Kazakhstan welcomes record-breaking number of tourists in 2024

Kazakhstan welcomed 11.5 million foreign tourists in 2024, nearly doubling the figures from 2023. This growth was highlighted during the session "The Future of Tourism in Kazakhstan: Strategies, Challenges, and Solutions," held in Astana, Kazinform News Agency reports.

Accommodation revenues also saw a noticeable rise of 27% to 224 billion tenge ($432.8 million). Officials and experts at the session discussed strategies to build on these achievements and ensure continued growth.

During the session, steps for further development were outlined. Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev emphasized the need for targeted measures:

"Since the beginning of the year, it is necessary to focus on increasing the effectiveness of government support measures for private investors and business entities. It is also necessary to intensify efforts to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism industry. In addition, it is important to work out the necessary amendments to regulatory legal acts and legislation to improve the engineering and infrastructure support of resort areas, including roads, electricity and water supply," he said.

This year, Almaty was noted as Kazakhstan's top tourism destination, attracting 1.6 million visitors. The country also gained international recognition for its cuisine being listed among La Liste Top-1000. Looking ahead, one of the key drivers of tourism growth is expected to be the recently introduced Neo-Nomad Visa, which allows travelers to explore Central Asia while working remotely from Kazakhstan.