How USAID Helped Open Kyrgyzstan to Tourism – Our Experience
Why This Matters
The ripple effect of USAID’s work in Kyrgyzstan is greater than simply tourism.
- It strengthened ties between the U.S. and a former Soviet country. With Russia trying to regain influence within the region, helping Kyrgyzstan construct its economy and international partnerships kept it from falling back under Russian control.
- It gave locals a latest option to earn a living. USAID’s programs helped nomadic families, guesthouse owners, and small businesses thrive in a rustic where job opportunities were limited.
- It opened the country to the world. Before USAID’s tourism programs, few people had even heard of Kyrgyzstan. Now, it’s a bucket-list destination for adventure travelers.
Why Cutting USAID Is a Mistake
With USAID funding now in query, these efforts are vulnerable to collapsing. The U.S. has spent years constructing friendships, trust, and economic partnerships with countries like Kyrgyzstan. Without continued support, countries that when looked to the U.S. as a partner will probably be forced to show to China or Russia—each of whom are desperate to step in.
This is why USAID matters. It’s not nearly providing food and medical aid. It’s about constructing long-term relationships, strengthening economies, and creating allies in regions that desperately need them.
Without USAID, the U.S. isn’t just pulling out of humanitarian aid—it’s walking away from its own influence on the world stage.
Read Next: Ethical Travel Tips – How to Travel With a Better Impact
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