The digital travel platform Agoda has included Almaty in its list of Asia’s top winter resort destinations for 2026, placing Kazakhstan alongside some of the continent’s most well-known winter tourism hubs, DKNews.kz reports.
In addition to Almaty, the ranking features Niseko in Japan, Gulmarg in India, and Pyeongchang in South Korea — destinations recognized for their winter sports infrastructure and growing international appeal.
Almaty stands out as a dynamic winter destination
According to Agoda experts, Almaty stands out as a dynamic and rapidly developing tourism destination, attracting travelers with its unique blend of modern urban comforts, scenic mountain landscapes, and a rich cultural life.
Located at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty offers easy access to ski resorts while maintaining the advantages of a major city. Visitors can combine winter sports with cultural experiences, gastronomy, museums, festivals, and an active nightlife — a combination that few winter destinations in Asia can offer.
Asia’s winter resorts gain global attention
Agoda notes that winter resorts across Asia are increasingly competing with traditional European destinations. Travelers are drawn by the region’s natural beauty, improving infrastructure, and cultural diversity, as well as more flexible price-to-quality ratios.
Almaty’s inclusion in this ranking reflects the growing international interest in Central Asia and highlights Kazakhstan’s emergence as a four-season tourism destination.
About Agoda
Agoda is a leading digital travel platform and part of the global Booking Holdings group. The service is particularly popular in Southeast Asia, but is widely used by travelers worldwide.
Agoda provides access to:
- more than 6 million hotels and travel service providers,
- over 130,000 flight routes,
- more than 300,000 activities and experiences.
The platform’s destination rankings are based on booking data, user demand, and broader global travel trends.
A boost for Kazakhstan’s tourism sector
Being named among Asia’s top winter destinations is seen as a major international recognition for Almaty and Kazakhstan’s tourism industry as a whole. Experts believe this visibility could help attract more foreign visitors, encourage investment in tourism infrastructure, and further strengthen the country’s image on the global travel map.
As international platforms increasingly spotlight Kazakhstan, the country continues to position itself as a competitive and attractive destination for year-round travel.
