The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is installing 125 new road signs and street maps to improve the tourism experience in Kyrgyzstan. The tourist signs will help visitors to navigate through cities and trekking routes, and show directions to major tourist attractions. This initiative is a part of USAID’s Business Growth Initiative project, which works to strengthen the tourism sector in the country.

According to the USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission Director Kimberly Rosen, since 2016, USAID has installed 80 directional signs along major roads, and street maps for walking tours in Osh and Karakol, bringing the total to 205 signs installed throughout the country by June. “This year, USAID is installing an additional eight trekking maps and 11 tourist maps in Naryn, Issyk-Kul, and Osh, as well as 106 directional road signs throughout Kyrgyzstan” said Ms. Rosen.

The road signs adhere to the internationally-recognized color (brown) and format for parks and recreation. Lettering is made of special reflective material that is visible to passing motorists at night.

Installation of the tourist signs is a part of USAID’s broader efforts to enhance tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic under its Business Growth Initiative. The project helps to strengthen tourism companies, hotels, guest houses, museums as well as promote Kyrgyzstan in international markets. Last year, partner hotels and guest houses reported 48% increase in the number of tourists visiting compared to 2016. The local tourism development groups reported an increase in revenues in 2017 of 40 percent, while tour operators reported the sales increase of 13 percent. USAID's support resulted in attracting more foreign tourists, creating more jobs, and increasing incomes in the sector that will have a long-term positive impact and ensure sustainable economic growth and stability in the Kyrgyz Republic.