Wanderlust Magazine Adds Kazakhstan to Travel Green List in the UK
ASTANA – Kazakhstan has been recognized by British magazine Wanderlust in its Travel Green List 2024, as reported by the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ press service on June 5.
The magazine highlighted the Katon-Karagai district in eastern Kazakhstan, which was suggested by the Kazakh Tourism national company for its inclusion in the list. The district is known for its vast expanse of steppe, mountains, and forests, as well as its rich biodiversity, including around 275 bird species.
In an article penned by the magazine’s author, it was mentioned that five years ago, the residents of Katon-Karagai district were facing economic challenges due to a lack of visitors and employment opportunities, resulting in a decline in population. However, the implementation of the Sustainable Rural Development Fund in 2019 has led to significant improvements in the quality of life in the region.
Initiatives such as training guesthouse owners, establishing a hospitality school, maintaining trails, installing road signs, and setting up tourist information centers have helped create a sustainable tourism community in Katon-Karagai, enhancing the overall tourist experience.
The article also recognized other sustainable tourism projects in Asia, such as educational cultural centers in Japan and a railway-turned-wildlife sanctuary in Singapore.
Furthermore, at the ITB Berlin international tourism exhibition in 2024, the Katon-Karagai for Sustainable Development public foundation was honored by being included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story list and winning in the Thriving Communities category. This recognition further solidifies Kazakhstan’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and environmental conservation.
