Tourism is one of the important areas of economic growth and increasing Kazakhstan’s investment attractiveness. In his Address, the Head of State noted the importance of further improving the quality of tourist facilities, unlocking the potential of promising destinations, and making the comprehensive development of tourism infrastructure one of the constant priorities of local executive bodies. At the central level, special attention should be paid to attracting international tourists and improving legislation.

Kazakhstan’s tourism industry currently demonstrates steady growth and strengthens its position, including as one of the key areas of regional development. The increase in tourist flows, record investment volumes, active construction of infrastructure, and expansion of the hotel base are forming a new model of industry development focused on long-term economic impact.

In 2025, Kazakhstan’s tourism industry showed steady growth. Hotels and other accommodation facilities received more than 10 million guests, including 8.7 million domestic tourists — 700 thousand more than the previous year.

Positive dynamics continue in inbound tourism. In total, 15.7 million foreign citizens visited Kazakhstan during the year, of which 11.1 million came for tourism purposes.

Against the backdrop of growing tourist flows, the economic return of the industry is also increasing: the total income of accommodation facilities reached 350.6 billion tenge, and the volume of investments in the tourism sector exceeded 1.3 trillion tenge.

Tourism as a Sustainable Sector of the Economy

The growth of the tourism industry is evident across key areas: tourist flows are increasing, accommodation infrastructure is expanding, and investment activity is growing.

In 2025, the number of accommodation facilities in Kazakhstan reached 4,482 units, with a total capacity exceeding 232 thousand beds. Compared to the previous year, the industry’s infrastructure increased by 179 facilities and more than 7 thousand beds.

Progressive development is also confirmed by long-term dynamics. Over the past 15 years, the number of guests using accommodation services has grown more than fourfold — from 2.3 million to 9.1 million people. The number of foreign tourists has more than doubled — from 513 thousand to 1.3 million people, and the annual volume of investments in the industry has grown almost sevenfold — from 144 billion to 975 billion tenge.

Consumer spending by tourists is a separate indicator of development. In 2025, almost 11.8 million tourist trips were made, of which more than 10.2 million were domestic tourism. Tourists’ total spending amounted to 1.1 trillion tenge, confirming a significant multiplier effect for related industries — transport, public catering, trade, and services.

Concept until 2029: Diversification and Quality Improvement

Further development of the industry will proceed within the framework of the Tourism Development Concept until 2029. The updated plan covers 6 directions and includes 61 events. Additionally, a roadmap for 2026–2029 has been prepared, which provides for another 119 events. One of the target indicators is to increase the number of domestic tourists to 11 million people by 2029.

Special attention is paid to making the tourism offer more diverse. In addition to already familiar directions, ecotourism, agritourism, autotourism, horse routes, gastronomic and MICE tourism are being developed in the country. Children’s and youth tourism will also be developed, including through the “Living Lessons” project, which combines travel with educational programs.

Investments and International Brands Strengthen the Industry

One of the drivers of growth is the inflow of investments and the expansion of the presence of international hotel operators.

In the coming years, the construction of 24 world-class hotels is planned in 11 regions of the country. The projects are being implemented with private investment with state support through preferential lending and investment preferences.

Among the projects being implemented are hotels of international chains Hilton and Marriott in Konaev, Novotel in Pavlodar, Courtyard by Marriott in Kostanay, Rixos in Kyzylorda, as well as Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Park Almaty, and Radisson Blu in Almaty. The opening of a new Hilton hotel is planned in Shymkent.

The arrival of international chains helps improve service quality, strengthens competition in the market, and makes Kazakhstan a more attractive destination for foreign tourists.

Preparation for the Summer Season: Development of Tourist Destinations

In preparation for the summer tourist season, regions are intensifying work on the development of popular destinations and improving comfort for travelers.

In Almaty Region, the tourist infrastructure of Konaev and national parks continues to be updated. Beach No. 5 has already been improved with investments of 4.5 billion tenge, and construction of beaches No. 6 and No. 7 is ongoing. Access roads to Kaiyndy Lake and the “City of Nomads” site are also being improved, and the “Alatau Amanaty” route is being developed.

In Zhetisu Region, special attention is paid to the coastline of Alakol and the transport accessibility of the resort zone. The project for a new terminal at Usharal Airport worth 5.5 billion tenge is being developed, air flights are subsidized, and railway connections are being expanded.

In Karaganda Region, a tourist cluster is being developed around the Balkhash industrial zone and the Karkaraly district. Balkhash Airport has been modernized, hotel projects and visitor centers are being launched, and the region is gradually forming its own event calendar for tourists.

In Mangystau Region, the focus is on updating beaches and embankments, as well as improving the safety of vacationers, including the installation of video surveillance cameras in popular tourist areas.

In Burabay, Bayanaul, and the Imantau-Shalkar resort zone, infrastructure is being updated: rescue stations are being built, ecological trails are being developed, and transport accessibility is being improved.

Almaty SuperSki: From Design to Construction

One of the largest tourism projects in Kazakhstan today is the Almaty SuperSki ski resort. The project is already moving from the preparatory stage to practical implementation.

Key partners have been selected through open international tenders. The French company POMA, one of the world leaders in this field that has implemented thousands of projects worldwide, will be responsible for the construction of 11 modern cableways. The resort plans to create a modern system of gondola and chairlifts of various types.

Special attention is paid to architecture and engineering solutions. According to the concept of the international bureau Foster + Partners, modern wooden structures will be used in construction. Their design and production will be handled by the Canadian company StructureCraft, known for its experience with complex mass timber projects.

Construction works have already begun at the site. The launch of the Almaty SuperSki resort is planned for December 2028. It is expected that the project will become a new point of attraction for tourists, help unlock the potential of the Almaty mountain cluster, and give an additional impetus to the service sector and related industries of the economy.

Digitalization and Event Tourism as New Drivers

Digital solutions are becoming another important tool for tourism development. The national portal Kazakhstan.travel helps tourists receive information about destinations, routes, and travel opportunities across the country in several languages.

At the same time, services for guests of Kazakhstan are being developed: the E-Guides system, QR solutions for foreign tourists, and the TravelStan mobile application, which will combine the main tourist services in one digital environment.

A separate direction is event tourism. A calendar of 55 events for 2026 has been approved: cultural, ethnographic, sports, gastronomic, and other events.

Since the beginning of the year, major events have already been held in the regions, including the Astana Symphony festival of traditional art and music, the Burabay Ice winter festival, the “Amal keldi – Zhyl keldi” ethnocultural festival, the “DamDastour” gastronomic festival, the Eurasian Book Fair international book exhibition, the “Taraz – City of Craftsmen” festival, the “Qyzgaldak-mura” international festival, the Sivers apple blossom festival, and the PGL Astana 2026 international esports tournament.

The events held have shown high interest from residents and tourists and have helped to present the cultural and tourist potential of the regions more vividly.

The main activity of the event calendar falls on the summer season. In June 2026, a series of major events is planned in the regions of the country, including the “Tary Fest” ethno-festival, the “Altyn Besik – Aksuat” art and sports festival, the Beu Fest youth music festival, the international The Spirit of Tengri festival, the “Kokmaysa-2026” national cuisine festival, the “Kazynaly Caspian” international festival, the Balkhash Tour Fest summer festival, the “Qymyzmuryndyk” ethno-festival, and the “Zholan Zhuyriki” international horse races.

These events will contribute to the development of event tourism, the promotion of regional brands, and the attraction of tourists during the summer period.

To promote the calendar, the web version of event.qaztourism.kz has been launched. An English-language booklet has also been prepared, which will be used to present Kazakhstani events at international tourism exhibitions and in work with foreign tour operators.

Tourism as a Factor of Sustainable Development

Today, tourism in Kazakhstan is developing as a full-fledged industry that affects not only the recreation sector but also the economy of regions, investment activity, and the creation of new jobs. The growth of tourist flows, increased revenues, infrastructure development, and the introduction of digital solutions create a solid foundation for further promotion of the country on the international tourism map.

The consistent implementation of state initiatives and the active participation of business allow tourism to gradually become one of the significant drivers of Kazakhstan’s long-term economic growth.

#Investments #President's instruction #Tourism #Transport

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