Tourism - The Times Of Central Asia

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First Tourist Train Links China’s Xi’an and Kazakhstan’s Almaty

On May 29, the inaugural tourist train connecting Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi province, with Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, departed, marking a new chapter in cross-border tourism and cultural exchange. According to the national railway operator, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the departure ceremony was held in Xi’an and attended by a Kazakh delegation led by KTZ Deputy Chairman Anuar Akhmetzhanov, along with representatives from Chinese authorities, tourism agencies, and transport organizations. Akhmetzhanov emphasized that the project aims to deepen cultural ties and boost bilateral tourism. “We are confident that this journey will leave a lasting impression on our guests from China and lay the groundwork for new joint initiatives,” he said. The train will travel through Urumqi in Xinjiang, cross the Kazakh-Chinese border at Khorgos, and proceed via Altynkol station to Almaty. The train comprises nine carriages and is carrying 246 passengers, including Chinese businesspeople, academics, entertainers, and athletes. During their five-day visit, passengers will explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Kazakhstan’s southern capital, participate in organized tours, and attend cultural and business events. Xi’an also holds strategic importance for Kazakhstan as the site of a Kazakh-operated logistics terminal. This facility has significantly boosted rail container traffic along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), a key corridor linking China and Europe via Kazakhstan.

KATO Ecotourism Training Naryn Region Kyrgyz farmers Ecotourism Agritourism Tourism

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.

Tourism Restoration Projects

Uzbekistan Plans to Restore Khiva’s Outer Fortress, Draw Tourists

The walls of Dishan-Kala, the remnants of a 19th century fortress in the Uzbek city of Khiva, have been deteriorating for many years. Now the Uzbek government plans to restore destroyed sections of the walls, remove some nearby buildings that are cluttering the historical structure and turn the site into a major tourist attraction. The goal is to transform Dishan-Kala, the outer fortress, into a landmark similar to Ichan-Kala, the walled inner town at Khiva that is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to multiple cultural sites, exhibition sites and artisan shops. Some 1 million foreign tourists and 3.5 million local people visited Ichan-Kala in 2024, and it is expected to draw 2 million foreigners and nearly 5 million domestic tourists by the end of this year, the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change said in a statement on Tuesday. The new development campaign aims “not only to preserve Dishan-Kala but also to unlock and enhance its full tourism potential,” the ministry said. Uzbekistan’s growing tourism industry depends in large part on its rich historical legacy in places such as Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, but the development of the industry has sometimes conflicted with concerns about the preservation of ancient sites. Last year, despite UNESCO’s concerns, Uzbekistan pushed ahead with plans for a big tourist complex next to the historical center of Bukhara, a jewel of medieval architecture in Central Asia. In 2021, UNESCO’s world heritage committee referred to development and tourism pressures in Khiva. It also said it regretted the demolition of large areas of Dishan-Kala, noting that it had served as the residential neighborhood for the fortified inner city and that the links between the two parts of ancient Khiva should be strengthened. Built in 1842, the fortress walls of Dishan-Kala are currently in a state of neglect. Some 2,000 meters of its 6,200-meter wall have been destroyed, and another 2,500 meters are in “critical condition,” the ecology ministry said. “For many years, illegal constructions sprang up around the wall, leaving virtually no space for access or movement along its perimeter,” it said. Photos of Dishan-Kala show trash and piles of debris alongside crumbling walls, in contrast with the well-maintained Ichan-Kala area. The plan is to remove 55 residential and other buildings near the Dishan-Kala walls and install parks, landscaping and a pedestrian alley.

Tourism International Visitors HoReCa growth indicators revival Tourism Development Investment Trends International investment Investment

Kazakhstan’s Tourism Revival Attracts International Visitors and $1.8 Billion in Investment

Kazakhstan’s tourism sector is undergoing a notable resurgence, with a growing number of both international visitors and domestic travelers exploring the country. According to analysts at Ranking.kz, this revival is not merely inflation-driven; it reflects substantial structural changes and targeted investment in tourism infrastructure. Data from the National Statistics Bureau (NSB) shows that in 2024, the total volume of services provided by hotels, motels, and other accommodation facilities reached KZT 299.8 billion (approximately $580 million), marking a 30.8% increase from the previous year. Tax revenues from tourism-related businesses rose by 25.1% year-on-year to KZT 254 billion (about $492 million), underscoring the sector’s expanding fiscal footprint. Tourism continues to attract both domestic and international investors. In 2024, capital investment in the sector totaled KZT 947.5 billion ($1.8 billion), encompassing both private funding for resort and hotel construction and public subsidies aimed at developing tourism infrastructure. Throughout 2024, investment in fixed capital across the hospitality, arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors reached KZT 321.1 billion ($622 million). Of that, KZT 163.8 billion ($317 million) was directed toward accommodation and food services. In the first quarter of 2025, investment in these areas rose by a further 6.5%. The Almaty agglomeration, home to the Zailiyskiy Alatau ski resorts and scenic natural areas, remains a top destination for investment. In 2024, it accounted for 17.4% of total capital investments in the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) and entertainment sectors. Currently, approximately 55 large-scale investment projects are in development across Kazakhstan’s tourism sector. Notable among them are the creation of a multifunctional tourist quarter in Astana, the Aqbura Resort in the Akmola region, and the expansion of the Oi-Qaragai ski resort, one of the largest in Central Asia. The Oi-Qaragai development includes the construction of a new four-star hotel and significant upgrades to tourism infrastructure. With an estimated total investment of $150 million, the project is expected to generate over 1,200 new jobs. So far, $44.5 million has been invested, with an additional $57.4 million projected by the end of 2025.

opening Tourist season Issyk-Kul Tourism

Tourist Season Officially Opens in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul

An international fair of craftsmen and folk art opened in Cholpon-Ata, marking the official start of the tourist season in Issyk-Kul. The highlight of the event was a lively and competitive display of yurt assembly, drawing large crowds and showcasing Kyrgyz traditions. Such fairs have become a key platform for Kyrgyz travel companies to promote their services and forge partnerships with tour operators from abroad. “Today, Kyrgyzstan offers more than just a destination, we offer a tourism philosophy based on sustainability, respect for nature, and cultural diversity,” said Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov, reflecting the country’s broader tourism goals. [caption id="attachment_31469" align="alignnone" width="300"] @gov.kg[/caption] Looking ahead, Japarov noted that by 2030, Central Asian countries may introduce a unified tourist visa. “Thanks to the goodwill of our presidents and peoples, we have recently been able to finally resolve border issues. Today, we are talking about creating a single tourist space in Central Asia. This initiative aims to enable foreign tourists to travel freely throughout the region, combining the routes, attractions, and cultural wealth of our countries in a single tourist package,” he said. President Sadyr Japarov has also expressed support for a visa-free regime among Central Asian nations and the introduction of a regional visa akin to the Schengen model.

Ministry of Tourism and Sports Arab Countries arabian tourists Tourism

Kazakhstan Sees Surge in Tourists from Arab Countries

Kazakhstan experienced a significant rise in tourism from the Arab world in 2024, with a 62% increase in visitors from five Arab countries, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Data from the Border Service indicates that the number of tourists from Oman surged by 80%, exceeding 15,000 visitors. The United Arab Emirates followed closely, with 14,700 tourists, a 40% increase compared to 2023. Saudi Arabia saw a 47% rise, contributing over 9,000 visitors. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals from Qatar increased by 50%, and visitors from Bahrain nearly quadrupled compared to 2022. In a bid to further attract travelers from the Gulf region, Kazakhstan participated in the Arabian Travel Market, held in Dubai from April 28 to May 1. The national stand highlighted major tourist destinations including Almaty, Astana, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The country promoted a diverse range of travel offerings, from cultural and culinary routes to scientific and educational tours. Kazakhstan was also among the most sought-after destinations for Arab tourists during the Eid al-Fitr holidays, marking the end of Ramadan. Overall, Kazakhstan continues to solidify its status as a rising international tourism destination. In 2024, the country welcomed 15.3 million visitors, a 66% increase from the previous year. Among them were 655,000 tourists from China, 146,000 from India, 130,000 from Turkey, 92,000 from Germany, and 40,000 from South Korea.