Tourism Investment in Kazakhstan Surges, Driving Growth in Almaty and Shymkent Destinations

Published on December 27, 2025

Tourism is one of the sectors that have grown rapidly in Kazakistan, with investments surging 38.1% in 2025 to reach an impressive 923 billion tenge, or about US$2 billion, in the first ten months of 2025; this is considered a sharp increase due to the rise in international and domestic travel, marking a transformative period for the country’s tourism industry.

Boom in Tourism Investment: A Steady Growth Trend

The notable 38.1% rise in tourism investment is a clear indication of the sector’s strong performance. Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov, highlighted the consistent upward trend in tourism, pointing to an increase in both inbound international visitors and domestic tourism as major contributors to the sector’s growth. Over the first ten months of 2025, the total investment in the tourism sector reached nearly 923 billion tenge, underscoring Kazakhstan’s ambition to further develop and promote its tourism infrastructure.

The government’s ongoing efforts to improve and modernize tourism-related services have played a significant role in creating a more attractive destination for travelers. The investment boost reflects growing confidence in Kazakhstan’s tourism potential, with stakeholders acknowledging that enhanced infrastructure and strategic investments are essential to the long-term success of the sector.

Increase in Foreign Visitors: Kazakhstan Becomes a Top Destination

One of the key highlights of the tourism boom in Kazakhstan is the influx of international visitors. Between January and September 2025, the country welcomed 12.1 million foreign nationals for tourism purposes. Out of this total, 8.6 million were considered tourists who stayed for more than one day, according to government reports. This influx of visitors from abroad indicates that Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and developing tourism infrastructure are beginning to attract travelers from all corners of the globe.

Kazakhstan, with its diverse landscapes that include vast steppes, the majestic Altai Mountains, and the Caspian Sea coastline, offers a range of experiences for tourists. From adventure seekers looking to explore the great outdoors to cultural tourists wanting to delve into the country’s history, Kazakhstan is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for a wide range of travelers. As international arrivals rise, the country’s growing reputation as a tourist hotspot is expected to continue, helping to further boost its economy.

Domestic Travel Surge: More Kazakhs Exploring Their Own Country

While international tourism continues to rise, domestic tourism in Kazakhstan has also experienced significant growth. During the same period, approximately 6.7 million domestic tourists took advantage of the country’s accommodation facilities, exploring different regions within Kazakhstan. This increase in domestic travel not only highlights the growing interest of Kazakhstani residents in exploring their own country, but also reflects a broader cultural shift towards domestic tourism.

As Kazakhstan continues to enhance its tourism offerings, more and more residents are discovering the beauty of their own land. With the rise in domestic travel, the local tourism market has been bolstered, stimulating demand for various accommodation types, local attractions, and services. This shift in behavior is helping to create a more sustainable and diversified tourism industry, where domestic tourism complements the international segment, providing steady growth for the sector.

The Growth of Accommodation Facilities: Expanding Infrastructure

The surge in both foreign and domestic tourism has spurred a parallel growth in the country’s accommodation sector. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Kazakhstan now boasts 4,499 accommodation facilities that collectively offer over 243,500 beds. This expansion in lodging options has been crucial in meeting the growing demand from both international and domestic travelers, ensuring that visitors have a variety of choices, ranging from budget options to high-end hotels.

With the continuous growth of the tourism sector, Kazakhstan’s accommodation industry is adapting to meet the needs of a diverse traveler base. New hotels, guesthouses, resorts, and boutique accommodations are springing up across the country, particularly in popular tourist areas. In addition to expanding the number of available accommodations, there has been a concerted effort to improve the quality of these services, making them more competitive on the global tourism market.

This infrastructure development is not only essential to sustaining the rising number of tourists but is also contributing to the creation of new jobs and business opportunities, further boosting the country’s economic outlook. Local economies in cities like Almaty, Nur-Sultan, and Shymkent have particularly benefited, with more visitors driving demand for services such as transportation, food and beverage, and entertainment.

Tourism Revenue on the Rise: Kazakhstan’s Economic Growth

As tourism continues to expand, it is generating a significant boost in revenue for Kazakhstan. The revenue generated from hotels and other accommodation facilities alone totaled 268 billion tenge (around US$580 million) in the first ten months of 2025. This reflects not only an increase in the volume of travelers but also the growing willingness of both international tourists and locals to spend on high-quality lodging experiences.

The influx of tourists and the rise in accommodation revenue have had a cascading effect on other sectors of the economy, including retail, transportation, and hospitality. Local businesses that cater to tourists, such as tour operators, restaurants, and souvenir shops, are also seeing higher sales, contributing to a more vibrant and diversified economy.

With the tourism sector proving to be a significant contributor to Kazakhstan’s economic growth, the government is expected to continue prioritizing tourism-related investments and initiatives. This will help strengthen the country’s position as a key player in the regional and global tourism market.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Kazakhstan’s Tourism Industry

The future of the tourism sector in Kazakhstan is promising, and further investments are envisioned to raise the country’s status as a tourist destination. Global images of the country need to be improved, along with expanded marketing efforts, while new tourism initiatives should be sustainable and environmentally friendly, with income benefits for local communities.

What this means is that the bright future of Kazakhstan’s tourism should be expected, both for foreign guests and its residents, which will additionally enhance the economic position of the country. Further investment and attention to service and infrastructure development have placed Kazakhstan on a sure path to becoming one of the leading countries in tourism in Central Asia.