Full Breakdown
Kazakhstan’s Tourism Sector Accelerates with Record Investment and Visitor Growth
9/8/2026, 11:22:35 AM
Core Event
In 2025 Kazakhstan’s tourism industry contributed 5 trillion tenge (US $9.26 billion) to the national economy and employed more than 600,000 people, according to the government. The country welcomed 15.7 million foreign visitors—up from 9.2 million in 2023—and foreign-visitor spending reached $2.9 billion.
Background & Context
Tourism is now positioned as a driver of economic growth. Capital spending rose from 787.3 billion tenge in 2023 to 1.25 trillion tenge in 2025, a 32.6 percent increase. Over 328 investment projects worth roughly 1.3 trillion tenge are under way, aiming to create about 10,000 permanent jobs and add 25 new international-standard hotel complexes, including Hilton and Mandarin Oriental properties.
Data & Statistics
- Economic contribution: 5 trillion tenge (2025).
- Employment: > 600,000 workers.
- Investment flow: 787.3 bn tenge (2023) -> 947.5 bn tenge (2024) -> 1.25 tn tenge (2025).
- Projects: 328 ongoing, total value ? 1.3 tn tenge.
- Foreign arrivals: 15.7 million (2025) vs 9.2 million (2023).
- China market: 960,000 visitors in 2025, a 46.8 % rise.
- Domestic travel: 8.7 million Kazakh citizens (2025) vs 7.1 million (2023).
- Nature tourism: National-park visits grew from 2.4 million (2023) to 3.7 million (2025).
Infrastructure Expansion
The government is developing regional airports in Katon-Karagai, Zaysan, and Kenderli, reopening Arkalyk and Balkhash, and modernising the Urzhar terminal. For the summer season, 45 subsidised flights per week connect destinations such as Alakol, Balkhash, Turkistan, Burabai, and the Caspian coast. Mountain-tourism infrastructure is being upgraded with a planned 30 cable cars and 161 km of ski slopes intended to draw 5 million visitors annually.
Events and Diversified Offerings
Kazakhstan is leveraging cultural and sporting events to broaden its appeal. The Fifth World Nomad Games in Astana attracted 12,400 foreign guests. International concerts—including Jennifer Lopez (? 7,000 foreign spectators from 35 countries) and Enrique Iglesias—generated significant tourist spending. A 2025 UEFA Champions League match between Almaty’s Kairat and Real Madrid drew over 5,000 foreign visitors, while recurring music festivals such as Park Live Almaty have become staple attractions.
Official Statements & Responses
The government has introduced measures to sustain momentum:
- Subsidies for tour operators that bring foreign visitors.
- Support for tourist transport and infrastructure, including the “Kids Go Free” program.
- Incentives for roadside services and ski-resort operators.
- Creation of a tourism coordination council to streamline policy implementation.
- New regulations formalising the status of visitor centres and tightening oversight of guides, tour operators, and instructors.
These actions aim to lower practical barriers and improve service quality across the sector.
Challenges and Sustainability
Analysts note that converting rising visitor numbers into lasting economic value will depend on higher-quality services, reliable transport, a skilled workforce, diversified product offerings, and effective management of natural sites. The focus is shifting from building isolated attractions toward cultivating a broader tourism ecosystem that can sustain higher per-visitor spending, longer stays, and repeat visits.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 2023: Tourism capital spending 787.3 bn tenge; foreign arrivals 9.2 million.
- 2024: Investment 947.5 bn tenge; launch of subsidised summer flights.
- 2025: Contribution 5 tn tenge; visitor count 15.7 million; major hotel projects announced.
- 2026 (first half): 7 million foreign arrivals; continued airport upgrades; expansion of mountain-resort infrastructure.
The sector’s rapid expansion positions tourism as an increasingly vital pillar of Kazakhstan’s economy, provided that quality, sustainability, and workforce development keep pace with the surge in demand.
