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.

The announcement was made on Saturday, 7 December at a ceremony in Milan, where the Olympic Council of Asia confirmed that Kazakhstan’s largest city would stage the 10^th edition of the Asian Winter Games in 2029. A Host City Contract was signed between the OCA and the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, formally completing the relocation process.

From desert ambition to alpine certainty

The 2029 Games were initially awarded in 2022 to Trojena, a futuristic year round mountain resort planned within the vast Neom project in north western Saudi Arabia. At the time, Neom’s leadership presented the event as a bold statement of intent, promising winter sports competitions “in the heart of the desert”.

Those ambitions soon encountered mounting challenges. As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia and the OCA jointly announced last month that the Neom Games would be postponed for an unspecified period. While no single explanation was given, the decision followed months of questions surrounding financial feasibility, sustainability claims, safety considerations and the pace of construction.

Trojena delays and financial pressures

Trojena lies at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy away from oil through tourism, sport and technology. Masterplanned by German architecture studio LAVA and featuring designs by international firms including Zaha Hadid Architects, UNStudio and Aedas, the 60 square kilometre resort was envisioned as a year round destination powered by renewable energy and artificial snowmaking.

However, widespread reports of delays have cast doubt on whether the project could be completed in time. Neom itself is reportedly undergoing a broad internal review, with indications that costs are being reassessed and the workforce potentially reduced. Combined with falling oil revenues and other major commitments, including the Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the postponement of the Asian Winter Games has been widely interpreted as a pragmatic recalibration.

Saudi officials have acknowledged as much. Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan previously stated that “no ego” would dictate how national projects are evaluated, underlining the need to pivot when circumstances require.

Almaty’s proven winter sports credentials

For the OCA, turning to Almaty offers stability and experience. The city successfully hosted the Asian Winter Games in 2011 and already benefits from established venues, mountain infrastructure and organisational know how. Nestled at the foot of the Trans Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty enjoys reliable natural winter conditions, reducing dependence on large scale artificial interventions.

Winter sports remain a cornerstone of the city’s tourism offer, with nearby resorts such as Shymbulak and Ak Bulak positioning Almaty as a regional hub for skiing and alpine activities.

A city gaining global tourism recognition

Beyond sport, Almaty has been steadily strengthening its international tourism profile. As Travel Tomorrow reported earlier this year, the city received the Special Recognition Award for Tourism Innovation and Urban Transformation at the Global Tourism Forum 2025 in Brussels. The award highlighted Almaty’s progress in sustainable development, smart urban planning and liveability, reinforcing its reputation as the cultural and tourism capital of Kazakhstan.

Investments in green spaces, pedestrian areas, cycling infrastructure and digital tourism services have helped transform the city into a year round destination. Combined with expanded air connectivity from Europe and visa free access for many travellers, Almaty has become increasingly accessible to international visitors.

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A symbolic shift for the Asian Winter Games

The relocation of the 2029 Asian Winter Games reflects a broader shift in approach. While Neom embodied a vision of technological spectacle and desert transformation, Almaty represents continuity, realism and existing capacity. For the OCA, the move restores certainty after months of uncertainty. For Kazakhstan, it provides an opportunity to reaffirm its place on the Asian sporting and tourism map.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has indicated that it will continue to host other winter sports events on a smaller scale in the coming years. The 2029 Games, however, will now unfold against a familiar alpine backdrop, rather than an untested futuristic landscape.

L’article Almaty replaces Neom as host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev spoke about the moves at a government meeting on 21 January 2026, announcing that carriers are expected to launch new routes or resume operations to a range of destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Connections will include Abu Dhabi, Amman, Dammam, Kashgar Larnaca, Riyadh, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, Urumqi, Vienna, Warsaw, and Xi’an.

The aim to amplify schedules on existing routes was echoed by the Prime Minister’s press office, with the Prime Minister calling for specific proposals “on launching new international flights and further developing the national cargo carrier,” within a week.

It was nice to meet with @DGeurocontrol Mr. Raúl Medina. Discussed ways of cooperation between @eurocontrol and Kazakhstan. Looking forward to expanding cooperation between #Kazakhstan and #Europe in the aviation field. pic.twitter.com/fi2WDdP2xi

— Roman Vassilenko (@romanvassilenko) January 23, 2026

Helping to make the connectivity expansion possible, aviation fuel prices have been lowered, Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov confirmed. “In the context of developing air hubs, the cost of jet fuel has been reduced from $1,200 to $940 per ton, with a further targeted reduction to $890 per ton,” he said. The fuel price reduction has already prompted Air Atlanta, Hungary Airlines and One Air to increase scheduled flights, the ministry said.

In addition, the Chair of the Civil Aviation Committee, Saltanat Tompiyeva, has reported the expansion of the Kazakh airline fleet by nine aircraft, taking the total to 118. Meanwhile, in terms of bolstering cargo services and Kazakhstan’s strategic position the Middle Corridor of Asia and Europe, Kazakh authorities have been in negotiations with major international providers such as Cargolux, DHL, FedEx, Lufthansa Cargo, and UPS.

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Infrastructural work to grow the Kazakh aviation sector includes second runways at both Astana and Shymkent airports, the redevelopment of Almaty’s domestic terminal, and repairs at Aktau Airport. Regionally, Arkalyk Airport is being restored, there will be a brand new terminal at Atyau, reconstruction work is to take place at Pavlodar, and resort airports at Katon-Karagay, Kenderli, and Zaisan are due for completion.

Kazakhstan is targeting 15 million annual visitors and tourism turnover of €10 billion by 2029, and has put significant budget allocations into the sector—increasing investments by 20% in 2024 alone. Aviation upgrades are one part of a four-pronged strategy that the Acting Chairman of the national travel company Kazakh Tourism Daniyel Serzhanuly said in 2025 also includes: expanding the country’s visa-free schemes; the use of technology to better inform and serve visitors; and modernising infrastructure at natural and historical sites like Kalan-Karagay National Park, Almaty hiking routes, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The country is expecting UNESCO to confirm 11 more Kazakh World Heritage sites in 2026, taking the total to 17.

L’article Kazakhstan to launch new air routes in 2026 as tourism continues to grow est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The meeting laid the groundwork for facilitating EU visa processes for Kazakh citizens and for further development of the EU-Kazakh economic partnership through trade and transport links.

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

The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trading and investment partner, with bilateral trade hitting $50 billion in 2024, plus $200 billion in European investment. More than 4,000 Europe-linked companies operate in the Central Asian country. The EU has also reaffirmed a €45-million investment into the port of Aktau and €150 million for upgrades to Kazakhstan’s road network.

On infrastructure, the talks focused on strengthening the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (known as the Middle Corridor), as a reliable and sustainable trading channel between Europe and Asia, against a backdrop of shifting geopolitics and uncertain supply chains.

The expansion of access for Kazakh domestic agricultural products coming into the EU market was another key topic, as was more cooperation in the fields of green and digital transformation, raw materials, and industrial decarbonisation, representing an opportunity to both modernise Kazakhstan’s economy and bolster the industrial resilience of Europe. In talks with the EU Commission for International Partnerships, Josef Sikela, ahead of the Council, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Yermeк Kosherbayev, had said: “We attach particular importance to expanding cooperation in critical raw materials, transport and logistics, digital innovation, agriculture, education, and water management.”

But for many, perhaps the most notable subject of the meeting is its emphasis on expanding people-to-people contacts, particularly through EU visa pathways for Kazakh citizens and readmission. Although Kazakhstan already participates in Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs, with EU destinations among the most popular for Kazakhs, the advent of enhanced visa pathways could, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “significantly contribute to strengthening humanitarian ties, expanding opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals, and enhancing citizen mobility.”

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That sentiment was echoed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, commenting on the formal launch of visa negotiations and a readmission agreement for overstayers or individuals illegally residing in the EU. Kallas highlighted the possibility of reduced processing fees and times, as well as streamlined bureaucracy, if negotiations come to fruition. Kazakhstan announced visa-free travel for citizens of 56 countries in July 2025.

L’article Kazakhstan and EU mark a decade of cooperation with visa easing negotiations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

First found in the early 2000s but not surveyed until 2018, Semiyarka in northeastern Kazakhstan occupies a strategic position above the Irtysh River overlooking seven valleys. It has now revealed itself to be more than triple the size it was initially thought at around 350 hectares, and is “one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in this region for decades,” according to lead author and University College archaeologist, Miljana Radivojević.

In a statement, Radivojević said: “Semiyarka changes the way we think about steppe societies. It shows that mobile communities could build and sustain permanent, organized settlements centred on a likely large-scale industry—a true ’urban hub’ of the steppe.” The vestiges comprise evidence of a structured layout of domestic dwellings, a larger, possibly institutional building, pottery, and what is believed to be a tin bronze production site.

Occupied from about 1600 BCE, the site “represents a unique settlement with planned architecture,” the research, published in Antiquity, says. The large scale of the earthwork structures and their detail were confirmed by magnetometry, which gave the team the confidence to “describe Semiyarka as a formally planned settlement rather than a loose cluster of occupations,” Radivojević explained.

However, not all commentators agree that Semiyarka can be classed as a city. Speaking to CNN, James Johnson, an archaeologist and assistant professor in anthropology at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, said other clues on the site report, such as “the low-density pottery sherd scatter on the surface and seemingly equally low-density evidence for metallurgy,” seem to cast doubt on the “city” claim.

But the study’s co-author, Dan Lawrence, an archaeologist at Durham University, defends calling Semiyarka a city, pointing out “it is very different from surrounding settlements.” Lawrence calls the site “super interesting because it just breaks from all the things that we thought we knew about Central Asia up to this point,” Lawrence says. “And so understanding how that got there, why that got there, and then how it connects to these much larger stories is really interesting, and it’s not something we can answer yet, but now we know the site’s there, we can start to develop a program to try and understand what it all means.”

L’article Archaeologists reveal signs of a lost Bronze Age city on the Kazakh steppe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Centre will provide children and adults with opportunities to learn the Kazakh language, explore national customs, and take part in creative activities that foster a strong cultural identity. Its mission is to serve as a stable and inclusive meeting point for the growing Kazakh community in Belgium and neighbouring countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Roman Vassilenko, emphasised the importance of the new Centre.

“The launch of the Kazakh Cultural Centre is an important step in supporting our compatriots abroad. It will contribute to preserving our language, traditions, and cultural identity, especially among younger generations,” the Ambassador said.

The creation of the Centre follows years of requests from the Kazakh diaspora. Ardak Moldanyazova, the project coordinator who works closely with Kazakhstani families living in Belgium, highlighted the growing need for such an institution.

“For many years, parents have voiced concerns that their children have few opportunities to hear the Kazakh language or learn about our traditions. Over time, we saw that some children’s connection to their culture was beginning to fade. That is why establishing such a centre is both necessary and timely. Now our families have a space where children can gradually reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots,” she explained.

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Families raising adopted children from Kazakhstan were also present at the opening and expressed strong interest in activities that help their children better understand their origins.

Throughout the opening day, children were introduced to the basics of the Kazakh language, traditional games, national music, and hands on creative sessions. The warm and participatory atmosphere reflected the strong desire among community members to reconnect with and celebrate their heritage.

The Centre will operate on a permanent basis. Programmes will include language courses, creative workshops, dombra classes, cultural events, and educational initiatives that showcase Kazakhstan’s history and contemporary culture. Over time, it is expected to become a key hub for Kazakhstanis living in Europe and a cultural bridge strengthening links between Belgium and Kazakhstan.

With its launch in Brussels, the Kazakh Cultural Centre marks a significant milestone in the country’s support for its diaspora and its efforts to promote cultural diplomacy internationally.

L’article Kazakhstan opens new Cultural Centre in Brussels to strengthen ties with its diaspora est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Belgium and the Almaty Tourism Bureau participated in the prestigious international gathering, which brought together more than 50 countries and some of the world’s leading figures in tourism, policymaking, and investment.

“Almaty demonstrates how innovation, sustainability, and smart urban planning can elevate a city to the global tourism stage. Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly prominent player in the global tourism industry,” said Bulut Bağcı, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute.

The Global Tourism Forum serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among government officials, business leaders, and experts in the tourism industry. Its mission is to promote sustainable tourism, share best practices, and encourage innovations that drive the growth of the global tourism economy.

Almaty: The cultural and tourism capital of Kazakhstan

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty has long been regarded as Kazakhstan’s cultural and economic heart. Once the nation’s capital, it remains a hub of creativity, modern architecture, and outdoor adventure. The city’s development over the past decade has been marked by an impressive balance between urban innovation and environmental consciousness.

Almaty’s tourism strategy focuses on enhancing liveability and accessibility while protecting the natural landscapes that surround it. Sustainable transport systems, new green parks, and restored historical sites have transformed the city into a destination that appeals to both international visitors and local residents.

The Kok Tobe Hill, with its panoramic views and newly upgraded facilities, continues to attract tourists, while projects like the pedestrian-friendly Arbat district and the expansion of cycling infrastructure are helping shape a more people-centred city. Almaty has also been developing digital tourism services, including smart city guides and augmented reality experiences in its museums, offering travellers a richer and more interactive experience.

In winter, Almaty is a gateway to some of Central Asia’s best skiing destinations, such as the Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak resorts. In summer, the nearby mountains, lakes, and canyons attract nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The city’s vibrant cultural calendar, featuring music festivals, art fairs, and gastronomic events, further strengthens its appeal as a year-round destination.

How to travel to Kazakhstan from Europe in 2025

Travelling to Kazakhstan from Europe has never been easier. In 2025, the country is significantly expanding its international air connectivity, launching 19 new routes that strengthen links with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Transport, aims to make Kazakhstan a major travel hub in Central Asia while boosting tourism, trade, and investment.

National carriers such as Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and Fly Arystan are introducing new connections and upgrading existing routes. For European travellers, this means faster and more direct access to both Almaty and Astana.

Note: Flight durations are approximate and may vary based on specific flight paths and conditions.

New direct flights from Europe now include routes from Budapest, Munich, Milan, and Prague, with additional services planned to Vienna, Sofia, and Belgrade. Air Astana is also set to begin flights between Paris and Almaty in June 2025. These connections reduce travel times and remove the need for layovers in Istanbul or the Middle East, making Kazakhstan a far more convenient destination for European visitors.

European citizens can continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Kazakhstan for stays of up to 30 days, a policy that has encouraged leisure, business, and digital nomad tourism. For longer stays, Kazakhstan has introduced Digital Nomad Visas and work-based residence permits.

Visitors arriving in Almaty will find modern terminals, bilingual signage, and improved public transport services, including the city’s efficient metro and newly introduced electric bus network. The government has also invested in the construction of new airports across the country to encourage regional travel and diversify tourism flows.

L’article Almaty wins award for tourism innovation at the Global Tourism Forum 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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.

L’article Almaty hosts first UN Tourism Conference on Women’s Empowerment as Kazakhstan opens to 56 countries est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.