How Kazakhstan’s Tourism Sector is Thriving: Two Billion Dollar in Investment and Twelve Million Foreign Visitors in 2025

Published on December 28, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Kazakhstan has seen a significant rise in both tourism investment and visitor numbers in 2024 and 2025, marking a transformative period for the sector. According to official reports from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Prime Minister’s Press Service, the government has prioritized tourism as a “strategic economic priority” to diversify the nation’s economy, traditionally reliant on the oil and gas industries. This unprecedented growth is not only contributing to the economy but also reshaping Kazakhstan’s tourism landscape across multiple regions.

What Has Fueled the Surge in Tourism?

In the first ten months of 2025, Kazakhstan saw a remarkable 38.1% increase in tourism investments, reaching a total of 923 billion tenge (approximately US$2 billion). This investment surge has been accompanied by a significant rise in revenue, with the country’s hotels and lodging facilities generating 268 billion tenge (about US$580 million) in revenue—a substantial year-on-year increase. This growth reflects the country’s strategic push to develop its tourism sector into a major economic driver.

Where Are the Investments and Growth Happening?

The growth in Kazakhstan’s tourism sector is being felt across the country, with particular emphasis on infrastructure projects and regional developments. As of late 2025, there are 147 active tourism infrastructure projects underway across Kazakhstan’s 20 regions. These projects are not limited to urban areas but span across both established tourist destinations and emerging hotspots, marking a shift towards sustainable and diverse tourism offerings.

One notable region experiencing a tourism boom is the Mangystau Region, often referred to as the “Caspian Riviera.” In 2025, Mangystau attracted over 350,000 international visitors, bolstered by new developments such as a new airport in Kendirli, a thermal mineral resort, and 17 investment projects totaling 198 billion tenge. This is just one example of the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure across key regions.

When Did This Growth Start?

The surge in tourism investment and visitor arrivals has been particularly evident in 2024 and 2025, with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports spearheading efforts to boost the sector. These efforts have contributed to an impressive 12.1 million foreign nationals visiting Kazakhstan between January and September 2025. Of these, 8.6 million were classified as tourists staying for over 24 hours, indicating a robust demand for extended stays in the country. In addition to foreign tourists, 6.7 million domestic travelers have also utilized local accommodation facilities during the same period.

Why Is Tourism a Strategic Priority for Kazakhstan?

Tourism has been officially classified as a “strategic economic priority” by the government to reduce the nation’s reliance on the oil and gas sector, which has traditionally dominated Kazakhstan’s economy. The government’s focus on tourism aims to diversify revenue streams, create jobs, and promote regional development. The growing number of foreign visitors and the increasing investment in tourism infrastructure are essential components of this strategy.

How Are the Government and Private Sector Supporting This Growth?

Several key measures have been introduced by the government to sustain this growth. The Tourism Industry Committee has implemented financial subsidies for businesses building or renovating hotels, offering reimbursements of up to 10% of project costs. Additionally, large-scale investment projects can qualify for tax exemptions, including exemptions from corporate income, property, and land taxes for up to 25 years. These incentives are aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investors to Kazakhstan’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Further supporting this expansion, the government has launched a digital monitoring system to track tourist flows and internal mobility more accurately. In partnership with the World Bank, a pilot project utilizing anonymized mobile data was launched in October 2025. This initiative replaces outdated survey-based methods and ensures that tourism management is data-driven and responsive to trends in real-time.

What Are the Key Regional Developments?

Several regions in Kazakhstan are poised to become major tourism hubs, thanks to large-scale infrastructure projects and government-backed developments. One of the most ambitious projects is the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye region, which is undergoing modernization to create year-round ecological and sports tourism facilities. These developments are designed to attract both international and domestic tourists year-round, offering a range of outdoor, recreational, and eco-tourism experiences.

In addition to Shchuchinsk-Borovoye, the Almaty cluster has seen investments aimed at enhancing its appeal as a year-round destination for mountain tourism and skiing. This focus on winter sports and mountainous tourism is part of a broader effort to diversify Kazakhstan’s tourism offerings beyond summer and resort-based travel.

What Does the Future Hold for Kazakhstan’s Tourism?

Kazakhstan’s government has approved the “Roadmap for Resort Zone Development for 2025–2028,” which outlines eight strategic areas for further growth. This roadmap focuses on expanding resort zones, improving infrastructure, and increasing the overall appeal of Kazakhstan as a global tourist destination. With projects such as the development of a new airport in Mangystau, and the modernization of Shchuchinsk-Borovoye, Kazakhstan is poised for a thriving future in tourism, with the government’s focus on sustainable and diversified growth at its core.

Conclusion

The surge in tourism investment and visitor numbers in Kazakhstan during 2024 and 2025 marks a transformative period for the country’s economy. By prioritizing tourism as a strategic sector, Kazakhstan is diversifying away from its dependence on oil and gas. With significant investments in infrastructure, regional developments, and government incentives, the country is on track to become a leading global tourism destination. As these developments continue, Kazakhstan’s tourism sector will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future economic growth.

The government’s ongoing efforts to develop key regions, offer financial support to businesses, and introduce cutting-edge digital solutions demonstrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to fostering long-term growth in its tourism industry.