Regional Development Highlighted at National Kurultai: Emphasis on Tourism, Sports, and Conservation
Chilling in Kazakhstan's Regions: Tokayev's Blueprint for a Booming Tourism Center
ASTANA - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently laid out a bold plan at the fourth meeting of the National Kurultai (Congress) in Burabai on March 14, focusing on bolstering regional development, with an emphasis on tourism, sports infrastructure, and environmental conservation. Here's what you need to know.
Making Tourism Roar in Kazakhstan's Backyard
Tokayev spotlights tourism as a crucial growth driver for Kazakhstan's regions. Hosting national and international events, like the upcoming Commonwealth Fair in Taraz, can transform the town's trade and cultural hub status, attracting attention, investments, and tourists. Each region, including Taraz, already hosts its flagship cultural and tourist events, a great start for creating more opportunities for regional tourism.
Mother Nature Needs a Hand
Protecting and conserving Kazakhstan's biodiversity is now more critical than ever. The country's vast natural resources and unique wildlife urgently need protection. 2019 legislative measures, initiated by the President, have helped recover the saiga population, but many other challenges are on the horizon. From agriculture impacts to worsening epizootic conditions, Tokayev calls for urgent government studies and balanced decisions to preserve Kazakhstan's animal inhabitants.
Preserving the Wild and Making the Land Tame
In Burabai, Tokayev highlighted the importance of leveraging the National Kurultai meetings to address regional development challenges. The resort area already boasts international recognition, with plans to develop its comprehensive potential at a cost of nearly 140 billion tenge (US$279.5 million). Tokayev emphasizes focusing on infrastructure development, adhering to environmental standards, and catering to tourists' expectations as the key to Burabai's future success.
A sprawling new Congress Center is set to rise in Burabai, drawing tourists and helping tackle off-season occupancy issues. Beyond the Shchuchinsk-Burabai resort area, other promising recreational spots like Zerendi, Sandytau, and Akkol need systematic development. Integrating these areas into a major tourist cluster can help their growth and capitalize on Kazakhstan's unique natural and climatic advantages to establish modern health complexes and sports infrastructure.
Sports Nachos, Anyone?
Tokayev believes in expanding the successful model of a private children's development center in Astana to other regions. He also highlighted the ongoing priority on sports infrastructure development, with key projects like the National University of Sports in Astana and various sports complexes across Kazakhstan set to be completed this year.
Additionally, a unique multifunctional sports complex in Kokshetau is underway, backed by the Special State Fund for recovering illegally withdrawn assets. This groundbreaking project will help tackle local economic and social challenges and provide state-of-the-art sports facilities for the people of Kazakhstan.
Bye-Bye, Off-Season Doldrums
Tokayev's strategic plans aim to make each region a year-round tourism destination. By developing sports infrastructure, protecting Kazakhstan's cultural and animal legacy, and ensuring sustainable regional tourism, the President is ushering in a new era of growth and opportunity for the nation's regions. So, get your travel bags ready – Kazakhstan is about to become your ultimate destination for adventure! 🎒🌄🏞️🏡🏰
References:- [1] Astana Times (2025). Kazakhstan signs 7 investment agreements worth $14 billion. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2025/04/kazakhstan-signs-7-investment-agreements-worth-14-billion/- [2] Kazakh Invest (2025). Almaty Ski Resorts. Retrieved from https://www.invest.gov.kz/investments/the_economy_sectors/services_industry/peakseason/- [3] FIBA (2025). FIBA: Kazakhstan leading the way in global 3x3 basketball movement. Retrieved from https://www.fiba.basketball/news/under-snyder-fiba-kazakhstan-leading-way-global-3x3-basketball-movement- [4] OSCE (2025). OSCE co-organizes conversation on Kazakhstan's environmental and economic cooperation with Russia. Retrieved from https://www.osce.org/presscenter/object/3325656- [5] The Kazakh - Times (2025). Kazakhstan focuses on developing equestrian sports. Retrieved from https://thekazakh-times.kz/en/5074862-view/kazakhstan-focuses-on-developing-equestrian-sports
Environmental science plays a vital role in preserving Kazakhstan's biodiversity, as the country's unique wildlife requires protection. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, Tokayev's plans include expanding children's development centers and building a multifunctional sports complex to capitalize on Kazakhstan's potential in sports infrastructure.
