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Kazakhstan welcomes travelers from 100 visa-free countries, making it a prime destination for global tourists. Kazakhstan, a vast expanse in Central Asia, is a country teeming with diverse cities that offer unique experiences, rich history, and stunning landscapes. With IndiGo now offering flights to Almaty and several other cities across Kazakhstan, travel to this captivating destination has become more accessible than ever. Renowned for its cultural heritage, Kazakhstan boasts traditional music, dance, and craftsmanship, while modern developments in cities like Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan) showcase futuristic architecture and urban planning. The country’s natural allure is further enhanced by attractions like the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, and the serene beauty of Lake Balkhash and Lake Alakol.
A Flourishing Tourism Sector
Encouraged by a robust recovery in tourism arrivals from India in 2021 and 2022, Kazakhstan has launched new initiatives in the Indian market, including visa-free travel and marketing campaigns. India has become Kazakhstan’s third-largest source travel market, despite a significant drop in arrivals in 2020. According to a press statement by the Kazakh Tourism National Company, inbound tourism from India is recovering, showing a threefold increase compared to 2021. Many Indian tourists now flock to cities like Almaty and Astana, making Kazakhstan a trending destination.
Galimzhan Seilov, senior manager of the Kazakh Tourism National Company, highlighted the growing number of arrivals from India, supported by initiatives such as visa-free travel for 14 days and two daily flights from Delhi. The company also hosted the Travel Agents Association of India in Almaty, showcasing Kazakhstan’s tourism potential.
Major Tourism Campaigns
This year, the Kazakhstan Tourism Board will participate in the SATTE travel exhibition and launch a new campaign in the Indian travel market. Travel industry representatives from India are invited to visit the Kazakhstan stand at the SCO Travel Mart Pavilion. Kazakhstan will be represented by its biggest tour operators, including Kompas, Sun and Fun, Skyway, Leela Travel, and the national airline Air Astana.
Between January and September, the number of foreign tourists arriving in Kazakhstan surpassed 3.4 million, a 3.6-fold increase over the same period in 2021, according to the Kazakh Bureau of National Statistics. In March, the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Sports announced plans to develop budget programs to fund infrastructure projects in tourist areas. Chairman Talgat Amanbayev revealed these plans during a recent ministry meeting, emphasizing the sector’s potential.
Economic Impact and Future Growth
Kazakhstan’s tourism industry is projected to witness significant growth, with revenue in the Travel & Tourism market expected to reach US$1,068.00 million by 2024. The market is expected to grow annually at 3.99%, resulting in a projected volume of US$1,249.00 million by 2028. The Hotels sector is anticipated to hold the largest share, with projected revenue of US$606.50 million in 2024. The number of users in this market is expected to reach 4.094 million by 2028, with a shift towards online sales generating 84% of the total revenue by 2028.
Expanding Visa-Free Travel
Kazakhstan aims to expand visa-free entry to 100 countries as part of its vigorous post-pandemic tourism strategy. Minister Counselor Erlan Shamishev in Moscow announced that the visa-free regime has been reinstated for 82 countries, with efforts to extend it to 100. Additionally, international flights have resumed with 28 countries, connecting to 120 destinations. The close geographical proximity and extensive border with Russia facilitate active tourist exchanges, making Kazakhstan a top destination for Russian citizens.
Europe
Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime includes several European countries, offering travelers from this region seamless access to its diverse attractions. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 30 days. Other European nations like Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, and Malta are also part of this visa-free initiative.
North and South America
For travelers from North and South America, Kazakhstan has extended its visa-free policy to include the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. This initiative aims to attract tourists from these countries by simplifying the travel process and encouraging exploration of Kazakhstan’s unique cultural and natural attractions. Other countries in this region, such as Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica, also benefit from visa-free entry, making it easier for tourists to experience the wonders of Kazakhstan.
Asia and the Middle East
Kazakhstan’s visa-free policy extends to a significant number of countries in Asia and the Middle East, promoting tourism and cultural exchange. Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei, Maldives, and Sri Lanka can all enjoy visa-free entry. Middle Eastern nations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Israel, and Jordan are also included in this policy, facilitating travel and tourism between these regions and Kazakhstan.
Oceania
Travelers from Oceania are not left out of Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Micronesia are part of this initiative, allowing tourists from these distant lands to easily visit Kazakhstan and explore its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
Africa
Kazakhstan is also welcoming tourists from Africa with its visa-free policy. Countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Mauritius can take advantage of this opportunity to visit Kazakhstan without the need for a visa. This move is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to attract tourists from various regions and enhance its tourism sector’s global reach.
Accommodation and Travel :
The St. Regis Astana
The Ritz-Carlton, Astana
The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty
Sheraton Astana Hotel
Swissôtel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty
Rixos Borovoe
Airports and Airlines:
Almaty International Airport: Kazakhstan’s largest and busiest airport, offering excellent facilities and modern infrastructure. It serves as the main entry point for tourists and business travelers.
IndiGo Flights to Kazakhstan: IndiGo, in partnership with Turkish Airlines, has launched regular flights to Kazakhstan from India.
Major Natural Attractions
Kazakhstan’s natural landscapes are as diverse as its cities. The country is home to the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, and several picturesque lakes like Lake Balkhash and Lake Alakol. The Lake Karakol, situated within the Karagye-Karakolskiy nature reserve, is an ornithological paradise with over 80 bird species, including flamingos.
Key Tourist Attractions
Astana: The capital city, known for its futuristic architecture and urban planning, features iconic landmarks like the Bayterek Tower and Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center. Astana offers a vibrant cultural experience with museums, theaters, and art galleries.
Almaty: Kazakhstan’s largest city, located at the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, combines historical charm and modern developments. Attractions include the Ascension Cathedral, Central State Museum, and Panfilov Park. Almaty is also a gateway to outdoor adventures, with hiking trails and ski resorts nearby.
Shymkent: The third-largest city in Kazakhstan, Shymkent, boasts a rich history with sites like the Mubarak Mosque and Regional History Museum. Nearby Turkestan, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Karaganda: Known for its industrial history, Karaganda features the KarLag Memorial Museum and the Karaganda Regional Museum. It offers insights into the region’s cultural and natural heritage.
Atyrau: Situated on the banks of the Caspian Sea, Atyrau is the center of Kazakhstan’s oil industry. Visitors can explore the Caspian Sea coastline and experience local culture.
Aktau: A coastal city on the Caspian Sea’s eastern shore, Aktau is popular for water activities like swimming, fishing, and boat trips. The unique landscapes of the Ustyurt Plateau and Karagiye Depression are also nearby.
Kazakhstan’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes position it as a burgeoning destination in the global tourism market. With continued efforts to enhance its infrastructure and expand visa-free travel, Kazakhstan is set to attract even more tourists in the coming years.
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