Tourism in Kazakhstan is steadily turning into one of the country’s key drivers of economic growth. No longer limited to leisure alone, the sector now has a tangible impact on services, transport, construction, investment and employment. And the main indicator of how effectively the industry is developing is tourist flow – the actual number of people traveling to and staying in different regions of the country.
This figure increasingly reflects the real state of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, DKNews.kz reports.
Tourist numbers exceed 10 million
According to government data, the number of tourists staying at accommodation facilities across Kazakhstan has exceeded 10 million in recent years. This represents a 12 percent increase compared to the previous period.
Growth is being driven by two parallel trends. On the one hand, Kazakhstani citizens are traveling more actively within the country. On the other, the number of foreign visitors is also rising, as Kazakhstan gradually becomes a more recognizable destination on the regional tourism map.
Investment in the sector is growing alongside tourist numbers. By the end of 2025, total investment in tourism exceeded 1.2 trillion tenge, which is 32 percent higher than previous levels. These funds are being directed primarily toward infrastructure, resort development and improvements in service quality.
Almaty mountain cluster set to become a unified resort area
One of the flagship projects is the development of the Almaty mountain cluster. Plans call for expanding existing ski resorts and integrating them into a single interconnected system.
The project includes the construction of 30 cable cars and the creation of 161 kilometers of ski slopes. This scale of development is expected to address several challenges at once. First, it will significantly increase capacity. Second, it should help distribute tourist flows more evenly and reduce pressure on individual resorts during peak seasons.
Experts estimate that the project could increase year-round tourist flow in the Almaty mountain cluster to up to 5 million people. This reflects a broader strategy to develop not only winter tourism, but also summer recreation, outdoor activities and family travel.
Burabay region focuses on comfort and public spaces
Development is also underway in the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort zone, where the emphasis is being placed on improving infrastructure and visitor comfort.
Efforts are concentrated around Lakes Katarkol, Maloye and Bolshoye Chebachye, and Zhukey. In recent years, the area has seen the improvement of public spaces, the construction of a 10-kilometer cycling path, viewing platforms, parking areas and a public beach. An экскурсионный helicopter tour has also been launched, targeting higher-spending tourists.
According to projections, the number of inbound tourists to this area could reach 94,000 by the end of 2029.
Growth exposes systemic weaknesses
At the same time, rising tourist numbers have highlighted long-standing infrastructure challenges. According to sector authorities, several resort areas continue to face problems with water supply, sewage systems and solid waste management.
During peak seasons, visitors encounter traffic congestion, a shortage of roadside services and overloaded engineering infrastructure. As tourist interest grows, these issues become increasingly visible and harder to ignore.
Kazakhstan steps up international promotion
Alongside domestic development, Kazakhstan is also strengthening its international tourism promotion. Media projects aimed at foreign audiences are being implemented through Kazakh Tourism.
One notable example is the musical travel show Voice Beyond Horizon, featuring Dimash Qudaibergen. Filmed across several regions and cities, the project is designed to showcase Kazakhstan’s natural landscapes and cultural identity through an emotional, storytelling-driven format.
Some of these initiatives are being carried out through partnerships and sponsorship arrangements, helping to expand reach while reducing budgetary pressure.
Tourism and job creation
Tourism development is also having a measurable impact on the labor market. Ongoing investment projects are expected to create around 10,000 permanent jobs.
This is particularly important for regions with a strong tourism focus. Employment growth extends beyond hotels and restaurants to transport, construction, services and small businesses.
As a result, tourism is increasingly emerging as an independent engine of economic growth in Kazakhstan. However, its long-term success will largely depend on how quickly infrastructure can adapt to rising demand from both domestic and international travelers.
