Kazakhstan Witnessing Surge in Demand for Domestic Resorts
Kazakhstan Experiences Surge in Domestic Tourism to Resort Areas
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Sports has reported a significant increase in domestic tourism demand for the country’s resort areas, with citizens favoring vacations at the Alakol, Balkhash, and Zaisan lakes. The number of Kazakh citizens choosing these destinations has grown fivefold, indicating a strong preference for local holiday spots.
The rise in popularity of resort areas and beach holidays in Usharal, Balkhash, Zaisan, and Urzhar can be attributed to the reopening of Urzhar and Usharal airports, which underwent runway upgrades. These upgrades have improved accessibility and transportation to these locations, making them more appealing to tourists.
Other regions of Kazakhstan have also seen a boost in tourism this summer. Aktobe and Turkistan have observed a 40% growth in visitor numbers, indicating a wider trend of increased domestic tourism across the country.
Recognizing the importance of developing domestic tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Sports has been implementing various programs to promote local travel. One such program is the Kids Go Free initiative, which enables families to plan vacations within the country at a reduced cost. Children aged 2 to 17 can avail themselves of free tickets as part of a domestic tour package. The Kazakh Tourism national company subsidizes these tickets to make family flights more affordable.
Furthermore, the ministry is working towards introducing tourist cashbacks, allowing tourists to receive subsidies for up to 20% of their tour expenses during the off-season. These initiatives aim to provide financial incentives for local tourists, making domestic travel more attractive and accessible.
Several regions in Kazakhstan offer diverse attractions for tourists. The Alakol Lake, for example, launched the tourist season on June 15, following infrastructure improvements and transport upgrades outlined in a development roadmap. Aktau, located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, offers a beach holiday experience and various water sports activities.
Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts may find the East Kazakhstan Region particularly appealing, as it offers breathtaking natural beauty and a wide range of activities. Northern Kazakhstan attracts visitors with the Naurzum national nature reserve, which showcases four different landscapes: forest, steppe, wetlands, and semi-desert.
In the southern part of the country, the Zhambyl Region is renowned for its ancient architecture, Muslim holy sites, and enigmatic secrets. These attractions make it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
The surge in domestic tourism highlights the growing appreciation among Kazakh citizens for their own country’s natural beauty and cultural treasures. With ongoing efforts to promote domestic travel and the implementation of attractive programs, Kazakhstan is poised to become an increasingly popular destination for both local and international tourists.
