Kazakhstan's Methods for Controlling and Foster Growth in Its Blossoming Tourism Industry
Discover the thrilling world of Kazakhstan's tourism growth! This Central Asian gem is actively working on creating a seamless, high-quality, and eco-friendly tourism industry. The government is meticulously crafting strategies, policies, and partnerships to ensure an outstanding experience for travelers while promoting sustainable development.
Let's dive into the fascinating numbers: In 2024, a whopping 10.5 million domestic travelers journeyed across Kazakhstan, with an impressive increase of almost one million over the previous year. Foreign visits totaled 15.3 million, including 10.4 million extended stays. Topping the list of international visitors was China, followed by India and Turkey. Foreign tourist spending surpassed $2.6 billion, with China, Germany, Turkey, and the United States contributing significant proportions.
Now, let's talk about what's happening behind the scenes. Kazakhstan operates a dual licensing system for tour operators, requiring documentation, financial records, proof of financial security, and ownership verification. This process, now fully automated, helps ensure licensed operators are reliable and stable. Professional tour guides complete certified training programs and operate either as employees or individual entrepreneurs.
Sustainability is a top priority, with Kazakhstan set to introduce a new national ecotourism standard in June. Based on guidelines from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, this standard focuses on energy conservation, biodiversity protection, and responsible waste management.
For the safety of foreign travelers, a special card with a QR code linking to the multilingual SafeTravel.kz website is issued upon arrival. This initiative aims to enhance tourist safety and convenience by providing essential information and recommended safe travel practices, along with links to helpful mobile applications.
While overtourism is yet to be a concern in Kazakhstan, the country is managing access to ecologically and culturally sensitive zones. In regions like Katon-Karagay and Turkistan, community-led initiatives and integrated development strategies are maintaining a balance between heritage preservation, modern infrastructure, and sustainable tourism practices.
The government is also providing support for entrepreneurs through state programs. Businesses that build or renovate hotels and service facilities can receive reimbursement for up to 10% of their total expenses. Tour operators may be eligible for a 25% subsidy for purchasing tourist buses exclusively used for tourism purposes.
To address infrastructure gaps and improve the overall travel experience, the government is focusing on interagency coordination, private-public partnerships, and significant infrastructure projects such as the construction of new airport terminals and the development of service and digital infrastructure along tourist routes.
Although specific workforce training initiatives are not detailed, efforts are being made to align training with international standards through the certification of 12 national trainers under the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. Despite regional shortages of qualified tour guides, training is available through tourism associations and educational centers, with optional advanced certification.
In essence, Kazakhstan's government is working tirelessly to support the growth and sustainability of its tourism industry, creating a remarkable travel experience while promoting local economies and preserving cultural and ecological heritage.
Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, is leveraging its growth within the tourism industry to exceed income targets through sustainable development. Tour operators in the city are required to adhere to a dual licensing system that ensures reliability and stability, while professional tour guides complete certified training programs.
To further promote conservation efforts, Kazakhstan plans to unveil a new national ecotourism standard, modeled on guidelines from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This standard is designed to emphasize energy conservation, biodiversity protection, and responsible waste management.
The booming sports tourism sector in Kazakhstan is not overlooked, with the government providing support for entrepreneurs through state programs. For instance, businesses that build or renovate hotels and service facilities can receive reimbursement for up to 10% of their total expenses, and tour operators may be eligible for a 25% subsidy for purchasing tourist buses.
