The year 2024 has been transformative for Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, showcasing significant development and unprecedented achievements. These milestones result from the government’s strategic efforts to modernize the sector and enhance its global competitiveness, in alignment with directives from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
Over the first nine months of 2024, the number of domestic tourists reached 6 million, an increase of 562,000 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, international arrivals surged to 11.5 million visitors, nearly doubling 2023 figures. Of these, 969,000 foreign tourists stayed at registered accommodations, underscoring Kazakhstan’s growing appeal as a global destination.
Economic Impact and Infrastructure Development
Revenue from accommodations grew by 27%, totaling 224 billion tenge, with the number of facilities expanding to 4,315, accommodating 226,000 beds. Investment in tourism rose by 33.6% to 668.1 billion tenge in the first 10 months of the year.
Notable projects include the Astana Tourism District, set to cost 194 billion tenge and create 2,000 jobs, with completion scheduled for 2026. Another key development is the Caspian Riviera in Mangystau Region, which features luxury resorts, an aqua park, and entertainment facilities. This 137.4 billion tenge project is set to be completed between 2024 and 2026.
Strategic Initiatives
Kazakhstan has introduced significant initiatives to bolster tourism:
- The launch of the Neo Nomad Visa in November 2024, aimed at attracting digital nomads.
- Declaring 2024 as the Year of Kazakh Tourism in China, with over 30 promotional events held in major Chinese cities.
- Hosting the 5th World Nomad Games in Astana, uniting 2,700 participants from 89 countries.
These efforts have paid off, as Kazakhstan climbed from 80th to 52nd in the global tourism competitiveness index.
Regional Highlights
Tourism flourished across multiple regions:
- Almaty Region saw a 19% increase in tourists, bolstered by its natural parks like Ile-Alatau and Kolsai Lakes.
- Astana welcomed over 1 million visitors, with significant contributions to local tax revenues.
- Mangystau Region developed luxury tourism with projects like Kenderli Tourism Zone, supported by a 100 billion tenge investment plan for 2025–2027.
Future Outlook
By the end of 2024, Kazakhstan aims to complete 119 investment projects worth 120.4 billion tenge, creating over 1,300 jobs. Key developments include new hotels in Turkestan and modernized health resorts.
Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strategic investments have solidified its position as an emerging global tourist hub, fostering economic growth and international collaboration.
