The economic growth in Kyrgyzstan is mostly driven by the country's tourism industry. The National Development Strategy 2018-2040 lists it as one of its priority sectors. The republic's tourism industry is thought to be only using 15% of its potential at present and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.4% until 2028.

The driving factors of the tourism industry, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), however, face several challenges in preserving their competitiveness and minimizing their environmental impact. The transition to a green economy in Kyrgyzstan is still in its early stages. Particularly in light of the post-pandemic period and the extended energy crisis in Kyrgyzstan, domestic enterprises are looking for fresh approaches to transit to sustainable consumption and production models as soon as possible.

Among the most prevalent issues are inconsistent water and power supply, along with inadequate sewage and rubbish collection services. Regular power outages outside big cities also hamper business activity and add costs.
By encouraging sustainable production and consumption (SCP) behaviors and energy and resource efficiency (ERE) among SMEs in the tourism sector in Kyrgyzstan, the country of Kyrgyzstan launched the "Promoting Energy and Resource Efficiency in the Tourism Sector in Kyrgyzstan" (PERETO) project in 2021.

The PERETO project has so far been put into practice:

• 10 PERETO advisory services established in tourist regions of the country;
• More than 230 private entrepreneurs trained on ERE and SCP measures;
• 806 SMEs in the tourism sector have been informed about the PERETO project and are interested in implementing sustainable consumption and production practices;
• 76 SMEs in the regions receive technical support from PERETO through memorandum of cooperation;
• 64 SMEs have shown interest, and 50% of them have had an energy audit;
• 4 ERPTO consulted SMEs attracted $214,000 from external sources of green finance;
• 2 PERETO commercial green finance products launched through financial and banking institutions (Dos Kredobank and KB Kyrgyzstan) in the country;
• The training program on the implementation of ERE and SCP measures developed by the Academy of Tourism;

Training on "Green finance and sustainable tourism for the private sector" will be held on October 3–4 in Osh and October 7–8 in Bishkek to help small and medium-sized firms create business strategies for securing green financing. Additionally, the training will involve excursions to tourist destinations in the Osh and Chui regions that have successfully implemented energy- and resource-saving technologies.

Owners of hotels, restaurants, and cafes who represent small and medium-sized businesses in Kyrgyzstan's tourism industry are the target audience for the training (HoReCa). The training program includes interactive sessions led by Unison Group, Collaborating Center on Sustainable Consumption and Production (CCP) (Germany), and PEERETO (Project) partners Technopolis (Belgium) (Kyrgyzstan).