Kazakhstan’s tourism sector is expanding rapidly, backed by $4.8 billion in investment, 328 projects and 15.7 million international visitors.
Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of tourism development, with Kazakhstan tourism growth supported by rising investment, record visitor numbers and major infrastructure projects. The sector’s contribution to the national economy has exceeded $9.26 billion.
Tourism is also becoming a more important part of the country’s wider economic diversification strategy. Investment, international hotel development and transport infrastructure are all contributing to the expansion.
Tourism investment exceeds $4.8 billion
Over the past two years, total investment in Kazakhstan’s tourism sector has exceeded $4.8 billion. At present, 328 tourism projects are under development across the country. These include 25 new hotels linked to international hospitality groups.
Brands involved include Mandarin Oriental, Hilton, Marriott, Rixos and Radisson Blu.
The new hotel projects are expected to create more than 10,000 permanent jobs. They will also expand accommodation capacity in key tourism and business destinations. Registered hotels and other accommodation providers have also reported stronger revenue. Sector revenue reached approximately $770 million, equivalent to 350.6 billion tenge.
International arrivals reach 15.7 million
Visitor numbers have also strengthened considerably. Kazakhstan welcomed 15.7 million foreign visitors, including 11.1 million tourists who stayed overnight.
Foreign travellers generated around $2.9 billion in spending within the local economy. Neighbouring markets continue to account for a large share of arrivals. Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia remain among Kazakhstan’s main source markets.
Meanwhile, China has become an increasingly important market. More than 960,000 Chinese visitors travelled to Kazakhstan, representing growth of 46.8%. Domestic tourism also remains significant. Around 8.7 million Kazakhstan residents travelled within the country.
Together, these figures highlight the scale of tourism growth in Kazakhstan across both international and domestic markets.
Events support year-round tourism demand
Kazakhstan is also using major events to extend tourism demand beyond traditional seasonal peaks.
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International concerts, including performances by Jennifer Lopez and the Backstreet Boys, attracted large audiences. Major sporting events, including the World Nomad Games, also brought additional international visitors.
These events supported spending in hotels, restaurants, transport and other tourism-related businesses.
As a result, events are becoming part of the country’s broader strategy to develop year-round visitor demand.
New airports to improve access to regional destinations
Transport infrastructure forms another important part of the tourism strategy. Kazakhstan is progressing plans for three new regional airports at Katon-Karagai, Zaysan and Kendirli.
The airports are intended to improve direct access to national parks and emerging tourism areas. At the same time, authorities are upgrading road and rail infrastructure. Better transport links could strengthen regional tourism and encourage visitors to travel beyond the country’s main urban centres.
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Almaty mountain tourism targets five million visitors
One of the largest projects focuses on the mountain tourism cluster around Almaty. Plans include integrating and expanding ski areas around the city. The project will add 30 new cable cars and 161 kilometres of ski slopes.
The wider mountain cluster is being developed with a target of attracting five million visitors annually. The project could strengthen Almaty’s position as a year-round mountain destination. It also supports the country’s ambition to expand winter and nature-based tourism.
Tourism becomes a stronger economic pillar
The sector’s economic contribution has now surpassed $9.26 billion, reflecting the combined impact of international arrivals, domestic travel and tourism investment.
Meanwhile, the $4.8 billion investment pipeline is expanding hotels, transport links and visitor infrastructure.
The combination of new airports, international hotel brands and mountain tourism development gives Kazakhstan tourism growth a broader geographical base.
With 328 projects under development and rising visitor spending, Kazakhstan is positioning tourism as an increasingly important part of its economic diversification strategy.