On 27 February 2026, Kazakhstan presented its tourism potential to more than 20 Belgian travel companies at an event hosted by the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium in Brussels.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
