Kazakhstan Official Calls for Tourism Improvements as Sector Thrives
Tourism Industry in Kazakhstan Shows Growth, Promises Development in Ski and Ecotourism
ASTANA – Tourism is becoming one of the priority sectors in Kazakhstan’s economy, with the industry showing growth in recent years. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev highlighted the progress and the work ahead in an interview with Kazinform.
Last year, the number of domestic tourists reached nearly 10.5 million people in the first nine months, a significant increase from the previous year. Additionally, Kazakhstan welcomed 15.3 million foreign visitors, with total tourist spending amounting to $2.7 billion. Investments in the sector also rose by 20% to 948 billion tenge (US$1.9 billion), leading to the opening of a hundred new hotels and a 27% growth in hotel revenues.
The tourism sector in Kazakhstan employs over 500,000 individuals, with the number increasing annually by 5-8%. Contributions to the budget through taxes amount to approximately 500 billion tenge (over US$1 billion), showing a 25% annual growth.
Despite the positive growth, challenges remain, particularly in accounting for foreign tourists. Kazakhstan plans to implement new statistical and regulatory measures to improve the analysis of tourist preferences and maximize economic benefits. Furthermore, the country aims to attract higher-spending visitors and develop premium tourism products to avoid negative impacts from overtourism.
One of the promising areas for development is ski tourism, with the Almaty Region offering ideal conditions for skiing. Plans are underway to connect Shymbulak and Oi-Qaragai resorts, creating an extensive trail system and generating thousands of jobs by 2029. Additionally, ecotourism is a key focus, with infrastructure developments planned in cities, villages, and national parks.
Infrastructure and transport accessibility are crucial for tourism growth in Kazakhstan, with initiatives to improve roads, power grids, and water supply. The government is also working on expanding transport options, with new railway carriages and flight routes being added to improve connectivity.
Marketing and promotion remain essential for attracting tourists to Kazakhstan. While the tourism promotion budget is relatively low compared to competitors, the focus is on developing infrastructure, unique tourism products, and targeted marketing strategies to showcase the country’s offerings on the global stage.
With a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism development, Kazakhstan is poised to become a key player in the international tourism market, offering diverse attractions and unique experiences for travelers.
