Tourism - The Times Of Central Asia

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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.

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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.

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Kazakh and Kyrgyz Prime Ministers Discuss Trade, Transport, and Water Cooperation

On February 24, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held talks in Astana with Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan. The visit marked Kasymaliyev’s first official foreign trip since his appointment as Kyrgyzstan’s prime minister in December last year. Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation The discussions covered trade, transit, water and energy cooperation, investment, and cultural ties, according to the Kazakh government’s press service. Bektenov noted that bilateral trade reached $1.7 billion last year, underscoring Kazakhstan’s role as one of Kyrgyzstan’s key trading partners. Kasymaliyev reaffirmed both governments' commitment to raising trade volume to $3 billion by 2030, a goal set by the presidents of both countries. He also revealed that Kazakhstani companies invested nearly $49 million in Kyrgyzstan’s economy in the first nine months of 2024. New Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex Kasymaliyev emphasized the importance of the Industrial Trade and Logistics Complex at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, which aims to streamline cargo transportation and enhance trade efficiency. The complex, located near the Karasu and Ak-Tilek road checkpoints, will be one of the largest cargo hubs in Central Asia, facilitating consolidation, processing, and distribution of goods. Land plots have already been allocated, and the Alatau industrial zone has been established in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region to support the project. Energy Cooperation and Food Security Kasymaliyev highlighted the potential duty-free supply of Kazakh oil to Kyrgyzstan, which would bolster Kyrgyzstan’s energy security and lower fuel costs for consumers. Additionally, both sides discussed building a trade and logistics warehouse in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region to store and distribute fruits and vegetables, ensuring stable fresh produce supplies and improving food security. Kasymaliyev stressed that these initiatives would create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen economic cooperation. Improving Transport and Border Infrastructure In the transit and transport sector, both governments focused on modernizing automobile checkpoints to boost cargo capacity at the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. Water Cooperation Water resource management was another key topic, particularly irrigation water supplies from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan for the upcoming growing season. Discussions centered on the Shu (Chu) and Talas rivers, which are crucial for agriculture in both countries. Tourism and Education The talks also explored expanding cross-border tourism, including: Developing eco-routes Improving active tourism infrastructure Attracting investment in the hotel industry Additionally, the two leaders discussed preparations for opening branches of Kazakh universities in Kyrgyzstan to enhance educational cooperation. The meeting underscored Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to deepening economic, energy, and infrastructure ties, while also addressing key water and environmental concerns. The successful implementation of these initiatives will boost regional integration and economic growth for both nations.

tourism industry international tourism China Tourism

Visits of Chinese Tourists to Kazakhstan Surged in 2024

In 2024, 655,000 Chinese tourists visited Kazakhstan, representing a 78% increase compared to the previous year, Nurtas Karipbayev, chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, announced at a press conference on February 6. The surge in visitors comes as Kazakhstan declared 2024 the "Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China", an initiative aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries. The program promoted Kazakhstan as a travel destination and facilitated collaborations between tourism industry stakeholders from both nations. As part of the initiative, leading Chinese media and social networks - with a combined audience exceeding 1.3 billion people - broadcast and published content about Kazakhstan, significantly boosting its appeal among Chinese travelers, Karipbayev stated. He noted that Almaty was the most popular destination for Chinese tourists in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan also participated in four major tourism exhibitions in China: ITB China, ITE Hong Kong, COTTM, and the China International Medical Tourism Fair. These events helped establish new partnerships with leading Chinese tour operators. "Throughout the year, various Kazakh cities and regions hosted 10 major presentation tours. These events further heightened interest in Kazakhstan. Participation in tourism exhibitions and the organization of informational tours remain key priorities in our collaboration," Karipbayev said. The increase in tourist flow was further supported by the mutual visa-free travel regime, which took effect in November 2023. Under this arrangement, Kazakh and Chinese citizens can travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum stay of 90 calendar days within a 180-day period. The agreement covers tourism, medical treatment, business trips, and transit travel. Following the success of 2024, the governments of Kazakhstan and China have designated 2025 as the "Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan", aiming to further expand travel and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

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Kyrgyzstan Facilitates Group Travel Tourism from China

On February 4, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism signed a memorandum in Beijing aimed at facilitating organized group travel from China to Kyrgyzstan. The agreement was signed during Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov’s state visit to China and is expected to boost Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry and contribute to economic growth. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce, 127,956 Chinese citizens visited the country in 2024, marking a 56% increase from 70,842 visitors in 2023. China has also included Kyrgyzstan on its list of recommended destinations for individual Chinese travelers. In October 2024, Kyrgyzstan introduced a visa-free regime for organized Chinese tour groups for stays of up to 21 days. The move aims to strengthen Kyrgyz-Chinese public diplomacy and enhance the country’s appeal to one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets. Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. The country was expected to welcome more than 10.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, up from 8.5 million in 2023. In the first eight months of 2024, Kyrgyzstan recorded 6.1 million foreign visitors, with the majority coming from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Other significant sources of tourists included Turkey, China, India, Germany, Pakistan, the United States, and South Korea.