mobility contribute to strengthening the practical basis of this cooperation. In this context, the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan cooperation reveals that tourism in this region is not only a revenue-generating sector but also a strategic policy area supporting regional security, integration, and long-term stability.
[i] “В Вене состоялось открытие фотовыставки Тюркский мир на Шелковом пути”, Report, https://report.az/ru/vneshnyaya-politika/v-vene-sostoyalos-otkrytie-fotovystavki-tyurkskij-mir-na-shelkovom-puti, (Access date: 14 Jan 2026).
[ii] “В столице Австрии пройдет Тюркская неделя”, Dunyo, https://dunyo.info/ru/kultura/v-stolice-avstrii-proydet-tyurkskaya-nedelya, (Access date: 14 Jan 2026).
[iii] “Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan to develop joint tourism projects”, Kazinform, https://qazinform.com/news/kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-to-develop-joint-tourism-projects-f9ae3c, (Access date: 14 Jan 2026).
[iv] “В Вене состоялось открытие фотовыставки Тюркский мир на Шелковом пути”, Report, https://report.az/ru/vneshnyaya-politika/v-vene-sostoyalos-otkrytie-fotovystavki-tyurkskij-mir-na-shelkovom-puti, (Access date: 14 Jan 2026).
