Kazakhstan set a new visitor record in 2024: over 15 million foreign guests travelled to the country – an increase of 66 per cent compared to the previous year. The state government wants to continue this positive trend with targeted investments in tourism infrastructure.

Easier access: new flight connections

New international flight connections and visa-free access for travellers from 83 countries are making Kazakhstan more attractive. The ninth largest country in the world in terms of area offers not only unspoilt nature but also several ski slopes. In the World Economic Forum’s Global Travel and Tourism Index, the country improved by 14 places to 52nd in 2024.

Focus on mountains and national parks

Almaty is particularly attractive to visitors – nestled in the Tien Shan mountains and surrounded by popular skiing and hiking areas. To meet growing demand, the largest ski resorts, Shymbulak and Oi-Qaragay, are to be merged into the ‘Almaty Mountain Cluster’ with new slopes and a gondola lift network.

New regions under development

Domestic demand is also rising: in 2024, around 10.5 million Kazakhs opted to holiday in their own country. Three new airports, already under construction, are set to make the country more accessible – two near the national parks in eastern Kazakhstan and one on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Plans are also underway for a tourism district in Astana and the expansion of the Burabai National Park with additional hotels and leisure facilities.

Sustainability with challenges

The current imbalance between economic development and environmental protection in the Kazakh tourism industry is set to be remedied soon. A new national ecotourism standard, developed with the support of the United Nations, came into force in June 2025. It aims to adopt international principles and reduce the environmental impact of tourism.

Source: GTAI (in German)