Kazakhstan Enhances Tourism Through Infrastructure Developments and Digital Advancements
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Swapping the Scenery: Kazakhstan's Tourism Boom
ASTANA - Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov headed a government meeting on April 8, diving into Kazakhstan's burgeoning tourism scene, a mix of agri-, eco-, business, shopping, and event tourism, with a dash of digital magic, as per the Prime Minister's press service.
Nature's Playground: National Parks & Eco-Tourism
Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov has proposed an ambitious move. He wants regional administrations to wield the power to develop tourism infrastructure beyond city limits, even in national parks. In recent years, eight visitor centers have popped up, with trail systems and basic infrastructure getting an upgrade to promote eco-tourism. In 2024, the number of national park visitors jumped by 18% to 2.8 million, venturing out to explore 14 national parks across the country.
Farmers can now embark on agritourism ventures, a step forward for rural development. With over 200,000 farms in Kazakhstan, this move is expected to create jobs and boost rural living standards.
Accessibility over Obstacles: Green Corridor & Neo Nomad Visa
A revamp of the hotel classification system—stuck in a time capsule since 2008—is on the horizon, aligning with international standards.
A new green corridor system is under trial at border checkpoints with Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic, aiming to make life smoother for organized tourist groups. To top it off, officials are considering introducing an online version of the Neo Nomad Visa for more convenient travel. Currently, this visa is only available through foreign embassies.
Retail Therapy: Shopping Tourism & Guide App
Kazakhstan's eyes are on expanding its Tax Free system, a scheme that incentivizes shopping tourism by offering VAT refunds to foreign buyers. Since 2019, the pilot program in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Turkistan has generated sales of $9.3 million. The goal now is to roll it out nationwide.
To enhancing the quality of tourism services, a spankin' new digital platform, E-Guides, has arrived on the scene, connecting tourists with certified local guides in a jiffy.
Star Attractions: Key Tourist Destinations
A series of developments are in the pipeline for popular tourist destinations. Akmola Region Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov revealed plans to construct eight observation platforms, upgrade 14 tourist routes, and develop a beach at Lake Shchuchye as part of the approved comprehensive development plan for the Schuchinsk-Burabai resort area until 2029.
Meanwhile, Almaty Mayor Yerbolat Dossayev unveiled the futuristic SuperApp, a one-stop-shop for buying tickets, planning routes, booking tours, and gawking at attractions through VR. Dossayev highlighted the city's growing MICE tourism sector, which is expected to receive a boost from upcoming facilities such as the new Almaty Museum of Arts and the Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture.
Plans are afoot for a world-class ski resort in Almaty with 150 kilometers of trails, projected to draw up to five million visitors annually. Another notable initiative is the development of the Mangystau tourist zone.
For Everybody & Everybody's Mate: Inclusive & Accessible Tourism
Murat Karatai, head of the Pioneer family resort, championed the expansion of inclusive children's resorts. With over 300,000 children in Kazakhstan requiring special educational support, he advocated for creating a nationwide network of inclusive resorts and a national center to train specialists in family and inclusive tourism.
The Almaty mountain cluster could play a key role in scaling the model and developing specialized resorts catering to families, children, safety, and social inclusion.
Cultural Carnivals: Event Tourism
Malik Khassenov, producer at Astana Concert company, laid out a lineup of high-profile events to bolster event tourism. The roster includes the Alem Fest music festival headlined by Craig David, Comic Con Astana, and a concert by American singer and actress Jennifer Lopez.
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- By 2029, Akmola Region is planning to develop Lake Shchuchye with a new beach, upgrade 14 tourist routes, and construct eight observation platforms to promote eco-tourism.
- In a bid to simplify the lifestyle of organized tourist groups, a green corridor system is being trialled at border checkpoints with Russia and the Kyrgyz Republic.
- To augment shopping tourism, Kazakhstan aims to expand its Tax Free system nationwide, incentivizing foreign buyers with VAT refunds, as first implemented in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and Turkistan since 2019.
- By connecting tourists with certified local guides quickly, the new E-Guides digital platform is poised to enhance the quality of tourism services, making travel more enjoyable for everybody.
