Kazakhstan's Ecotourism Boom: Aiming to Triple Foreign Arrivals by 2029
Kazakhstan's tourism sector is poised for significant growth, with the Almaty Mountain Cluster's Comprehensive Tourism Development Plan aiming to nearly triple foreign tourist arrivals by 2029. This ambitious goal is supported by the increasing popularity of ecotourism worldwide and Kazakhstan's commitment to embracing these principles.
Ecotourism, particularly hiking-based, has surged in popularity globally. Turkey's Lycian Way and Iceland's Laugavegur Trail attract around 30,000 and 100,000 visitors annually, respectively, catering to both casual and experienced hikers. In Italy, the challenging Alta Via 1 trek in the Dolomites draws enthusiasts seeking a test of skill.
In Kazakhstan, ecotourism has seen a 40% increase in visitors over two years, reaching 2.8 million. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for modern infrastructure to further boost tourism in Almaty and lesser-known destinations. The city's tourism services have grown from 42 billion tenge (US$76.7 million) in 2019 to 56.5 billion (US$103 million) in the first half of 2025. Alatau City, a 'city of the future,' is being constructed with a large tourism hub planned in its Green District, expected to drive this growth.
With the rise of ecotourism and government support, Kazakhstan's tourism sector is set for substantial growth. The Almaty Mountain Cluster's plan to nearly triple foreign tourist arrivals by 2029 is backed by increasing visitor numbers and strategic investments like the Alatau City tourism hub. This growth is expected to bring significant economic benefits and international exposure to the region.
