Kazakhstan and China Boosts Their Tourism Connectivity as FlyArystan Promotes New Almaty–Xi’an Route Through a Major Roadshow with Targeting Chinese Travellers and Businesses

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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July 18, 2026 1:08 PM

Both Kazakhstan and China are developing tourism and business connections through the organization of a tourism roadshow conducted by FlyArystan in collaboration with Visit Almaty and the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in Xi’an that will help to promote the new air link that now connects cities of Almaty and Xi’an. The roadshow was attended by various tourism companies from China along with media representatives from both sides. Meanwhile, tourism businesses from Kazakhstan have offered tourism products for Chinese travelers.

FlyArystan Uses Xi’an Roadshow to Promote New Tourism Corridor

The roadshow in Xi’an focused on transforming the new flight connection into a broader tourism partnership between Kazakhstan and China. While direct flights improve accessibility, FlyArystan and Visit Almaty are seeking to build a complete travel ecosystem by connecting airlines, tourism authorities, travel agencies and destination businesses.

The event provided a platform for Chinese industry representatives to learn about Almaty’s attractions, available travel products and the advantages of direct connectivity. Kazakhstan’s delegation included representatives from FlyArystan, the Almaty Tourism Bureau and leading inbound tourism companies, demonstrating a coordinated effort to attract more Chinese travellers.

New Almaty–Xi’an Route Strengthens Regional Connectivity

FlyArystan currently operates direct flights between Almaty and Xi’an twice weekly. Flights from Almaty operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, while return services from Xi’an operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The route creates a direct aviation connection between Kazakhstan’s largest city and one of China’s most important historical and economic centres.

For travellers, the service reduces the need for indirect connections and makes short leisure trips, business travel and cultural exchanges easier to organise. The route also supports broader cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, where tourism and transport links are becoming increasingly important elements of bilateral relations.

Xi’an Becomes a Strategic Market for Almaty Tourism

Xi’an is one of China’s most significant cultural destinations, internationally recognised for its history as an ancient capital and its connection to the Silk Road. The city’s historical importance creates natural links with Kazakhstan, which also played a major role in historic trade routes connecting East and West.

By promoting Almaty in Xi’an, Kazakhstan is targeting travellers who are already interested in cultural tourism, heritage experiences and cross-border exploration. Almaty offers a combination of urban attractions, mountain landscapes, outdoor activities, cuisine and cultural experiences, making it suitable for both leisure and adventure travellers.

Kazakhstan Highlights Visa-Free Travel Advantages

During the roadshow, Kazakhstan officials highlighted the role of improved connectivity in making travel between the two countries more convenient. The direct FlyArystan service supports the benefits of the existing visa-free travel arrangements between Kazakhstan and China, allowing eligible travellers to move more easily between the two destinations.

Better air access combined with simplified entry procedures can encourage more independent travellers, families and business visitors to explore Kazakhstan. For tourism authorities, the objective is to convert easier travel conditions into stronger visitor numbers and deeper people-to-people connections.

Visit Almaty Showcases City’s Tourism Potential

During the event, Visit Almaty presented the city’s tourism opportunities to Chinese travel professionals. Almaty is positioned as a destination where visitors can combine city experiences with nearby natural attractions. The city is located close to the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, providing access to hiking, skiing and outdoor activities.

The destination also offers museums, cultural venues, restaurants and shopping districts, creating a balance between urban tourism and nature-based experiences. For Chinese travellers seeking multi-day holidays, Almaty can serve as both a city break destination and a gateway to wider Kazakhstan exploration.

Kazakh Tour Operators Create China-Focused Travel Products

The roadshow included participation from several Kazakh inbound tourism companies, including Kite Travel, Unitour, Kaztour Corporate, Kompas, Skyway, Turan Kazakhstan Travel, Satguru Travel and Grand Soluxe Company. These companies presented travel packages developed around the interests of Chinese visitors.

The products discussed during the event focused on creating practical itineraries that combine accommodation, sightseeing, transport and destination experiences. Such cooperation between airlines and tour operators is increasingly important because travellers often prefer complete packages that simplify international trips.

B2B Meetings Support Future Tourism Growth

Following the presentations, the event moved into a series of B2B meetings between Kazakh tourism businesses and Chinese industry representatives. The discussions focused on developing new travel packages, improving cooperation between agencies and identifying opportunities to increase visitor numbers.

Business-to-business engagement allows destinations to move beyond general promotion by creating specific commercial partnerships. Travel agencies can gain direct knowledge of new routes and products, while destinations can better understand market preferences among Chinese travellers.

FlyArystan Positions International Expansion as Tourism Development

FlyArystan described the Xi’an roadshow as part of its wider international expansion strategy. The airline stated that developing international routes is not only about operating flights but also about building long-term partnerships with destinations and tourism businesses.

The airline’s approach reflects a broader trend among carriers, where route launches are increasingly supported by destination marketing campaigns. By working with Visit Almaty and local tourism companies, FlyArystan aims to ensure that the new route generates demand from both leisure and business travellers.

Kazakhstan and China Deepen Tourism Cooperation

The roadshow reflects growing cooperation between Kazakhstan and China across tourism, trade and investment. Transport connectivity plays a central role in strengthening these relationships. Direct flights provide the physical link needed for tourism growth, while industry cooperation helps convert connectivity into actual visitor movement.

Kazakhstan has increasingly focused on attracting international travellers by promoting its natural landscapes, cultural heritage and adventure tourism opportunities. China remains an important market due to its large outbound travel sector and growing demand for diverse international experiences.

Almaty Gains New Opportunities Through Chinese Market Growth

The Almaty–Xi’an route provides new opportunities for Kazakhstan’s tourism sector by connecting one of China’s major cities directly with the country’s leading urban destination. Greater awareness among Chinese travellers could support hotels, restaurants, guides, transport providers and cultural attractions in Almaty.

The roadshow also strengthens confidence among travel businesses by creating direct communication between suppliers in both countries. As more Chinese travellers seek international destinations with cultural depth and natural experiences, Kazakhstan’s combination of mountains, heritage and hospitality could become increasingly attractive.

New Flight Link Creates a Future Tourism Bridge

FlyArystan and Visit Almaty road show serves as an example of cooperation between aviation and tourism organizations for market expansion. Connection between Almaty and Xi’an goes beyond transportation. It is a channel for cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.

Twice-a-week flights along with active development of tour packages by travel companies make this route a vital one in terms of Central Asian tourism market expansion. With further cooperation, this air link may contribute to bringing more Chinese tourists to Almaty and increasing Kazakhstan’s importance as a connecting country between Asia and the rest of the world.

Image Source: FlyArystan