The combination of infrastructure development, expanding international connectivity and changes in Kazakhstan’s TTDI profile provides a basis for assessing the country’s current tourism competitiveness and its near-term development prospects.

2025: visitor flows and source markets

According to Kazakhstan’s official statistics, 15.7 million foreign citizens visited the country in 2025. Of these, 11.1 million foreign tourists stayed for more than one day, while approximately 1.4 million foreign visitors used accommodation services.

India, China, Europe, South Korea, the United States and the Gulf region. This provides a basis for further diversification, although neighbouring and regional markets remain important to overall inbound demand.

Kazakhstan’s tourism offer

Improved air connectivity can support a more integrated tourism offer across Kazakhstan’s regions, each with a distinct market position.

Almaty and Almaty Region combine urban culture and gastronomy with mountain, adventure and ecotourism. Ile-Alatau National Park, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Altyn-Emel provide opportunities for trekking, nature-based activities and multi-day itineraries.

Astana is a centre for MICE, business and event tourism. Short cultural, gastronomic and leisure experiences can extend business trips and increase visitor spending.

Burabay has potential for nature-based wellness and year-round recreation, combining forest and lake landscapes, hiking, horse riding and health-oriented stays.

Mangystau offers an adventure and expedition product centred on Bozzhyra, the Torysh Valley and the Tuzbair Plateau, complemented by cultural and spiritual heritage. In 2026, the region’s Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The property comprises five sacred complexes: Beket-Ata, Shopan-Ata, Karaman-Ata, Shakpak-Ata and Sultan-Epe. These sites add an internationally recognised heritage dimension to jeep tours, trekking and multi-day desert itineraries.

Turkistan Region is a major centre for cultural, historical and spiritual tourism. The UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, together with the historic sites of Otyrar and Sauran, supports itineraries focused on the Silk Road and Kazakhstan’s heritage.

East Kazakhstan has potential for mountain, ecotourism and slow-travel products centred on Katon-Karagay National Park, the Altai, Mount Belukha and Lake Markakol. Wellness experiences, hiking, horse riding and nature retreats can broaden the offer, while the planned airports in Katon-Karagay and Zaysan are intended to improve regional accessibility.

TTDI 2026: improvements in infrastructure-related indicators

In the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, Kazakhstan ranks 56th out of 110 economies, with a score of 4.089 out of 7. The score increased by 1.6% compared with the previous edition, while the country’s ranking declined from 52nd to 56th as other economies improved at a faster rate.

The most significant changes in Kazakhstan’s profile were recorded in several infrastructure- and service-related components:

• Tourist services and infrastructure: +22.7%, from 2.598 to 3.188, placing Kazakhstan 47th globally;
• Air transport infrastructure: +10.3%;
• ICT readiness: +5.0%;
• Safety and security: +4.0%.

These results indicate improvement in the capacity and accessibility components of Kazakhstan’s tourism system. 

Several individual indicators remain comparatively strong. Kazakhstan ranks 2nd globally for price competitiveness, 7th for the socioeconomic impact of tourism, 25th for health and hygiene and 31st for natural resources.

The TTDI profile highlights Kazakhstan’s strengths in price competitiveness, tourism’s socioeconomic contribution and selected resource indicators, alongside opportunities to further develop transport accessibility beyond aviation, demand sustainability and environmental performance.

Transport infrastructure development

Kazakhstan is investing in regional transport infrastructure to improve access to tourism destinations by air and road. These projects are particularly relevant for areas with significant natural and recreational potential, where accessibility influences travel time, route planning and opportunities to develop multi-day itineraries.

In the East Kazakhstan Region, the high-altitude section of the R-147 Ust-Kamenogorsk – Altai – Ulken Naryn – Katon-Karagay – Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi highway has been fully modernised between kilometres 437 and 450. The 13-kilometre section, previously a hazardous unpaved track, has been widened to two lanes and surfaced with multiple layers of asphalt concrete. As a result, travel time along this section has been reduced from approximately two hours to 20 minutes. The improvement is particularly relevant to access to Katon-Karagay and the wider Altai tourism area.

The regional programme also includes the construction of three new airports in Katon-Karagay and Zaysan in East Kazakhstan Region, and Kenderli in Mangystau Region. According to government plans, construction is scheduled for completion in 2026. The Katon-Karagay and Zaysan projects are intended to improve access to destinations in eastern Kazakhstan, while the Kenderli airport is expected to support tourism development on the Caspian coast. Future route networks and passenger demand will influence the extent to which these facilities improve visitor access.

Investment is also continuing at existing airports. Planned and ongoing projects include second runways at Astana and Shymkent, reconstruction of Almaty Airport’s domestic terminal, development of a new terminal at Atyrau, reconstruction works at Pavlodar and Aktau, and the restoration of Arkalyk Airport.

Together, road improvements, regional airport construction and investment in existing aviation infrastructure are intended to strengthen transport links to Kazakhstan’s tourism regions. Their longer-term impact will depend on the development of regular services, integration with local transport and the ability of destinations to convert improved accessibility into sustained visitor demand.

International air connectivity

Kazakhstan continues to expand its international air connectivity, strengthening links with key tourism and business markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In January–August 2026, air passenger traffic reached 11 million, an increase of 3.8% compared with the same period in 2025. Passenger turnover rose by 9.4% to 22.7 billion passenger-kilometres.

As of 2026, Kazakhstan maintains international air services with more than 30 countries across 161 routes, with a combined frequency of around 900 flights per week. New and expanded routes are strengthening air connectivity with China, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, improving accessibility for international visitors. 

Japan is also being added to the network of direct connections. Air Astana is scheduled to launch the Almaty–Tokyo Narita route on 30 November 2026, with flights planned twice weekly. Looking further ahead, direct air services between Kazakhstan and the United States are being considered for 2027, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

China remains an important area of network development, with new routes and increased capacity supporting both tourism and business travel. Expanded connections with European and Middle Eastern markets also provide opportunities to diversify visitor source markets and develop multi-destination itineraries.

For tourism, the expansion of international air connectivity can improve access to Kazakhstan and support the development of regional destinations. Its longer-term impact will depend on sustained passenger demand, route frequency, competitive airfares and reliable ground transport links between airports and tourism areas.

L’article Kazakhstan tourism in 2026: infrastructure investment and expanding air connectivity est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The visit included high-level talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a business council, a rectors’ forum and cultural engagements in Astana and Almaty. It was Philippe’s first visit to Kazakhstan as King and Belgium’s first state visit to Central Asia. He had previously travelled to the country as Crown Prince in 2002, 2009 and 2010.

While critical minerals, energy and artificial intelligence featured prominently in the discussions, the programme also highlighted opportunities to encourage travel, connect cultural institutions and expand exchanges between students, researchers and businesses.

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Tourism receives royal backing

Tourism featured explicitly in Philippe’s address to the fourth Kazakh-Belgian Business Council on 13 October. Speaking to business representatives from both countries, the King identified the sector as an area with considerable potential for closer cooperation.

“Kazakhstan offers extraordinary landscapes and a rich cultural heritage,” he said, expressing confidence that more Belgians would discover the country in the coming years. His remarks placed tourism alongside the industrial and infrastructure partnerships discussed during the visit.

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The endorsement came as Kazakhstan continues to expand its visitor economy. As Travel Tomorrow previously reported, the country recorded 15.7 million foreign visits in 2025, including 11.1 million classified as tourism visits, while investment in the sector reached approximately €2.4 billion.

Accommodation capacity also increased, with 179 additional facilities and more than 7,000 beds, bringing the national total to 4,482 establishments offering over 232,000 beds.

The royal itinerary brought attention to two complementary destinations. Astana combines contemporary architecture with national museums and institutions, while Almaty offers cultural attractions and access to the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Travel Tomorrow has previously explored the two cities’ growing tourism appeal, including opportunities to combine a stay in Almaty with skiing, hiking and mountain excursions.

Museums bring cultural diplomacy into focus

Cultural cooperation provided some of the visit’s most visible encounters. On 13 October, Tokayev accompanied Philippe and Mathilde to the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana, where works by Belgian artist James Ensor were displayed alongside the institution’s presentation of Kazakhstan’s heritage.

The exhibition brought a major figure in Belgian art into a Kazakh cultural setting, giving the royal programme a tangible expression of exchange between the two countries.

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The visit ended at the Almaty Museum of Arts, where the royal couple explored modern and contemporary works by Kazakh and international artists. A performance presented through cooperation with KANAL-Centre Pompidou in Brussels illustrated the links developing between cultural institutions in the two cities.

These exchanges also broaden the country’s international tourism profile. Alongside landscapes and historic traditions, contemporary museums offer another reason to visit and opportunities to encounter Kazakhstan through its artists. Partnerships with European institutions can sustain that dialogue through exhibitions, performances and professional collaboration beyond the official visit.

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Linking the Middle Corridor with European transport networks

Transport and logistics were central to the talks, particularly the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, commonly known as the Middle Corridor.

Tokayev and Philippe highlighted the route’s growing role in connecting Asia and Europe in their joint statement. At the Business Council, the King called for closer integration with European ports, railways and logistics hubs, emphasising Belgium’s expertise through the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

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Tokayev proposed closer practical cooperation between Antwerp-Bruges and Kazakhstan’s Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk. Kazakhstan is investing in railways, roads, seaports and terminals along the corridor, while Belgian experience in port management and multimodal logistics could support its development.

The discussions centred on freight connectivity and resilient supply chains. They reflected a wider effort to connect Kazakhstan’s infrastructure with established European transport networks as trade routes evolve.

For both countries, the partnership builds on their geographical positions: Belgium as an entry point to European markets and Kazakhstan as a transit country connecting different parts of Eurasia.

University exchanges build longer-term connections

Academic cooperation added another dimension to the visit. The Kazakhstan-Belgium Rectors’ Forum brought together leaders from 29 universities and research organisations at Astana’s Alem.ai International Centre.

More than 20 agreements and memorandums were signed, covering academic mobility, joint programmes and research. Participating Belgian institutions included Ghent University, KU Leuven and the University of Mons.

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Artificial intelligence featured prominently, with discussions addressing its use in teaching, research and university management. Language education, translation and multilingual academic communication were also on the agenda, alongside opportunities for research internships and joint qualifications.

The joint statement endorsed academic mobility and partnerships between universities and research centres. Such initiatives create opportunities for repeated travel and sustained professional contact, extending the relationship beyond government and business delegations.

Travel facilitation remains a separate priority

Closer academic and professional links also underline the importance of travel procedures. Travel Tomorrow reported in March that Kazakhstan and the EU were approaching the final phase of negotiations on visa facilitation, alongside discussions on readmission.

A future agreement could simplify procedures for Kazakh citizens travelling to Europe, supporting tourism, business visits and educational exchanges.

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During the royal visit, the two countries welcomed the entry into force of a protocol concerning visa exemptions for holders of service passports travelling between Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries. This is a separate diplomatic arrangement and does not introduce a general visa exemption for ordinary travellers.

Kazakhstan’s flag flied over Brussels’ Grand-Place

While the royal couple were in Kazakhstan, a public celebration brought Kazakh culture into the centre of Brussels.

On 12 October, Kazakhstan’s national flag was raised at Brussels City Hall on the Grand-Place for the first time, marking both the state visit and the country’s 35^th anniversary of independence.

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Supported by the City of Brussels and Belgium’s foreign ministry, the ceremony brought together embassy representatives, Kazakh students, community members and visitors. Students in traditional dress performed music and a festive flash mob, while guests sampled Kazakh dishes.

At one of Belgium’s best-known visitor landmarks, the celebration brought the diplomatic occasion into public view. Alongside museum partnerships and university exchanges, it gave residents and tourists an opportunity to encounter Kazakhstan through its culture and the people sharing it.

The outcomes of the state visit will be presented on Friday, 23 October, at the Press Club Brussels Europe.

L’article Belgian royal visit strengthens tourism, cultural and transport ties with Kazakhstan est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Two cities, complementary strengths

Kazakhstan has a distinctive advantage in this competition: two complementary centres. Almaty, its largest city and former capital, is the commercial, academic and cultural anchor; Astana, the national capital, adds national institutions, international finance and policy innovation. For international visitors, the contrast is equally clear: Almaty combines a major urban economy with mountain tourism and culture, while Astana has developed as a modern capital and a growing hub for international business and events.

Oxford Economics’ 2025 Global Cities Index offers one measure. Among 1,000 cities, Almaty ranked 258^th and Astana 276^th, the two highest positions in Central Asia, while Tashkent, the region’s largest city and a natural benchmark, ranked 471^st. Almaty also placed 64^th globally for human capital.

The economic base is substantial. In 2025, Almaty’s gross regional product reached KZT 36.2 trillion (about US$69.4 billion), while Astana’s was about US$37.6 billion. Together, they generated roughly 35% of Kazakhstan’s GDP. Tashkent, despite its larger population, generated about US$29 billion. Almaty and Tashkent both recorded real growth of 11.3%, meaning Almaty expanded at the same pace but from more than twice the economic base.

Astana is developing particularly quickly. Its population increased by more than 110,000, or 7%, in 2025, while 4.8 million square metres of housing were commissioned. The capital attracted around US$4.9 billion in fixed-capital investment, while gross foreign direct investment inflows reached US$4.1 billion, 2.6 times the previous year’s level. SMEs accounted for 65.9% of GRP, pointing to a broader private economy developing alongside the city’s role as an administrative centre.

Finance, talent and technology

Astana’s clearest institutional asset is the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). Launched in 2018 under an independent common-law framework, it includes its own court, arbitration centre, regulator and exchange. In the March 2026 Global Financial Centres Index, Astana ranked 65^th globally and first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

By mid-2026, the AIFC had more than 6,000 registered companies and reported US$26.3 billion mobilised since 2018. Almaty-based KASE adds domestic depth, with equity-market capitalisation of about US$76 billion at the end of 2025. This division of labour matters: Astana provides an internationally recognisable legal and regulatory gateway, while Almaty offers the deeper commercial market where capital can be deployed.

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Almaty’s strength rests on decades of international business activity and a highly service-oriented economy. Services accounted for 85.9% of GRP in 2025, while the city attracted US$8.58 billion in gross FDI inflows. Trade, transport, finance, technology and professional services have created the concentration of businesses and skilled workers required by companies looking for a regional base. Tourism is increasingly part of that service economy, strengthening Almaty’s position as both a place to do business and a destination in its own right.

Human capital reinforces that position. Kazakhstan has three universities in Astana and Almaty among the global top 400 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, while the country reported more than 35,000 international students in 2025. Foreign institutions have also established a growing presence, including Coventry University in Astana and De Montfort University in Almaty.

Digitalisation is another shared strength. Kazakhstan ranked 24^th among 193 countries in the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index, while Almaty ranked 27^th globally in the UN Local Online Service Index. Astana, meanwhile, is developing a Smart City platform with Presight AI, part of Abu Dhabi’s G42 group. More than 60,000 cameras are being integrated alongside AI-enabled video analytics and a digital twin, part of a shift towards city management based increasingly on real-time data.

From city life to mountain tourism

Tourism and culture provide another measure of the cities’ growing international profile. Kazakhstan recorded 15.7 million foreign visits in 2025 as tourism investment and accommodation capacity continued to grow. Almaty alone welcomed about 2.49 million tourists, including 754,000 international visitors.

Its location at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains gives Almaty an unusual combination of metropolitan life and immediate access to nature. Shymbulak ski resort, Medeu and mountain trails sit close to a city already recognised for its cultural and creative offer. For travellers, that creates the possibility of combining a major Central Asian city with skiing, hiking and mountain experiences. Its winter tourism profile will gain further international exposure when Almaty hosts the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Astana has followed a different route. The capital hosted the World Nomad Games in 2024, bringing more than 2,800 athletes from 89 countries, and has become an increasingly important venue for international cultural, political and sporting events. Such events are helping broaden Astana’s identity beyond that of an administrative capital while generating international arrivals and showcasing Kazakhstan to new audiences. Together, the two cities allow Kazakhstan to offer very different urban experiences within the same destination.

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Two gateways to Central Asia

Connectivity reinforces the same two-city logic. In 2025, Almaty airport handled 11.93 million passengers and Astana 9.2 million. Together they served more than 21 million, compared with 9.96 million at Tashkent. Two major gateways support different commercial, government and tourism flows while reducing reliance on a single hub.

Kazakhstan is also expanding international routes as tourism grows. In June 2026, the European Union and Kazakhstan signed a Horizontal Aviation Agreement opening further opportunities for European airlines to operate between the two markets. Infrastructure is expanding accordingly. A second runway is planned at Astana International Airport, alongside new passenger and cargo facilities, while the capital’s 22.4-kilometre automated LRT links the airport, city centre and Nurly Zhol railway station. Almaty is also investing in its airport and metro infrastructure.

Central Asia will benefit as Tashkent, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Samarkand and other cities expand. Urban development need not produce a single winner. But scale becomes more powerful when supported by institutions, skills and connectivity.

On that measure, Astana and Almaty remain Central Asia’s leading urban pair. Almaty brings commercial scale, talent, finance, tourism, nature and cultural energy; Astana brings international financial infrastructure, state capacity, technological innovation and a growing international events profile. Together, they give Kazakhstan two specialised and increasingly connected centres for business and travel at the heart of Central Asia’s transformation.

L’article How Astana and Almaty are reshaping travel and business in Central Asia est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Public health alerts for extreme heat have been ongoing, and Astana saw the mercury rise to 39.5°C on 14 July 2026, shattering the previous record of 35.3°C, set 34 years ago. And that is not even the first all-time high this summer. Another recent heatwave, in June, broke a record temperature that had stood for over eight decades.

Despite some storms, the heat shows no sign of relenting, according to Kazakhstan’s National Hydrometeorological Service, which has forecast temperatures up to 45°C across the country’s western and southern regions.

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As one of the world’s fastest warming nations, and with over 75% of Kazakhstan exposed to climate risks that are a danger to human health, Kazakhstan, warns Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, faces soaring heat-related deaths, as do other Central Asian territories. “Projections show Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan face the steepest rises in heatwave-related mortality rates in Central Asia in the near term – and that’s under moderate climate scenarios. Sadly, it will get worse,” Kluge said.

Part of the issues is that the territory of Kazakhstan lies at the heart of the Eurasian continent and is landlocked from the ocean (by two to three thousand kilometres). This position means “it warms up at higher pace than the northern hemisphere and the globe, in average,” Nurlan Abayev, director of National Hydrometeorological Service Kazgidromet, explains.

As well as health impacts for society’s most exposed and vulnerable populations, extreme temperatures over long periods create drought conditions, and wildfire risks, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology has warned.

@theibraboss #астана #дождь #ливень ♬ оригинальный звук – тгк: эмкикс

And the knock-on consequences are felt through other seasons, and vital sectors such as agriculture. When earlier snowmelt brings earlier spring floods, reservoir supplies have to last longer, and moisture cannot penetrate the soil as easily, diminishing food production.

The latter is a threat not only to Kazakhstan but to the region and wider world, since Kazakhstan is a major global wheat exporter. Ultimately, Kazakhstan is not alone. Kluge has urged authorities worldwide to plan ahead for the long-term public health implications of extreme heat, explaining: “Every country – including Kazakhstan – needs a heat-health action plan before the next summer, not during it.”

L’article Astana breaks temperature records as Kazakhstan faces deadly heatwaves est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The figures, released by the Prime Minister’s office, point to a sector moving from post-pandemic recovery into a more strategic growth phase, supported by rising visitor demand, new hotel investment and a government push to diversify the country’s tourism offer beyond its best-known urban and mountain destinations.

Inbound travel remains one of the clearest indicators of momentum. Kazakhstan recorded 15.7 million foreign citizen visits in 2025, of which 11.1 million were leisure trips. Total income from accommodation facilities reached 350.6 billion tenge (over €652 million). Investment in the tourism sector exceeded 1.3 trillion tenge, reflecting a broader effort to position travel as a long-term contributor to regional development, employment, and investment appeal.

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Accommodation capacity is also expanding. The country counted 4,482 accommodation facilities in 2025, offering more than 232,000 beds, after adding 179 facilities and over 7,000 beds in a year. Over the past 15 years, the number of guests using accommodation services has more than quadrupled, while annual investment in the sector has increased almost sevenfold, according to the government figures.

The expansion is being framed under Kazakhstan’s Tourism Development Concept through 2029, which includes measures to improve infrastructure, product quality, and international promotion. The government is targeting 11 million domestic tourists by 2029 and is prioritising segments including ecotourism, agritourism, self-drive travel, equestrian routes, gastronomy, MICE, child-friendly travel, and youth tourism.

Hotel development is a central part of the strategy. Twenty-four internationally branded hotel projects are planned across 11 regions, with private investment supported by lending and investment incentives. Projects named by the government include properties under Hilton, Marriott, Novotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Rixos and Radisson Blu brands in destinations including Konaev, Pavlodar, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Shymkent.

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Regional infrastructure upgrades are also being accelerated ahead of peak travel periods. Works cited by officials include beach development around Konaev, improved access to Kaiyndy Lake and the City of Nomads site, a planned new terminal at Usharal Airport serving the Alakol resort zone, modernisation around Balkhash and Karkaraly, safety upgrades in Mangystau, and improvements in Burabay, Bayanaul and the Imantau-Shalkar resort area.

One of the country’s flagship projects is Almaty SuperSki, a major mountain tourism development planned for launch in December 2028. The project is expected to include 11 modern cableways, with France’s POMA selected for lift infrastructure and design input from Foster + Partners. Officials say the scheme is intended to unlock the Almaty mountain cluster while supporting services and related industries.

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Digital tools and events are also being used to strengthen the destination’s international profile. Kazakhstan.travel provides multilingual destination information, while the government is developing e-guides, QR-based services for foreign visitors and the TravelStan mobile application. A national events calendar for 2026 features 55 cultural, ethnographic, sporting and gastronomic events, with an English-language booklet prepared for international tourism fairs and tour operator engagement.

For the global travel industry, the numbers reveal how Kazakhstan is moving beyond awareness-building and into destination development at scale. With visitor flows rising, international brands entering the market, and regional infrastructure projects advancing, the country is positioning tourism as a more visible pillar of economic diversification and as a stronger competitor in the Central Asian travel landscape.

L’article Kazakhstan records 15.7 million foreign visits in 2025 as tourism investment reaches €2.4 billion est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The announcement follows Kazakhstan’s first-ever demonstration flight of an air taxi on 19 May at the country’s first vertiport in Alatau, part of the wider Alatau City development project.

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Speaking during a press conference on the development of Alatau City, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said 2026 would focus on large-scale testing and safety verification before the system could enter commercial operation.

According to Bozumbayev, Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry has already introduced temporary regulations for test flights and granted permits for pilot launches.

Authorities hope the project could help ease traffic congestion around Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, while also improving access to tourism destinations and emerging urban developments.

“For example, a passenger arrives at Almaty airport. Right now, because of traffic congestion, the trip can take one-and-a-half to two hours,” Bozumbayev explained. “Nearby, drones are expected to be stationed, and passengers would book flights in advance.”

He added that, based on preliminary estimates, flights could cost approximately $1 per kilometre. A 15-kilometre journey, for example, would cost around $15.

Kazakhstan launches 15-minute air taxi between Alatau and Almaty pic.twitter.com/L6wBkVpHnl

— Daily Turkic (@DailyTurkic) March 20, 2026

Officials are currently studying possible flight corridors, wind conditions, terrain characteristics, and safe operating altitudes throughout the year. Proposed routes under consideration include links between Alatau, Almaty International Airport, Almaty railway stations, Konayev, and the Kapshagai Reservoir area.

“These routes are connected to the mountain tourism cluster,” Bozumbayev said. “It is necessary to clearly determine at what altitude flights can operate safely during all four seasons.”

Specialists are also assessing aeromagnetic zones and high-voltage power lines as part of the broader safety analysis.

“If we complete full testing this year, the system could be launched into operation next year,” he added.

Kazakhstan is developing the project in cooperation with specialists from both China and the United States, countries currently seen as leaders in the rapidly growing air taxi sector.

On May 19, CATL's ecosystem partner, AutoFlight, in collaboration with Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG), successfully completed a flight demonstration of its 2-ton eVTOL aircraft in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

This historic event marks the first flight of a large eVTOL in Central Asia.… pic.twitter.com/kpR4O4QPgE

— CATL (@catl_official) May 20, 2026

The government expects the initiative to rely mainly on private investment and support from Kazakh companies rather than state funding.

Beyond passenger transport, officials believe the aircraft could eventually play a role in cargo logistics and last-mile deliveries.

The project places Kazakhstan among a growing number of countries exploring urban air mobility solutions as cities worldwide seek alternatives to road congestion and more sustainable transport systems.

For the tourism industry, the potential introduction of air taxis could significantly reduce transfer times between airports, city centres, mountain resorts, and leisure destinations, potentially reshaping regional travel experiences in southeastern Kazakhstan.

L’article Kazakhstan could launch air taxi routes between Almaty, Alatau and Konayev by 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Kazakh Ambassador Roman Vasilenko underlined Kazakhstan’s position as a country shaped by geography and history. He pointed to its landscapes, cultural heritage, and historical identity as central elements of its tourism appeal. “Europe is increasingly discovering Kazakhstan today, not only as a modern state and a transit bridge between East and West, but also as the heir of the great Golden Horde civilisation, which played a crucial role in the history of Eurasia,” he said.  

This shift has contributed to a growing curiosity about the country, sometimes informally described online as “Kazakh-boo,” reflecting a light and playful fascination with its culture and landscapes. “Kazakhstan is increasingly appearing in the European digital space through travel videos, gastronomy, music, and the aesthetics of nomadic culture, with younger audiences discovering it through social media rather than traditional media narratives,” said Antonio Buscardini, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Tomorrow who moderated this session. 

Belgian cyclist Claude Brouir shared how his journey across Kazakhstan changed his expectations of the country. While cycling towards Shanghai, he crossed vast regions of Kazakhstan and was repeatedly surprised by the warmth of local encounters. At one point, he recalled being stopped on the road by locals who began playing traditional music for him, turning an ordinary moment of travel into an unexpected cultural exchange. He described how hospitality became a constant part of his experience, with people regularly offering help, conversation, or tea along the way. 

He also admitted that before arriving in Almaty he had assumed that a seven-day stay would be far too long, but quickly discovered the city offered far more than expected, from mountain access to cultural sites and everyday urban life.  

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Sven Hoyaux, Editor-in-Chief of Porschist magazine, also shared personal impressions from his travels across the country. Beyond landscapes and cities, he recalled a moment during a magazine photoshoot involving a Kazakh participant who fully embraced the experience. She was deeply proud to take part and eager to showcase her traditional clothing. According to Hoyaux, her enthusiasm and pride in her cultural identity created a particularly touching moment during the shoot. It highlighted how cultural heritage in Kazakhstan is not staged for visitors but actively lived and expressed with pride. 

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For the occasion, a Porsche was also displayed outside the traditional yurt hosting the event, a collaboration linked to Porschist magazine, which drew attention from guests due to the unusual contrast between the iconic sports car and the cultural setting. 

Kazakhstan has also gained visibility through international media productions such as Pékin Express, which filmed episodes in the country, including in the Katarkol area, known for its vast steppe landscapes and open horizons. Producer Inga Chumakova described how striking the landscapes were during filming, and how the team wondered why the format had not discovered Kazakhstan earlier.

The crew and participants passed through remote regions where long distances and wide natural spaces shaped the rhythm of the journey. At the same time, they were particularly moved by the hospitality they encountered along the way, which often turned logistical challenges into moments of human connection. These impressions contributed to a strong and memorable portrayal of the country for television audiences. 

Travellers who have explored the country often emphasise that Kazakhstan requires time, openness, and curiosity. Distances are vast, but so are the opportunities for discovery. From the green foothills of Almaty to the modern skyline of Astana and the endless steppe in between, the country offers a layered experience that continues to surprise many European visitors. 

L’article European travellers challenge stereotypes about Kazakhstan est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Central Asian nation, the world’s largest landlocked territory and ninth biggest country, already boasts 14 national parks, spanning 312 square kilometres of protected land. These parks welcomed 2.8 million visitors in 2024, representing 18% annual growth. Now officials have announced plans to lean into the country’s wealth of natural resources, increasing its protected land by another 20,000 square kilometres by 2035, making a total national park area almost the size of the whole of Finland.

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Under the banner “The Concept for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity for 2026-2035,” the initiative will ensure the planting and preservation of 8,000 square kilometres of forests, as well as conserving dune-scapes in the Aral Karakum desert and the Tian Shan peaks that are home to the snow leopard.

In addition to such positive news for the environment, the plan will also bring economic benefits, furnishing an already booming travel and tourism sector with further credentials and the chance to further promote the country’s opportunities for outdoor pursuits, hiking, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching. It’s a strategy aimed at bringing in more high-spending tourists interested in biodiversity, culture, and gastronomy.

Integrating biodiversity conservation into national decision-making remains a key challenge. Developed by the Ministry of Ecology&Natural Resources w/UNDP, @theGEF, #BIOFIN support Kazakhstan has adopted its Biodiversity Conservation Concept for 2026–2035https://t.co/hZvfNmiGAi pic.twitter.com/QnB1lYp0OG

— UNDP Kazakhstan (@UNDPKAZ) March 4, 2026

As they target 10 million visitors by 2029, Kazakhstan officials have also worked hard to smooth out barriers to travel, removing visa requirements for citizens of all EU member states for stays of up to 30 days, implementing a “neo nomad visa” to allow people from 48 countries to work in Kazakhstan for a year, and growing air connectivity with new airports close to existing resort areas (Zaisan, Katon-Karagai, and Kendirly). Direct flights will connect them to Almaty, Astana, and other major cities. Construction works on the sites have already started.

Kazakhstan, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is perhaps uniquely positioned to tap into lucrative Chinese and Turkish source markets, as well as Europe. Eurasia Review also highlights how the country may also benefit unexpectedly from ongoing uncertainties around travel to the Arabian Gulf amid a security crisis that is estimated by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to be costing the worldwide sector around $600 million per day.

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With consumers shifting travel plans and seeking stable destinations, Kazakhstan appears to be drawing some of that spend—especially from European travellers. According to data provided by Turkish Airlines, flights from Brussels to Kazakhstan have risen sharply—an evolution, the outlet says, closely linked to the geopolitical crisis unfolding in the Middle East, but one that Kazakhstan will hope to sustain, just like its natural treasures.

L’article Kazakhstan grows national parks amid surge of European tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Speaking on 18 March on the sidelines of the Mazhilis, Kosherbayev said discussions with the EU, including on readmission arrangements, have entered what he described as the “final stretch”. “Negotiations have not stopped; they are underway, including on readmission. We hope that we will be able to reach a final agreement within a year. In principle, we are already approaching the finish line,” he stated.

Final stretch after months of negotiations

The latest round of negotiations on the draft Visa Facilitation and Readmission agreements took place in Astana on 3 March, marking another step forward in a process that has been ongoing for several years.

Kosherbayev emphasised that progress reflects a balanced bilateral effort. “Any negotiations are always a question not of who will win, but of how the parties can reach mutual agreement and a concept,” he added, underlining the cooperative nature of the talks.

Visa facilitation agreements typically aim to simplify procedures for travellers, including reduced fees, shorter processing times, and fewer administrative requirements, particularly for students, business travellers and professionals.

Building on growing EU–Kazakhstan ties

The near-finalisation of visa facilitation talks builds on a broader strengthening of relations between Kazakhstan and the EU. As reported by Travel Tomorrow, discussions on easing visa procedures gained momentum during the 22^nd Kazakhstan–EU Cooperation Council in Brussels in December 2025, marking a decade since the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was signed.

European Union and Kazakhstan held the 22nd meeting of their Cooperation Council in Brussels, chaired by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, with the EU delegation led by High Representative Kaja Kallas.

Read more https://t.co/eXnWdjDMUp pic.twitter.com/TaEVeZ0aUO

— EU in Kazakhstan (@EUinKazakhstan) December 2, 2025

At the time, both sides highlighted the importance of expanding people-to-people contacts, with improved visa pathways seen as a key tool to enhance mobility, academic exchange, and professional collaboration. The EU remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading and investment partner, with bilateral trade reaching around $50 billion in 2024 and more than 4,000 European-linked companies operating in the country.

Momentum had already been building earlier in 2025. At the Central Asia–EU Summit in Samarkand in April 2025, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen identified visa facilitation as a priority alongside transport connectivity, particularly the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.

Readmission agreements and migration cooperation

Alongside visa facilitation, negotiations also include readmission agreements, which establish procedures for returning individuals who do not meet entry or residence requirements.

Kazakhstan has continued to advance this aspect of cooperation through bilateral agreements. On 18 March, President Tokayev signed a law ratifying a readmission and transit agreement with Austria, creating a legal framework for addressing irregular migration.

The agreement sets out procedures for identifying and returning individuals residing illegally, as well as rules on travel documents, transit operations, and data protection. It also defines responsibilities for both parties, including cost-sharing mechanisms and the roles of national authorities. In Kazakhstan, implementation will fall under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, while in Austria, it will be overseen by the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum.

Boost for travel, tourism and exchange

If concluded, the EU–Kazakhstan visa facilitation agreement is expected to significantly ease travel for Kazakh citizens to Europe, supporting tourism flows, business links and cultural exchange.

Kazakhstan has already taken steps to liberalise its own visa regime, introducing visa-free access for citizens of dozens of countries, including EU member states, in a bid to attract tourism and investment.

For the EU, facilitating mobility with Kazakhstan aligns with broader strategic interests in Central Asia, including strengthening economic ties, securing supply chains, and fostering closer cooperation in areas such as energy, transport, and digital transformation.

L’article Kazakhstan and EU move closer to visa facilitation agreement  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The initiative aimed to establish direct business contacts and encourage Belgian tour operators to include Kazakhstan in their catalogues for upcoming seasons. The presentation was supported by the Kazakh Tourism national company, the Brussels office of Turkish Airlines represented by Amina Kokten, and Kazakhstan’s Tourism Ambassador in Belgium, Derya Soysal.

Opening the event, Roman Vassilenko, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium, stressed the practical nature of the initiative. “Today’s meeting is of a practical nature. We are interested in seeing Kazakhstan become a regular destination in the catalogues of Belgian tour operators. Our focus is on building sustainable partnerships and ensuring a long term presence in the Benelux market.”

He added: “Kazakhstan is ready. Our partners are ready. And we look forward to welcoming Belgian travellers to discover our country.”

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Growing interest from Belgium

Kazakhstan’s tourism momentum is reflected in recent figures. In the first nine months of 2025, the country welcomed 15.7 million foreign visitors for tourism purposes, according to the Tourism Industry Committee under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Around 6,200 Belgian citizens visited Kazakhstan in 2025, marking a 15% increase compared to 2024. While most visitors still come from Asia, interest from Europe, including the Benelux region, is steadily rising.

Belgian citizens can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, facilitating short leisure trips and strengthening tourism flows between the two countries.

“We see steady interest from the European market in new destinations offering unique natural and cultural content. Our task is to ensure a high-quality product and professional support for our partners as Kazakhstan enters new segments of the European tourism market,” noted on the occasion Chairman of Kazakh Tourism Talgat Gazizov.

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Airline connectivity via Istanbul

Amina Kokten, representing Turkish Airlines in Brussels, highlighted the airline’s role in connecting Belgium with Kazakhstan. The carrier operates regular flights via Istanbul to major cities including Astana, Almaty, Turkistan and Aktau, enabling flexible itineraries across the country.

“People in Belgium often do not realise what Kazakhstan has to offer. With its three tourism capitals, Astana, known for its futuristic architecture, Almaty, rich in history and surrounded by mountains, and Turkistan, renowned for its spiritual heritage, there is huge potential for Belgian tour operators,” Zhibek Kamshibayeva, Sales Manager for Turkish Airlines in Kazakhstan, told Travel Tomorrow.

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Five reasons to visit Kazakhstan

From ancient trade routes to dramatic landscapes, the event highlighted five key attractions that position Kazakhstan as a distinctive destination for European travellers.

The Great Silk Road 

Kazakhstan formed a vital part of the historic Silk Road, connecting East and West for centuries. Caravanserais and ancient towns remain as reminders of cultural exchange and commerce, appealing particularly to travellers interested in heritage tourism.

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Tamgaly-Tas  

Tamgaly-Tas features rock carvings and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore ancient art that provides insight into spirituality and daily life in Central Asia. It offers a unique window into Kazakhstan’s past and is ideal for travellers interested in archaeology and history. 

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Singing Dunes 

Located in Altyn-Emel National Park, the Singing Dunes produce a distinctive humming sound when the sand shifts. The phenomenon creates a surreal desert landscape that attracts photographers and adventure travellers alike.

Saiga deers and wildlife 

Kazakhstan’s steppes are home to the rare Saiga deer, a species that fascinates wildlife enthusiasts. Travelers interested in conservation and nature can observe these unique animals in their natural habitat, highlighting the country’s ecological diversity. 

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Baikonur Cosmodrome 

Space enthusiasts can visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome, one of the world’s oldest and largest space launch sites. It showcases Kazakhstan’s important role in space exploration and rocket launches, providing a rare insight into a sector not usually accessible to tourists. 

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Aral Sea 

Finally, the Aral Sea tells a dramatic environmental story. Once one of the largest lakes in the world, it has largely disappeared due to human activity, offering a reflective experience about nature and conservation. It is a striking example of how landscapes and ecosystems can change over time. 

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Building partnerships for the future

The programme concluded with B2B meetings and negotiations between Belgian and Kazakh tour operators, focusing on ecotourism, cultural and educational travel, adventure tourism, and bespoke premium small group itineraries.

International media exposure is also contributing to Kazakhstan’s rising profile. The latest season of Pékin Express: The Ice Route, filmed in several regions of the country, is currently attracting prime time audiences of more than three million viewers.

With strengthened airline connectivity, growing Belgian interest and a strategic push from Kazakh authorities, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as an accessible, diverse and forward looking destination for the Belgian travel market.

L’article From the Silk Road to the Aral Sea: Kazakhstan courts Belgian travel market est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.