Kazakhstan’s tourism sector generated more than $1.3 billion in tax revenue in 2025, an 18% increase from the previous year, as foreign visitor spending and investment in the industry continued to grow, Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabosynov said.
Speaking at a government meeting, Myrzabosynov said foreign tourists spent approximately $2.9 billion in Kazakhstan last year, while investment in the tourism sector rose by 33% to reach $2.74 billion.
The figures highlight the growing importance of tourism to Kazakhstan’s economy as authorities seek to diversify sources of growth beyond the country’s traditional resource sectors.
Ecotourism was among the fastest-growing segments of the industry. Kazakhstan’s national parks attracted 3.7 million visitors in 2025, up from 2.8 million a year earlier.
To manage increasing visitor numbers and protect natural ecosystems, the government updated national ecotourism standards last year and plans further investment in park infrastructure, hiking trails, and tourism routes.
Medical tourism has also emerged as a strategic growth area. According to Myrzabosynov, Kazakhstan received approximately 80,000 foreign patients in 2025, benefiting from comparatively affordable healthcare services and growing international recognition of local medical facilities.
Ten healthcare institutions in Kazakhstan currently hold Joint Commission International accreditation, and authorities are preparing a roadmap for the development of medical tourism for 2026-2028.
Business and conference tourism is another priority sector. The minister said Kazakhstan hosted 13 major international events in 2025, generating approximately $18 million in economic activity.
However, he noted that infrastructure limitations continue to constrain growth, particularly in Almaty, the country’s largest commercial center.
“Almaty needs a modern international-standard convention and exhibition complex,” Myrzabosynov said, calling for a decision on the project to support further expansion of the meetings and events industry.
The government is also seeking to expand tourism linked to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, one of the world’s most historic space launch facilities.
Under a recently approved development concept, processing times for permits required by foreign visitors have been reduced to 10 days, making access easier for tour operators and tourists interested in both rocket launches and regular visits to the complex.
Visitor numbers to Baikonur increased from 5,200 in 2024 to 7,600 in 2025, according to the ministry.
Myrzabosynov said several facilities transferred to Kazakhstan’s control, including Gagarin’s Start, the launch pad used for Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 flight, a fueling and assembly complex, and a dynamic testing facility, have significant tourism potential but require modernization and substantial investment.
He also emphasized the importance of developing year-round event tourism at Baikonur to attract visitors between launches and improve use of existing infrastructure.
As Kazakhstan expands its tourism offerings, authorities are also looking to develop niche segments of the market. Earlier, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said it expects the number of foreign gambling tourists visiting the country to double following the opening of new casino facilities in four regions of Kazakhstan.
