Kazakhstan’s Tourism Boom: 38% Investment Surge Set to Make It Central Asia’s Top Travel Destination!

Published on December 26, 2025

In 2025, Kazakhstan experienced a remarkable surge in tourism investment, with a 38.1% increase in funding, reaching a total of 923 billion tenge (approximately US$2 billion). This growth, reported by Yerbol Myrzabossynov, the country’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, highlights the rising interest in Kazakhstan as both a tourism destination and a business opportunity. This upward trend was fueled by a steady rise in visitor numbers, both from foreign nationals and domestic travelers, contributing to the flourishing tourism sector in the country.

The surge in tourism investment is a clear indicator of Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify its economy and position itself as a key player in the Central Asian tourism market. The increase in investment and tourism demand is a promising sign for the country’s long-term economic strategy, especially as it continues to expand its infrastructure and tourism services.

Record Visitor Numbers Reflect Growing Demand

Between January and September 2025, 12.1 million foreign nationals visited Kazakhstan, a testament to the country’s rising profile in the global tourism market. Among these, 8.6 million were classified as tourists, staying in the country for more than one day. These figures show not only Kazakhstan’s appeal to short-term travelers but also its ability to attract longer stays from international visitors.

In addition to inbound travel, Kazakhstan also saw strong domestic tourism figures. 1 million foreign visitors and 6.7 million domestic tourists stayed at accommodation facilities across the country, highlighting the growing popularity of the nation as both a domestic and international destination. This surge in tourist numbers has had a direct impact on the hospitality industry, driving revenues and business activity across the regions.

Growing Accommodation Infrastructure

The increasing number of visitors to Kazakhstan is mirrored by the expansion of the country’s accommodation facilities. As of 2025, the country boasts 4,499 accommodation facilities, offering over 243,500 beds to tourists. These figures reflect not only an increase in tourism demand but also Kazakhstan’s commitment to improving its tourism infrastructure to meet growing needs.

The combined revenues from hotels and other lodging facilities reached 268 billion tenge (approximately US$580 million), further underscoring the economic contribution of the tourism sector. This revenue is indicative of the increasing demand for quality accommodation options across the country, which in turn supports local economies and creates employment opportunities.

147 Tourism Projects Underway

Kazakhstan’s government has shown a strong commitment to expanding and improving its tourism sector, with 147 tourism infrastructure projects being implemented across the country. These projects span 20 regions and aim to enhance the tourism experience, making Kazakhstan a more attractive destination for both local and international visitors.

In 2025, the government completed an inventory of eight key resort zones, marking the beginning of a new phase of development for these areas. Additionally, a Roadmap for Resort Zone Development for 2025–2028 has been drafted, outlining the plans for modernizing Kazakhstan’s resorts, improving safety, and expanding services to meet international standards.

Strategic Developments in Resort Areas

Kazakhstan has identified the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye and Mangystau resort areas as key priorities for development. The government has approved comprehensive development plans for these regions, which include upgrades to infrastructure, logistics improvements, and the expansion of tourism services. The focus on these areas aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader goal to increase tourism as a key sector in the economy.

The Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort area is one of Kazakhstan’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its natural beauty, lake resorts, and mountain landscapes. By improving infrastructure and services in these regions, Kazakhstan hopes to attract more international tourists and create a sustainable tourism model that will provide long-term economic benefits.

Similarly, the Mangystau tourist zone is expected to see significant improvements as part of the new development plans. With its unique natural landscapes, historical sites, and cultural significance, Mangystau has the potential to become a major tourism hub in Kazakhstan.

Addressing Tourism Growth Through Strategic Investments

As tourism investments continue to rise, Kazakhstan is taking steps to ensure that the growth of the sector is sustainable and beneficial to local communities. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has been actively working with private and institutional investors to implement projects that enhance both tourism infrastructure and regional development.

The increased investment in the tourism sector is also reflective of the government’s broader vision to make Kazakhstan a globally recognized tourism destination, with a strong focus on ecotourism, cultural tourism, and luxury travel experiences. The rise in tourism-related investments is expected to further position Kazakhstan as a key player in the Central Asian tourism industry.

A Bright Future for Kazakhstan’s Tourism Industry

With the significant increase in tourism investment and the strategic development of key resort areas, Kazakhstan is poised for continued growth in the tourism sector. The country’s efforts to improve its infrastructure, expand accommodation facilities, and enhance tourism services are all contributing factors to the increasing interest in Kazakhstan as a destination for both business and leisure travelers.

As the country continues to develop its tourism ecosystem, Kazakhstan is expected to see even more growth in international visitor numbers, with an emphasis on attracting high-end tourists and multigenerational family groups. The ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure and services ensures that Kazakhstan is prepared to meet the evolving demands of the global travel market.

Conclusion: Kazakhstan’s Tourism Transformation

The increase in tourism investment in Kazakhstan reflects the country’s growing commitment to becoming a leading tourism destination in Central Asia. With strong government support, ongoing infrastructure projects, and a focus on regional development, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming a global tourism hub. As the country continues to attract more visitors, it will play an increasingly important role in the broader Central Asian tourism landscape, offering unique experiences and contributing to the region’s economic growth.