Kazakhstan Tourism Investment 2025: $2 Billion Surge & New Growth

Published on December 27, 2025

For decades, Kazakhstan’s vast landscapes—stretching from the snow-capped Altai Mountains to the moon-like canyons of the Charyn—were a well-kept secret among intrepid adventurers. But as of late 2025, the secret is officially out.

According to a flurry of reports from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and The Caspian Post, Kazakhstan’s tourism sector has entered a “transformative era.” In the first ten months of 2025 alone, investment in the industry surged by a staggering 38.1%, reaching nearly 923 billion tenge (approximately $2 billion).

This isn’t just a minor uptick; it is a full-scale economic pivot. As the country looks to diversify away from its traditional oil and gas roots, tourism has emerged as the new frontier for both domestic and international investors.

The Numbers Behind the Boom

The raw data for 2025 tells a story of a country rapidly becoming the most sought-after destination in Central Asia. Between January and September, Kazakhstan welcomed 12.1 million foreign nationals. While many were short-term visitors, a record 8.6 million were classified as overnight tourists—a figure that has sent demand for hotels and infrastructure into overdrive.

Domestic tourism is equally vibrant. Approximately 6.7 million Kazakhstani residents traveled within their own borders during the same period, fueled by a growing pride in local heritage and a desire for outdoor exploration. This combined demand has seen hotel revenues climb to 268 billion tenge ($580 million), reflecting a healthy 25% year-on-year increase.

Infrastructure: Building the Future

Money is flowing into every corner of the country. Currently, 147 tourism infrastructure projects are being implemented across all 20 regions. These aren’t just small renovations; they are large-scale developments designed to bring Kazakhstan’s facilities up to international standards.

The “Roadmap” for Resort Zones

The government has launched a strategic “Roadmap for Resort Zone Development (2025–2028).” This plan identifies eight key resort areas for modernization. Two zones have been prioritized for immediate, comprehensive upgrades:

• Shchuchinsk-Borovoye: Often called the “Switzerland of Kazakhstan,” this forested lake region is seeing a massive overhaul of its transport links and luxury accommodation options.
• Mangystau Region: Situated on the Caspian Sea, this region is being branded as the “Caspian Riviera.” Investments here are focused on coastal resorts, glamping sites, and the construction of a new airport in Kendirli.

Mangystau: The Rising Star

The Mangystau region has emerged as the third most popular destination for foreign tourists in 2025. With over 350,000 international visitors this year, the region is doubling down on its “surreal” natural landmarks like the Bozzhyra Tract, where Martian-like landscapes attract photographers and hikers. A new visitor center at Bozzhyra is set to open in 2026, capable of hosting 40,000 visitors per year while blending harmoniously with the environment.

Travel with Soul

What does a $2 billion investment actually feel like for a traveler? It means that the “rough edges” of Central Asian travel are being polished without losing the region’s soul.

It means that when you visit the remote Sherkala Mount, you can now find high-end glamping facilities that offer comfort without sacrificing the feeling of being in the middle of a wild, ancient land. It means that the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is making it easier than ever to hop on a ferry from Azerbaijan and arrive in a modernized port in Aktau, ready to start a desert adventure.

For the local population, this boom is a source of jobs and pride. In Mangystau alone, new tourism projects are expected to create over 800 new permanent positions, from mountain guides to boutique hotel managers.

The Challenges: Scaling with Care

With rapid growth comes the challenge of sustainability. The 2025 budget reallocated significant funds to ensuring that tourism doesn’t destroy the very nature people come to see.

• Eco-Protection: 1.4 trillion tenge has been set aside in the 2026 budget for priority development, which includes “green” infrastructure—solar-powered lighting in national parks, advanced waste management in resort zones, and strict controls on environmental impact.
• Logistics: Modernizing the “Rust Belt” power plants and railway stations (like Shetpe and Beineu) ensures that the increased load on the national grid and transport network remains stable.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

The momentum shows no sign of stopping. By 2026, Kazakhstan plans to launch six new ferries on the Caspian Sea to boost regional connectivity. With 30-day visa-free travel already available for over 50 countries (including the US and UK), the barriers to entry are lower than ever.

The investment surge of 2025 has laid the foundation. Whether it’s the lure of the “Five Stans” Silk Road tours or the high-tech sports complexes in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is no longer just a dot on the map—it is the destination.