Kazakhstan, located in the center of Eurasia, is becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination, offering travelers a variety of nature, rich cultural heritage and modern destinations. Our country is actively focusing on the development of tourism, striving to make it a key factor in economic growth and cultural exchange. This process covers a wide range of initiatives and changes in infrastructure, marketing, culture and natural heritage.
According to information provided by official sources, about 8.5 million foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan in 2019. It was a record year for tourism in the country.
Kazakhstan attracts tourists with its national parks, historical and cultural attractions, unique nature, and promotes ecotourism and medical tourism. 3.4 million tourists visited Kazakhstan in 2022.
Infrastructural development
One of the main markers of tourism development is infrastructure. Kazakhstan is actively investing in the modernization and construction of transport hubs, including airports and railway stations, to make the travel of tourists more comfortable and enjoyable. The expansion of the road network and the development of public transport also make it easier to move within the country.
The hotel industry is also developing. Modern hotels and high-level resorts are appearing in large cities and tourist regions. This creates opportunities for a variety of travel options - from luxury vacations to trips among the wild. Tourists can choose to stop at both fashionable hotels and houses in nature - glamping
.
Cultural heritage and historical sites
Kazakhstan, rich in history and culture, offers tourists amazing guides to its heritage. Cities, including Almaty and Astana, reveal the centuries-old history of the region. Fortresses, mausoleums and museums provide a unique perspective on cultural and architectural traditions.
One of the interesting projects in this area is the restoration and development of the Silk Road, which passed through the territory of Kazakhstan. This historic route is becoming popular with tourists exploring ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges.
Natural heritage and eco-tourism
Kazakhstan is known for its variety of natural landscapes - from majestic mountains to endless steppes and unique lakes. Mountain tourism in regions such as Tien Shan and Altai attracts adventurers, and Lake Balkhash and the city of Baikonur become objects of interest for eco-tourism.
Nature reserves and national parks, such as the Altyn-Emel National Park and the Ilek Nature Reserve, provide opportunities for environmental education and outdoor activities. The country pays attention to the conservation of biodiversity and natural beauty, creating a balance between tourism and nature conservation.
Sports Tourism
Kazakhstan is actively developing sports tourism, including downhill skiing, mountaineering, cycling and hiking. Various events such as marathons and bike races attract participants from all over the world. Special attention is paid to the infrastructure for outdoor activities, including the construction of cycling and trekking routes.
Marketing and promotion of Kazakhstani tourism
The state actively participates in the global tourism market, conducting large-scale campaigns to promote its tourism opportunities. Participation in international exhibitions and events, such as EXPO-2017 in Astana, allows Kazakhstan to present its tourism potential and attract the attention of the world community.
Visa policy and facilities for tourists:
In order to simplify visiting the country, Kazakhstan is actively working to improve its visa policy. The introduction of electronic visas and an increase in the period of visa-free stay for some countries make our state more accessible to tourists. The Kazakh passport ranks 56th in the world in terms of freedom of movement of its holder. Citizens of our country can visit Azerbaijan, Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Barbados, Belarus, Brazil, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iran, Qatar, China, Colombia, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Moldova, Mongolia, Nicaragua, UAE, Oman, Russia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Serbia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, the Philippines and Ecuador. Also, citizens of 54 countries can stay in Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 calendar days on each visit. The number of visits is unlimited. However, the total period for such visits should not exceed 90 calendar days during a 180-day period.
