Kazakhstan Expands Tourism Sector Through Infrastructure Development and Digital Innovation
Kazakhstan is intensifying efforts to strengthen its tourism sector through the development of infrastructure, introduction of digital platforms, and implementation of inclusive tourism initiatives. These priorities were outlined during a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
Ecotourism and Agritourism Development
Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov proposed granting regional administrations greater authority to develop tourism infrastructure in rural areas and national parks.
In recent years, eight visitor centers have been constructed, and work is ongoing to expand trail systems and basic infrastructure to support ecotourism. In 2024, Kazakhstan’s national parks welcomed 2.8 million visitors—an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Farmers will now be permitted to engage in agritourism activities, supporting rural economic development. With more than 200,000 farms across the country, this measure is expected to generate employment and improve rural living standards.
Enhanced Accessibility for Foreign Tourists
Reforms are planned for Kazakhstan’s hotel classification system, which has remained unchanged since 2008, to align with international standards.
A new green corridor system is being piloted at border crossings with Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic to simplify entry procedures for organized tourist groups.
Additionally, it was proposed to make the Neo Nomad Visa—currently available only through foreign diplomatic missions—accessible online via the national visa migration portal.
Expansion of Shopping Tourism and Digital Services
Kazakhstan aims to scale up the Tax Free system nationwide following successful implementation in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Turkistan. Since its launch in 2019, the pilot program has generated sales of 4.9 billion tenge (approximately US$9.3 million).
To enhance service quality in the tourism sector, a new digital platform—E-Guides—has been introduced to connect tourists with certified local guides.
The city of Almaty presented a new digital solution, the SuperApp, which enables users to purchase tickets, plan travel routes, book tours, and access virtual reality features for exploring tourist attractions.
Regional Tourism Infrastructure Projects
As part of the comprehensive development plan for the Schuchinsk-Burabai resort area through 2029, the Akmola Region will see the construction of eight observation platforms, upgrades to 14 tourist routes, and the development of a public beach at Lake Shchuchye. Major investment projects in the area include a congress center, hotel with water park and villas, a cottage town, and a Hilton-branded apart-hotel.
Almaty is enhancing its profile in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism segment. The city will see the development of new cultural and hospitality infrastructure, including the Almaty Museum of Arts and the Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture.
Additionally, plans are underway to construct a world-class ski resort in Almaty with 150 kilometers of trails. The resort is expected to attract up to five million visitors annually. The Mangystau region will also be developed as a key tourist zone.
Promotion of Inclusive Tourism
Murat Karatai, head of the Pioneer family resort, proposed creating a national network of inclusive children’s resorts and establishing a center to train specialists in family and inclusive tourism.
More than 300,000 children in Kazakhstan require special educational support. The initiative aims to promote social inclusion and safety through the development of family-oriented resort facilities, particularly within the Almaty mountain cluster.
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