Kazakhstan’s Viral Landscapes Lure Record Chinese Tourists in 2024
Chinese interest in Kazakhstan has surged, with a significant increase in tourist arrivals and flight demand. A recent video showcasing the country's stunning landscapes has gone viral on Instagram, further boosting its appeal.
Last year, flights from China to Kazakhstan witnessed an 86% surge in demand. This trend continued into 2024, with the number of Chinese tourists visiting the country nearly tripling compared to 2019. Over 650,000 Chinese citizens visited Kazakhstan in 2024, contributing to a spending of 307 million tenge.
Kazakh videographer Dastan Mukhamedrakhim has played a significant role in this tourism boom. His videos, featuring breathtaking landscapes like the Zailiysky Alatau mountains and Mangystau, have garnered global attention. One of his videos, highlighted by Instagram's official account, received over 36.5 million views and 37,800 comments. Another video, featuring Chinese blogger Tao Mingshu posing with a golden eagle, has received over 200,000 views and sparked comments comparing it to a magazine cover.
The increasing interest from Chinese tourists, coupled with the global promotion of Kazakhstan's natural beauty through social media, is expected to continue driving tourism growth. With its stunning landscapes and rich culture, Kazakhstan is poised to attract even more visitors in the coming years.