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Kazakhstan Enhances Tourism with Infrastructure and Digital Innovations

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a government meeting on April 8 to discuss the growth of Kazakhstan's tourism sector, focusing on agri-, eco-, business, shopping, and event tourism, alongside digital innovations.

National Parks and Eco-Agritourism Development

• The Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov, proposed granting regional administrations more control to develop tourism infrastructure, particularly in national parks.
• Visitor centers and trail systems are being expanded, with 2.8 million visitors to 14 national parks in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023.
• Agritourism will be encouraged to support rural development, with farmers now able to engage in tourism activities. This initiative aims to create jobs and improve living standards for Kazakhstan’s 200,000 farms.

Expanding Access: Green Corridor and Neo Nomad Visa

• A green corridor system is being piloted at border checkpoints with Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic to streamline entry for organized tourist groups.
• The Neo Nomad Visa, which is currently processed via embassies, will soon be accessible online through Kazakhstan’s visa portal.

Shopping Tourism and Digital Enhancements

• Kazakhstan plans to expand the Tax Free system, which has generated 4.9 billion tenge in sales since 2019 in key cities. This system will now be scaled nationwide to boost shopping tourism.
• The E-Guides platform has been launched to help tourists find certified local guides more easily.

Key Tourist Destinations’ Developments

• In Schuchinsk-Burabai, a comprehensive development plan includes eight observation platforms, 14 upgraded tourist routes, and a new beach at Lake Shchuchye.
• New facilities in Almaty include a SuperApp for planning tours, booking tickets, and exploring attractions, as well as a world-class ski resort to attract up to five million visitors annually.

Inclusive Tourism Initiatives

• The Pioneer Family Resort advocates for expanding inclusive children’s resorts to support the 300,000 children in Kazakhstan needing special educational support.
• The Almaty mountain cluster will serve as a key site for developing specialized resorts for families and promoting social inclusion in tourism.

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