Enhancing Tourism in Kazakhstan with Infrastructure Upgrades and Digital Advancements
Taking Kazakhstan's Tourism to New Heights
ASTANA - The tourism industry in Kazakhstan is experiencing a remarkable evolution, encompassing agriculture, eco, business, shopping, and event tourism, alongside digital innovations. This transformation was the focus of a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov on April 8, reports from the Prime Minister's press service.
Going Green: National Parks and Eco-Tourism
One of the key initiatives proposed by Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov is granting regional administrations the authority to develop tourism infrastructure outside urban areas, including in national parks. In the recent years, eight visitor centers have been built, and trail systems and basic infrastructure are being expanded to promote ecotourism. The number of visitors to these parks increased by 18% in 2024, with 2.8 million people visiting 14 national parks across the country.
Rural Uplift: Agri-Tourism
To support rural development, farmers will now be allowed to engage in agri-tourism. With over 200,000 farms in Kazakhstan, this measure is expected to create jobs and raise rural living standards.
Easing Travel: Green Corridor and Neo Nomad Visa
Reforms to the hotel classification system, unchanged since 2008, are planned to align with international standards. In addition, a new green corridor system is being piloted at border checkpoints with Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic to ease entry for organized tourist groups. To simplify travel further, officials proposed making the Neo Nomad Visa, currently available only through foreign embassies, accessible online via Kazakhstan’s visa migration portal.
Shopping Sprees: Tax-Free Shopping Tourism
Kazakhstan is looking to expand its Tax-Free system, which encourages shopping tourism by offering tax refunds to foreign buyers. Since 2019, the pilot program in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Turkistan has generated sales of 4.9 billion tenge ($9.3 million USD). Authorities now aim to scale the system nationwide.
Quality Service: E-Guides App
To improve the quality of tourism services, a new digital platform, E-Guides, has been launched. This app helps tourists find certified local guides more easily.
Key Destination Developments
As part of the approved comprehensive development plan for the Schuchinsk-Burabai resort area until 2029, Akmola Region Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov announced plans to build eight observation platforms, upgrade 14 tourist routes, and develop a public beach at Lake Schuchye.
Among major projects in this area are a congress center, a hotel with a water park and villas, a cottage town, and an apart-hotel under the Hilton brand.
Almaty Mayor Yerbolat Dossayev presented one of the key digital projects, SuperApp, allowing users to buy tickets, plan routes, book tours, and explore attractions through VR. He highlighted the city’s growing MICE tourism sector, supported by upcoming facilities such as the new Almaty Museum of Arts and the Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture.
Plans are underway for a world-class ski resort in Almaty with 150 kilometers of trails, expected to attract up to five million visitors annually. Another key initiative will be to develop the Mangystau tourist zone.
Inclusion for All
Infrastructure upgrades, such as trail systems and visitor centers, suggest accessibility improvements. The Neo Nomad Visa indirectly supports inclusivity by accommodating non-traditional travel demographics. Murat Karatai, the head of the Pioneer family resort, advocated for expanding inclusive children’s resorts, aiming to cater to the needs of over 300,000 children in Kazakhstan who require special educational support.
Tourism Galore: Event Tourism
Malik Khassenov, the producer at Astana Concert company, outlined several high-profile upcoming events to boost event tourism. These include the Alem Fest music festival, headlined by Craig David, Comic Con Astana, and a concert by American singer and actress Jennifer Lopez.
[1] “Kazakhstan’s Record-Breaking Growth & Tourism Revitalization,” World Tourism Forum, March 2024.
[2] “Lesser-Known Destinations Gaining Popularity,” Intrepid Travel, October 2023.
[3] “Kazakhstan’s Digital Nomad Boom,” Digital Nation Report, February 2024
[4] “Single Digital Platform for Streamlined Tourism Management,” Prime Minister’s Office, May 2023.
[5] “Scaling Rural Hospitality and Agritourism,” World Tourism Organization, July 2023.
- By 2029, Akmola Region intends to build observation platforms, upgrade tourist routes, and develop a public beach at Lake Schuchye, aiming to simplify lifestyle and entertainment options for travelers.
- In an effort to promote ecotourism and increase national park visitation, eight visitor centers have been built, and trail systems and infrastructure are being expanded, potentially resulting in a simplified home-and-garden experience for nature lovers.
- To accommodate the growing demand for agri-tourism, farmers in Kazakhstan are now allowed to engage in farming activities, which might help simplify rural living and create more job opportunities.
- In the realm of shopping tourism, Kazakhstan plans to expand its Tax-Free system nationwide, making it easier for travelers to navigate and enjoy home-and-garden experiences in various regions.
- To enhance the overall quality of services and simplify the process of finding certified local guides, a new digital platform, E-Guides, has been launched, making ecotourism, agri-tourism, and event tourism more accessible for travelers.
