As Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its tourism and transport infrastructure, the country is preparing to host a landmark international event: the first UN Tourism Regional Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tourism in Europe, taking place in Almaty from 22 to 23 October 2025.
The conference, hosted by Visit Almaty in collaboration with UN Tourism, will bring together leading female voices from across Europe and Central Asia. It aims to highlight women’s crucial contribution to the travel and hospitality industries while identifying persistent barriers to gender equality in the sector.
According to UN Tourism, the event will provide “a platform for dialogue between leaders from the public and private sectors who are driving social innovation”, focusing on strategies that can accelerate women’s economic and social empowerment in tourism.
A regional platform for equality and innovation
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and its cultural capital, will welcome ministers, entrepreneurs, academics and tourism professionals for two days of discussion and collaboration. The programme includes thematic panels on leadership, finance, innovation and digitalisation, all viewed through a gender lens.
The conference follows the global organisation’s commitment to promoting gender equality as one of the key pillars of sustainable tourism development. In a sector where 54% of the global workforce is female, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. The Almaty meeting therefore aims to share successful policy examples and inspire a more inclusive tourism landscape across Europe.
Kazakhstan’s growing role in global tourism
The choice of Kazakhstan as host reflects the country’s growing international profile as both a tourism destination and a regional hub for connectivity and cooperation.
As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Kazakhstan has set an ambitious target of ten billion euros in tourism revenue and fifteen million visitors by 2029. This objective is supported by a series of reforms designed to simplify travel, including the expansion of visa-free entry to citizens of 56 countries. These measures are intended to boost arrivals, diversify the economy and showcase the country’s cultural and natural wealth, from the vast steppes and mountain ranges to the historic Silk Road cities of Turkestan, Almaty and Astana.
Infrastructure and empowerment go hand in hand
In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev placed tourism and transport connectivity at the heart of Kazakhstan’s national development strategy. He emphasised that the country’s geographical position between Europe and Asia gives it a unique opportunity to become a major transit and tourism hub.
“Our strategic objective is to become the leading aviation hub in the Eurasian space,” the President declared, highlighting new infrastructure projects, airport modernisation and border improvements that will facilitate travel and trade.
President Tokayev also underlined the need for qualified professionals in the tourism industry and called for the comprehensive development of tourism infrastructure across the country, from mountain resorts to heritage destinations. The government, he noted, must attract international visitors and strengthen legislative support for tourism policy.
In the same address, he mentioned the importance of creating high-quality jobs and promoting women’s participationin economic life, goals that align closely with the mission of the upcoming UN Tourism conference.
Almaty’s potential as a model for sustainable tourism
The selection of Almaty is particularly symbolic. Known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes and vibrant cultural scene, the city has become a testing ground for sustainable tourism initiatives and public-private partnerships that promote inclusivity.
Recent government investments in transport, from new airport terminals to improved road links, are expected to stimulate domestic and international tourism. As the President Tokayev mentioned, “If we fully address the creation of modern infrastructure, our resorts will become known worldwide and turn into a national brand of Kazakhstan.”
Women shaping the future of European tourism
Across Europe, women are increasingly leading the transition towards a more sustainable and digital tourism economy. From start-ups in green mobility to initiatives in rural tourism, female entrepreneurs are pioneering models that combine innovation with social impact.
The Almaty conference will celebrate these achievements while also exploring the persistent challenges faced by women, including limited access to finance, lack of mentorship and underrepresentation in senior leadership. By connecting European experiences with Central Asian opportunities, the event seeks to foster regional solidarity and shared progress.
The collaboration between UN Tourism and Kazakhstan illustrates how international partnerships can amplify local initiatives. As the global tourism industry rebuilds from recent crises, equality and empowerment have become essential components of long-term resilience.
For Kazakhstan, this gathering is not only a chance to showcase its progress but also to reinforce its position as a bridge between continents, a place where ideas, cultures and people connect.
