Kyrgyzstan is ramping up its preparations for the UIM F1H2O World Championship, branded as the Kyrgyzstan Grand Prix, set to unfold at Issyk-Kul. Senior officials have marked this event as a crucial avenue for boosting tourism, elevating international visibility, and fostering investment within the country. Adylbek Kasymaliev, the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, presided over a pivotal meeting in Bishkek to scrutinize preparations for the international sporting spectacle while discussing essential tourism development initiatives.
In the meeting, Adylbek Kasymaliev underscored the significance of hosting the Formula 1 World Water Motorsports Championship in Central Asia for the first time, establishing a landmark moment in the region's history. Authorities anticipate that this championship will serve as a platform for Kyrgyzstan to showcase its tourist attractions, infrastructural capabilities, and investment possibilities to a diverse global audience. Scheduled for August 2026 in the Issyk-Kul region, the event is poised to draw international athletes, visitors, investors, and extensive media attention.
The meeting spotlighted vital infrastructural and organizational measures crucial for the championship. Government bodies were mandated to ensure that transport systems, tourist facilities, accommodation services, and public safety protocols are adequately primed for the competition. Plans to enhance connectivity and visitor services in Issyk-Kul—a renowned tourist hotspot celebrated for its dramatic mountain scenery and expansive alpine lake—were also reviewed.
Special emphasis was given to the national initiative “Chatkal Resort,” which aims to bolster mountain tourism alongside developing contemporary tourism infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan. Officials evaluated the project's advancement and its potential to draw both domestic and foreign investments into the tourism sector. Expected to stimulate sustained economic growth, the project seeks to create new business prospects and enhance tourism services while promoting sustainable development in mountainous regions.
The State Agency for Tourism Development also provided updates during the meeting on ongoing efforts in tourism promotion. Authorities reviewed strategies to boost international visitor arrivals and enhance Kyrgyzstan’s image as a premier travel destination in Central Asia. The significance of integrating sports tourism, eco-tourism, and investment development was emphasized to maximize economic benefits for local communities and industries.
Adylbek Kasymaliev highlighted that successfully hosting an international competition of this magnitude necessitates meticulous collaboration among all government sectors and local entities. He charged relevant agencies with ensuring that every aspect of the event meets high professional standards, while they are also tasked with completing preparations on schedule, ready to welcome global visitors and participants.
The forthcoming UIM F1H2O World Championship is projected to substantially elevate Kyrgyzstan’s international standing in tourism and sports. Authorities believe that a successful event will solidify the country’s reputation as a hub for international competitions and adventure tourism. Alongside development projects like Chatkal Resort, the government aims to leverage these initiatives to create job opportunities, stimulate regional economies, and attract long-term investments in Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry.
