Europe's Top 35 Nations Includes Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's stature as a leading destination for international MICE events continued to ascend in 2024, earning a coveted spot among the top 35 countries in Europe and regaining its title as the undisputed leader in Central Asia. As per the International Association of Congresses and Conventions (ICCA) ranking, the Central Asian nation hosted 14 international business format events, with approximately 3,800 global delegates in attendance.
The average spending per participant was $1,240, contributing to a total export of services worth $4.6 million in the international association business events segment. This strong showing helped Kazakhstan climb two positions in the global ranking, securing the 78th spot among 134 countries.
The ICCA ranking focuses solely on regular international association events catering to at least 50 participants, rotating between three or more countries. The ranking's inclusion ensures recognition for countries that consistently offer a robust platform for international MICE events.
Both Almaty and Astana featured on the 2024 World Cities Ranking, showcasing Kazakhstan's diverse hosting capabilities. Almaty hosted 9 events and ranked 251st, while Astana managed 5 events and came in at 367th.
The development of business tourism in Kazakhstan has been significantly aided by the "MICE Tourism Ambassador" program. Launched in 2021, Kazakh Tourism has appointed 40 ambassadors tasked with promoting the country as a hub for business tourism and attracting significant international events.
According to Kazakh Tourism Chairman Kairat Sadvakasov, the growth of congress and business tourism is not merely a short-term economic gain for the country but an investment in its long-term image as a global platform for dialogue, industry cooperation, and sustainable development. Over the past five years, Kazakhstan has successfully hosted 51 large international events, attracting around 13,000 foreign delegates, with an average annual economic impact of $17 million.
The World Library and Information Congress IFLA is slated to take place in Astana from August 18 to 22, 2025. This prestigious event in the field of librarianship will bring together around 4000 delegates from over 130 countries, further cementing Kazakhstan's growing international standing as a promising destination for business tourism.
In the pursue of strengthening its international standing, Kazakhstan will host the World Library and Information Congress IFLA in Astana from August 18 to 22, 2025, drawing in approximately 4000 delegates from over 130 countries. Despite its focus on MICE events, Kazakhstan's growth in the sports sector is also noteworthy, hosting various international business format events alongside these conferences.
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