Enhancing Tourism in Kazakhstan Through Infrastructure Upgrades and Digital Innovations
Tourism Boom in Kazakhstan: A Closer Look
ASTANA - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov recently chaired a meeting to discuss Kazakhstan's rapidly expanding tourism industry. The sector encompasses agriculture, eco, business, shopping, event, and digital tourism. Here's a breakdown of the latest buzz in each area:
National parks, eco-, agri-tourism
The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov, proposed authorizing local administrations to establish tourism infrastructure in rural areas, including national parks. Meanwhile, eight visitor centers have been constructed, and ecotourism trails are being developed to boost environmental exploration. In 2024, 2.8 million people visited 14 national parks, a 18% increase from 2023.
Agritourism is also accelerating, providing a boost to rural development. With over 200,000 farms in Kazakhstan, this measure aims to bolster employment and raise living standards in rural communities.
Simplifying Travel
Noteworthy reforms plan to upgrade the hotel classification system, aligning it with international standards. Additionally, a green corridor system is being tested at select border checkpoints to expedite entry for organized tourist groups.
To facilitate smoother travels, the Neo Nomad Visa, currently obtainable through foreign embassies, may become accessible online via Kazakhstan's visa migration portal.
Shopping and Guides
Kazakhstan is working to expand its Tax Free system, which encourages shopping tourism by offering tax refunds to foreign shoppers. Since 2019, the initiative has generated sales of 4.9 billion tenge (US$9.3 million) across Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Turkistan. The system's reach is soon expected to extend nationwide.
A digital guide platform, E-Guides, has been introduced to help tourists effortlessly connect with certified local guides.
Key Destination Updates
The Schuchinsk-Burabai resort area is benefiting from an approved comprehensive development plan set to span until 2029. Changes include building eight observation platforms, upgrading 14 tourist routes, and developing a public beach at Lake Shchuchye.
Prominent projects in this region include a congress center, a hotel with water park and villas, a cottage town, and an apart-hotel under the Hilton brand.
Almaty's city development includes the launch of SuperApp, a multifunctional mobile app that enables users to buy tickets, plan routes, book tours, and explore attractions through VR. Almaty's MICE tourism sector is thriving, bolstered by upcoming facilities like the new Almaty Museum of Arts and the Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture.
Significant plans for Almaty include the construction of a world-class ski resort with 150 kilometers of trails, projected to attract up to five million visitors annually, as well as the development of the Mangystau tourist zone.
Inclusive Tourism
Murat Karatai, the head of the Pioneer family resort, supports expanding inclusive children's resorts for the over 300,000 children in Kazakhstan requiring special educational support. He suggests establishing a nationwide network of inclusive resorts and a national center to train specialists in family and inclusive tourism.
The Almaty mountain cluster could enable the growth of specialized resorts tailored to families, children, safety, and inclusion.
Event Tourism
Malik Khassenov, Astana Concert company producer, has outlined several upcoming events to fuel event tourism. These include the Alem Fest music festival headlined by Craig David, Comic Con Astana, and a concert by American singer and actress Jennifer Lopez.
As Kazakhstan solidifies its status as a major tourism hub in Central Asia, it emphasizes sustainable practices and diverse experiences for visitors.
Enrichment Data:
Unique Experiences
Tours offering unique ethno-cultural experiences and yurt-based stays in nature are currently trending in Kazakhstan.
Infrastructure Improvements
In addition to the development of ecotourism infrastructure, the government is working on improving infrastructure at popular tourist destinations like Lake Alakol and Balkhash, with new recreational zones, and upgrading transportation with the construction of a light rail train (LRT) in Astana.
Tourism Growth
The emerging areas of Ulytau and Assy-Turgen plateau are attracting domestic tourists.
Kazakhstan's Diverse Tourism Offerings
The tourism industry caters to diverse interests, such as health improvement, pilgrimage, and ethno-tours.
Events and Exhibitions
The Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (KITF 2025) is a crucial event for global industry leaders and a platform to showcase innovative travel routes, hotel concepts, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Agri-tourism expansions in Kazakhstan, aiming to boost rural employment and living standards, may offer travelers unique ethno-cultural experiences during their agricultural visits.
- For travelers seeking diverse tourism experiences, Kazakhstan's tourism boom offers expedited entry at green corridor border checkpoints and the development of the Mangystau tourist zone, providing a blend of urban and natural attractions.
