Ecotourism - The Times Of Central Asia

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Tourism Development Ecotourism Almaty Mountain Cluster

Kazakhstan Launches Central Asia’s Largest All-Season Tourism Project Near Almaty

Kazakhstan is embarking on the largest all-season tourism initiative in Central Asia with plans to develop a world-class ski resort near Almaty. The expansive project will stretch from Talgar in the east to Kaskelen in the west, creating an integrated mountain tourism corridor. Ambitious Plans for the Almaty Mountain Cluster The plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster (AMC) envisions up to 700 kilometers of ski trails, 58 lifts, modern hotels, glamping sites, biking paths, and cable cars. By 2029, the project aims to accommodate up to 34,000 visitors daily and create more than 10,000 jobs, positioning the AMC as the region’s premier year-round destination. International collaboration is central to the project, with concepts presented by global firms including Horwath HTL (U.S.), Stem International (France), and PGI Management (Andorra). French consultant Vincent Tassard stressed the value of year-round tourism and sustainable practices such as renewable energy and digital environmental monitoring. PGI President Joan Viladomat introduced the “Almaty SuperSki” concept, featuring 65 kilometers of trails across the Kok-Zhailau tract and Kumbel peak. Environmental Sensitivities and Renewed Approaches The inclusion of Kok-Zhailau revives a previously suspended development. In 2019, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev halted construction following strong public and environmental opposition. The land was subsequently returned to Ile-Alatau National Park to protect its biodiversity and recreational value. This time, developers promise greater environmental accountability. The AMC’s central zone, including Shymbulak, Butakovka, Kimasar, Oi-Karagai, and Pioneer, will serve as a pilot site for sustainable tourism design. Inclusive Design and Eco-Tourism Expansion The initiative also includes broader improvements to local tourist sites. The Medeu ECO Park concept has been introduced with facilities for family recreation and preserved landscapes. The Gorenlik visitor center and Jumbaq Jol trail are operational, and a suspension bridge, capable of accommodating 10,000 people daily, is slated to open in July. Almaty SuperSki project leader Thomas Tor Jensen highlighted the fact that half of the ski runs will be suitable for beginners and the entire infrastructure will be accessible to people with disabilities. Supporters such as Askar Valiev, Secretary General of the National Ski Association of Kazakhstan, and representatives from ECO Network and PANA ASIA, emphasized the importance of balancing economic goals with environmental protection. Valiev noted that Shymbulak is currently overburdened and in need of upgraded facilities for athletics training. Others stressed the need for transparency, compliance with ecological norms, and safe conditions for the increasing number of tourists. Economic Growth and Government Backing Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov underscored the project's strategic role in Kazakhstan’s modernization efforts. “This project will completely change the economic landscape not only of Almaty but of the entire country,” he stated, asserting that every dollar invested would yield double in tourism revenue. Tourism currently accounts for 3.9% of Almaty’s gross regional product and employs more than 83,000 people. In 2024, the city welcomed over 2.3 million tourists, including 680,000 international visitors. The sector is growing rapidly: tourism revenues rose 30% last year, with tax contributions doubling.

KATO Ecotourism Training Tourism Naryn Region Agritourism Ecotourism Kyrgyz farmers

Kyrgyz Farmers in Naryn Region Receive Ecotourism Training

Farmers in Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn region are receiving specialized training to help them tap into the growing ecotourism market. Organized by the Kyrgyz Department of Tourism, the courses aim to equip rural communities with the skills and tools necessary to turn their agricultural operations into attractive destinations for eco-conscious travelers. During the sessions, local farmers were introduced to tourism opportunities specific to their region. They also learned how to register and promote their services on major digital platforms such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Google Maps, and 2GIS. A key focus of the training was on storytelling and digital marketing. Participants were taught how to showcase the uniqueness of their farms through reviews, videos, and visual content, tools seen as vital for attracting visitors in the digital age. Ecotourism, and agritourism in particular, has seen a notable rise in popularity among international visitors, especially from Europe. Kyrgyzstan’s rural areas attract travelers seeking an authentic glimpse into traditional life and rich local culture. The Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO) notes that rural tourism is expanding steadily. In a recent report, the association highlighted the importance of proactive promotion. “The main thing is to position your business as a tourist attraction and actively promote it, attracting potential partners and customers. Income will depend on effort and imagination, because tourism is about selling new experiences and positive emotions,” KATO stated. With tourism continuing to diversify in Kyrgyzstan, initiatives like this are seen as essential to empowering local communities and fostering sustainable economic development in remote regions like Naryn.

Agritourism Ecotourism

Kazakhstan to Promote Agritourism to Boost Rural Economies

Kazakhstan is taking steps to develop agritourism, with new legislation aimed at allowing farmers to engage in ecotourism on their land. According to government officials, the initiative is expected to generate jobs and raise incomes in rural areas. Agritourism involves urban residents visiting farms and agricultural enterprises. It typically includes two formats: passive and active. In the passive model, visitors observe farm life, interact with animals from a distance, and take part in photo shoots in fields and rural settings. The active model allows tourists to participate in agricultural activities such as caring for livestock and crops, harvesting produce, and even assisting with equipment repairs. Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Mirzabasynov announced at a recent government meeting that the draft law currently under review by the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, includes provisions to support agritourism as part of broader reforms in the tourism sector. “It is planned to grant farmers the right to engage in agritourism on their plots. Currently, there are more than 200,000 small farms across the country. This measure will create additional jobs for rural residents and improve the welfare of rural communities,” Mirzabasynov stated. In addition to agritourism, Kazakhstan plans to promote mountain tourism. Mirzabasynov noted that a comprehensive development plan has already been drafted for the Almaty mountain cluster. “According to international experience, the average spending by mountain tourists is about $350, compared to $50 for beach tourism,” he said. “In addition to Almaty, other regions, particularly East Kazakhstan, also have strong potential. Construction is underway on airports in Katon-Karagay and Zaisan to support this development.” The ministry is also working on upgrading national parks to enhance ecotourism. In recent years, eight visitor centers have been constructed, with tourist trails equipped with basic infrastructure. “Similar initiatives will be implemented in other regions to foster various types of tourism,” Mirzabasynov added. “Particularly important areas include ethno-cultural tourism, children and youth tourism, medical and wellness tourism, business travel, caravanning, and auto-tourism.” According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Kazakhstan hosted 10.5 million domestic tourists and welcomed 15.3 million foreign visitors last year. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan introduced the Neo Nomad Visa in late 2024, allowing foreign nationals to stay in the country for up to one year.