Kazakhstan boasts unique natural landscapes that could attract international visitors, and significantly enrich the country’s economy. Each year, the government allocates increasing funds to support tourism. However, services and infrastructure in many tourist destinations still remain well below international standards.
Undeniable Improvements
According to Talgat Gazizov, Chairman of the Board of the national company Kazakh Tourism, more than 1,100 tours to Kazakhstan are currently available on 18 major online platforms across Europe and Asia – a threefold increase compared to 2023. This reflects growing interest among international tour operators. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, authorities are also weighing up the possibility of opening casinos in designated tourist zones, accessible exclusively to foreign citizens.
In 2025, Kazakhstan invested nearly $2.5 billion in the development of its tourism sector, a 32% year-on-year increase. The number of tourists staying in accommodation facilities rose by 12%, surpassing 10 million. Kazakhstan also improved its position in the World Economic Forum’s global tourism index, climbing from 66th to 52nd place. The stated goal is to break into the top 50.
Currently, 328 tourism investment projects are underway. Notable among them are the Oi-Karagai mountain resort, Hilton and Mandarin Oriental hotel complexes, the Zhibek Zholy entertainment complex, and the Keruen Inn roadside service chain.
These projects are expected to create around 10,000 permanent jobs. A Comprehensive Development Plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster includes expanding ski resorts and integrating them into a unified system. The celebrated Shymbulak ski base and Medeu high-altitude skating rink, both located near Almaty, are among the country’s most distinctive attractions.
The plan envisions 30 new cable cars and 161 kilometers of ski slopes, aiming to boost annual tourist numbers from 1.8 million to 5 million. Authorities note that, globally, ski tourists spend seven times more than beach tourists.
The Shchuchinsk-Borovskaya (Burabai) resort area is also a development priority. Infrastructure expansion around Lakes Katarkol, Maloye and Bolshoye Chebachye, and Zhukei is intended to ease pressure on Lakes Shchuchye and Borovoye. The number of inbound tourists to Burabai is projected to reach 94,000 by the end of 2029, with 32,500 people employed in the local tourism industry.
In western Kazakhstan, development is planned along the Mangistau Peninsula, including Teply beach and Kendirli resorts on the Caspian Sea. Efforts are also underway to improve access to the striking rock formations of Bozhyr and Tamsha, which rival world-famous geological landmarks.
Services and Infrastructure Lag Behind
Despite progress, serious shortcomings persist, chief among them underdeveloped services. The lack of public toilets in tourist zones and along highways has been repeatedly highlighted.
Government data shows that many resort areas in the Akmola, Karaganda, and Pavlodar regions, as well as in the Abai and Zhetysu regions, lack reliable water supply and central sewage systems. The use of well water remains a pressing concern. In the Abai region, some recreation centers are situated dangerously close to water sources.
Lake Alakol, a popular summer destination, requires urgent shoreline reinforcement. Similar dredging work is also necessary in Caspian Sea beach zones.
Many resorts are struggling to accommodate the rising influx of visitors. During peak season, Burabai faces severe traffic congestion. Travel to Lake Balkhash is hampered by a lack of roadside services, fuel shortages, and long queues at gas stations. Solid waste disposal infrastructure is virtually non-existent in most areas.
The “toilet issue” continues to receive high-level attention. Regional governments are being urged to address this basic yet critical need. Many locations still lack not only toilets but also trash bins, clear zoning, and proper beach equipment.
Although regional administrations report having installed over 60 public toilets, follow-up inspections found many were closed or not connected to utilities. There is also a shortage of water rescue personnel.
Kazakhstan undoubtedly has enormous tourism potential and is making substantial investments to realize it. Yet significant challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that basic infrastructure and services match the country’s ambitions.
