Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly informed about this March 12 at the press conference in the Government’s press center.

“As part of the state program for the development of the tourism industry, it is planned to implement more than 200 investment projects, therefore we will provide 72 thousand people from rural areas with permanent work. You know that most of our specially protected natural areas are located in rural places. Therefore, with the right approach, quality management, and infrastructure development, we will be able to give them work. This is a real figure, we are not setting any impossible tasks. When we promoted our famous resort on Lake Alakol two years ago, many did not believe in it. Today, hotels are opening there, and the number of people willing is increasing every year,” the minister stressed.

The list of Top-10 attractive places from a tourist point of view has been formed. It includes the shores of the lakes Alakol and Balkhash, Shchuchinsk-Borovoe, Bayanaul, Imantau-Shalkar resort areas, Almaty mountain cluster, Mangistau, Turkestan and Astana. Mostly they are located in rural areas.

Also at the press conference, the minister spoke about plans for the development of transit tourism.

“For example, tourists from Almaty arrive in Almaty for the next flight to other countries. Within the framework of the state program, we propose expanding the conditions for 72-hour visa-free transit for foreign tourists so that they visit, have time to familiarize themselves with and explore the city,” the minister said, noting that, given the rapid development, Astana and Almaty can become transit tourism centers.