According to the Association of Tour Operators of the Russian Federation (ATOR), on whose website this information was published, an airline plans to operate four flights a week from Domodedovo to Issyk-Kul International Airport in the village of Tamchy, the other – seven (daily). The flight will last approximately five hours.
“Compared to 2022, fares have increased by 20-25%. If in June of last year a ticket cost about 9.5 thousand rubles, then in spring-summer 2023 you will have to pay 11.7 thousand one way single per passenger”, – the publication says. At the same time, at the peak of the tourist season, prices will rise even further.
According to the Association of Tour Operators of the Russian Federation, in 2022 the demand for vacations in Issyk-Kul among Russian citizens increased by about 30% compared to 2021. “Last spring, excursions, expeditions, health and beach tours to Issyk-Kul appeared in the assortment of several large tour operators of the Russian Federation Market participants were pleased with the sales results of the summer season-2022 … Direct flights to the lake was in great demand, this year there are already tourists waiting for the resumption of flights. A promotional tour in Issyk-Kul is planned for May, and judging by the speed with which it was recruited, we conclude that the destination will remain in demand this year as well,” ATOR pointed out, citing data from one of the travel agencies.
According to the vice-president of the association Sergey Romashkin, visits to Issyk-Kul will also be in stable demand in 2023. But, according to him, “savvy” tourists go to the lake to relax.
- These are mostly people from Kyrgyzstan or Russians in the 40+ age category who have been to the republic before and understand what you can do in Issyk-Kul and near the lake, – a noted Sergey Romashkin.
In 2022, according to the Kyrgyz Republic Tourism Development Support Fund, the flow of tourists from Russia to Kyrgyzstan increased by about 1.5 times compared to 2021. It will also increase in 2023. The most popular for citizens of the Russian Federation is Issyk-Kul. At the same time, as Elena Kalashnikova, head of the fund, told the RG correspondent, there are other equally interesting places in the republic.
– If we evaluate the tourism potential of Kyrgyzstan, I would say that it is significant. Another thing is that very few people know about it. In my opinion, to correct the situation, two things are needed. First, the intensive development of infrastructure inside the country – from public toilets to hotel services, transport and logistics. Second, a well-designed information field is required. It’s just a colossal job. Moreover, this is an expense item, without which we will not receive the necessary flow of tourists, – she noted.
- I’ll be honest: very little is known about Kyrgyzstan abroad today. Believe me as someone who has been in this business for over a quarter of a century. The good news is that today the State seriously supports the tourism industry in order to make it a real priority. Now we are trying to increase the recognition of our country. Moreover, it should be done in such a way that it is perceived precisely as a tourist destination, as a place where you can go and there is something to see, – said Elena Kalashnikova.
It should be added that since 2017, Lake Issyk-Kul has always been among the five best resorts in the CIS, popular with Russian tourists.
There will be no boredom in Issyk-Kul
The Association of Tour Operators of the Russian Federation describes the conditions for recreation in Issyk-Kul as follows: “The swimming season on the lake begins in mid-June. sunbathing… Issyk-Kul can be recommended for holidays with young children: there are well-groomed beaches, a sandy shore, a gentle entrance into the water.You will not be bored: there is a water park and playgrounds.
Almost all hotels and facilities of the Issyk-Kul sanatorium complex are located on the first coastline. Local hotels do not have the usual stars, the classification goes to budget, medium and high-end establishments. Meals are mainly three meals a day, local hotels do not offer a buffet.
A beach vacation in Issyk-Kul can be combined with day trips, for example, to gorges, canyons and hot springs. Water entertainment – catamarans, jet skis, banana rides. You can also go horseback riding, fishing, hiking in the Tien Shan mountains or even falconry.
We advise you to have cash and not to rely solely on bank cards. Rubles can be exchanged for soms at any bank. Cards are tricky. Many banks in Kyrgyzstan refused to serve Russian “plastic”.
