Kazakhstan Records Record Number of Foreign Tourists: Nearly 12 Million Visitors in 2021
International tourism in Kazakhstan has seen a significant boost this year, with the number of international tourists doubling to 11.5 million. The Kazakh capital recently hosted a meeting of over 30 foreign and local officials and experts in tourism to discuss the industry’s development in the country.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, accommodation facilities in Kazakhstan saw a 27% increase in income this year, reaching 224 billion tenge (US$429.5 million). Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev emphasized the need to enhance government support measures for private investors and business entities in the tourism sector next year. He also highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
Yerkinbayev stressed the importance of improving the engineering and infrastructure support of resort areas, including roads, electricity, and water supply. Concrete steps were outlined during the meeting to boost tourism in Kazakhstan, including expanding the activities of the Kazakh Tourism national company, introducing new funding methods, and enhancing the country’s position in the international tourist arena.
This year, 119 investment projects totaling 120.4 billion tenge (US$230.9 million) are expected to be completed in Kazakhstan’s tourist sector, creating job opportunities for 1,319 people. The country is making strides in developing its tourism industry and attracting more visitors from around the world.
