Kazakhstan tourism sector is entering a new stage of development as investment, visitor numbers and transport connectivity all expand. Accordingly, the industry is increasingly positioned itself as a contributor to economic growth rather than simply a recreational sector.
Kazakhstan Tourism Sector Contributed KZT 5 T To Economy In 2025
Kazakhstan tourism sector contribution to the economy reached KZT 5 trillion (USD 9.26 billion) in 2025 while employing 600,000 people. According to government figures investment is also accelerating. Capital tourism spending increased KZT 787.3 billion (USD 1.46 billion) in 2023 to KZT 947.5 billion (USD 1.75 billion) in 2024. It rose KZT 1.25 trillion (USD 2.31 billion) in 2025 equivalent to an increase of 32.6% in the year.
Over 328 investment projects valued at KZT 1.3 trillion (USD 2.41 billion) are currently in construction across the country. They include 25 new international standard hotels and the expansion of existing mountain resorts and will create 10,000 permanent jobs.
Kazakhstan Welcomed 15.7 Million Foreign Tourists In 2025
Improved air connectivity is creating stronger tourism demand as Kazakhstan recorded 15.7 million foreign visitors in 2025, compared with 9.2 million in 2023. Of these, 11.1 million were classified as tourists and foreign visitors who spent USD 2.9 billion in Kazakhstan tourism sector. New regional tourist airports are being developed in Katon-Karagai, Zaysan and Kenderli, while the terminal in Urzhar is being modernised. Furthermore, the Kazakhstan tourism sector is also using major cultural and sporting events as a way to attract international visitors. Meanwhile, nature-based tourism is developing as national park visits increased from 2.4 million in 2023 to 3.7 million in 2025. As of 2026, 179 tourist routes and 42 ecological trails operate in protected areas.
China has emerged as a key driver of growth as its visitor numbers increased by 46.8% in 2025, exceeding 960,000. In H1 2026, Kazakhstan received 7 million foreign tourists, with Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Russia accounting for the majority. In addition, domestic tourism is also expanding as numbers increased from 7.1 million in 2023 to 8.7 million in 2025.
Interested In Investing In Kazakhstan Tourism Sector? Contact Soutien!
Soutien Group is a boutique advisory and consulting firm specialised in market entry, business localisation, expansion, relocation, business development and stakeholder management strategies across the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa. Our clients are corporate, private and international with an interest in exploring new markets.
We offer expertise in Company Formation Kazakhstan, Market Research and Assessment Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business Case, Kazakhstan Business Model Development, Feasibility Study and Business Plan Kazakhstan, Organisational and Operational Structuring Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Sponsorship and Partnership, among others.
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