Over the past few years, Kazakhstan has quietly but steadily emerged as one of the most dynamic tourism destinations across Eurasia. Once primarily known for its vast steppes, rich natural resources, and strategic location along the historic Silk Road, the country is now attracting growing attention from travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, affordable travel, and increasingly sophisticated infrastructure. From bustling modern cities to serene mountain ranges and ancient traditions, Kazakhstan offers a unique blend that appeals to a wide variety of visitors.

What makes this transformation particularly remarkable is the diversity of markets driving the country’s tourism growth. Travelers from China, Russia, South Korea, and beyond are increasingly choosing Kazakhstan not only for leisure but also for business, cultural exploration, winter sports, culinary discovery, and even medical care. Meanwhile, the government is investing heavily in infrastructure, digital services, and international promotion to position the country as a major tourism hub in Asia and a gateway between East and West.

The following article explores in detail the many facets of Kazakhstan’s rising popularity — from its recognition as a top destination among Asian travelers to its booming medical tourism sector, expanding infrastructure, Muslim-friendly travel offerings, and ambitious plans for the future.

Kazakhstan — A Top Chinese Destination

Kazakhstan has been named among the top seven most popular overseas destinations for tourists from China during the New Year holiday period, according to a tourism trends report published by Chinese online travel agency Tongcheng Travel, as reported by Qazinform News Agency.

Data shared by Kazakh Tourism show a significant increase in travel demand from early December through the holiday season. Flight bookings from major Chinese cities to Kazakhstan rose by more than 50% year-on-year, while hotel reservations increased by over 80%, according to Kazinform. It is also important to note that Kazakhstan is listed among the top five fastest-growing international hotel booking destinations for Chinese travelers, according to the national company Kazakh Tourism.

Kazakh Tourism reports up to 430,000 daily searches for Kazakhstan on China’s Baidu search engine, with the highest numbers recorded in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, Beijing, as well as Xi’an and Shandong province. A total of 665,000 Chinese tourists visited Kazakhstan in 2024, which is 78% more than the 2023 figure of 367,000.

For example, China’s Guangzhou Radio and Television is spotlighting Kazakhstan’s tourism and culture in a new travel documentary as part of its international program Make Friends in the Silk Road, further boosting awareness among Chinese audiences.

Kazakhstan — A Top Russian Destination

In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan was also ranked among the top three most popular international destinations for Russian travelers, according to Kazakh Tourism, as cited by Qazinform News Agency. The country’s proximity, visa-friendly policies, shared historical ties, and diverse attractions — from urban experiences to nature — make it an appealing choice for Russian visitors seeking both short trips and longer stays.

Almaty- best destination for European tourists.

Almaty is widely considered the best destination in Kazakhstan for European tourists, offering a mix of modern European-style city life, vibrant culture, and easy access to stunning Tien Shan mountain landscapes. Known for its safety, cafe culture, and proximity to nature, it serves as a perfect hub for exploring nearby canyons, alpine lakes, and ski resorts.

Kazakhstan — A Top South Korean Destination

Kazakhstan is emerging as a leading travel destination in Central Asia for South Korean tourists, with interest surging by 295% from January to October 2025, according to data from the digital tourism platform Agoda.

The increased availability of direct flights between the two countries has played a significant role in this growth. Agoda reports that the launch of the Incheon–Almaty route by Eastar Jet boosted interest in Almaty, with search activity jumping by 348%.

Shymkent, located in southern Kazakhstan, also saw an 89% rise in interest from South Korean travelers. It is worth recalling that Shymkent is one of the best culinary destinations in Central Asia. Indeed, the city is considered the premier culinary destination in Kazakhstan for authentic Central Asian cuisine, offering superior, budget-friendly local food compared to Almaty. It is renowned for its vibrant food scene featuring traditional tandoor-baked samsa, rich meat dishes, and bustling historic markets. One of my favourite Kazakh dishes is the Besh Barmak.

Medical Tourist Flow in Kazakhstan

“Kazakhstan is currently experiencing one of the highest growth rates in the world for both inbound and outbound medical tourism,” noted an article on the DoctorGeo website. Indeed, international patient numbers have increased fivefold since 2021, according to Kazakh Healthcare Minister Akmaral Alnazarova, as cited by Kazinform.

Growth has been particularly noticeable among patients from:

China (24-fold increase)
India (40-fold increase)
Turkiye (three-fold increase)

The geography of patients now spans 50 countries. Kazakhstan offers a strong competitive advantage: the cost of diagnostics and surgeries is five to ten times lower than in the United States and Europe. Nine domestic clinics have already received international JCI accreditation, and the national accreditation system fully complies with global requirements.

Kazakhstan is a leader in Central Asia in the development of high-tech medicine. The country provides access to 80 types of high-tech medical care, including proton and gamma therapy, neuromodulation, and robot-assisted surgery.

Kazakhstan’s cardiac surgery service ranks among the top 30 in the world. Earlier reports indicated that Kazakhstan has drawn over 80,000 medical tourists since January 2025.

Kazakhstan Aims to Become a Major Tourism Hub

With more than 7.5 million international visitors in the first half of 2025 — an increase of 600,000 compared to 2024 — Kazakhstan is steadily becoming a tourism hub in Asia. Indeed, the tourism industry is growing exponentially. Continued efforts are planned over the coming years, which should transform the Kazakh tourism industry into a €10 billion sector and lead to 15 million yearly visitors by 2029.

Tourism investments grew by 20% in 2024, totaling €1.6 billion annually. For example, 100 new hotels opened their doors during 2024, and revenues increased by 30%. The Neo Nomad Visa, allowing citizens from 48 countries to work and travel in Kazakhstan for up to a year, also contributed to this growth.

In the following year, investment in Kazakhstan’s tourism sector increased by 38.1% to 923 billion tenge (approximately US$2 billion) in the January–October 2025 period, as the country recorded steady growth in both inbound and domestic travel, according to Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov.

The minister stated that 12.1 million foreign nationals visited Kazakhstan for tourism purposes between January and September, including 8.6 million classified as tourists staying more than one day. At the same time, one million foreign visitors and 6.7 million domestic tourists used accommodation facilities, underscoring sustained growth across the sector.

The country is focusing its outreach on China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, the Middle East, and European markets. In 2023, Kazakhstan’s export of tourism services reached $2.6 billion.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted this priority at a June 2024 government meeting, stressing that despite Kazakhstan’s strategic location, natural diversity, and unique cultural heritage, the country’s tourism potential remains underutilized.

Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its position as a destination for winter holidays and active tourism, with Almaty and Astana remaining the most popular cities. Demand for ski tourism has also been rising since late November.

Tourism statistics indicate that more than 876,000 visitors from China traveled to Kazakhstan in the first 11 months of the current year, compared with 655,000 over the whole of the previous year.

The Kazakhstan government invests heavily in tourism. For example, it organizes a Travel Forum. The Kazakhstan Travel Forum took place on October 6–8 last year and gathered major tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, airports, tourism associations, government agencies, and foreign partners to discuss key trends in the industry.

Kazakhstan is also heavily investing in new airport infrastructure to boost tourism, with construction underway on new airports in key resort areas: Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirli. These projects, part of a 2025 initiative, feature 2,200-meter runways, modernized terminals capable of handling up to 150 passengers per hour, and improved access to scenic locations, including the Altai Mountains.

Digital Assistance for Tourists

Kazakhstan is working to support tourists so that they encounter no difficulties once on Kazakh territory. For example, the country will introduce an AI-powered digital assistant for tourists as part of efforts to scale up a national electronic tourism service, according to reports from The Astana Times.

According to Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Baurzhan Rapikov, work to populate the platform’s database began in February to create a unified digital tourism ecosystem. The travel platform will offer more than just a calendar of events. New features will include a route builder, online booking, and an integrated AI assistant to help plan trips and navigate travel options.

Kazakhstan — A Promising Destination for Ramadan

Kazakhstan is a rapidly growing, Muslim-friendly destination for Ramadan and Eid, offering a mix of modern cities, stunning and serene nature, and rich culture. Top spots include Almaty for mountain landscapes and cafés, and Astana for grand mosques such as the Hazrat Sultan Mosque. It is an affordable and culturally welcoming option.

With a Muslim-majority population and a warm culture of hospitality, Kazakhstan is an easy and welcoming destination for Muslim travelers.

One of the most beautiful mosques in the world is located in Kazakhstan, specifically in Shymkent. I had the chance to visit the Seyitzhan Kari Yeszhanuly Mosque, and it is clearly one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, as can be seen in the article’s photo. For those who wish to visit the most beautiful mosques during Ramadan, Kazakhstan is an ideal destination, offering excellent dishes for iftar as well as magnificent places for prayer.

The Seyitzhan Kari Yeszhanuly Mosque is in the running for two Guinness World Records: the largest dome in Central Asia and the tallest mihrab — a niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan’s rise as a major tourism destination reflects a broader transformation taking place across the country. By combining strategic investment, cultural openness, modern infrastructure, and the preservation of its unique heritage, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a multifaceted destination capable of appealing to travelers from all backgrounds. Whether visitors are drawn by the allure of Silk Road history, the tranquility of vast natural landscapes, the dynamism of rapidly developing cities, or the affordability and quality of services, the country offers a compelling experience.

Moreover, Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify tourism — spanning leisure, culture, eco-tourism, sports, winter activities, gastronomy, and medical travel — demonstrate a long-term vision that extends beyond simple visitor numbers. Initiatives such as digital travel platforms, expanded flight connectivity, new airports, and visa innovations show a commitment to making travel smoother and more accessible. At the same time, the emphasis on Muslim-friendly tourism and international outreach underscores the country’s ambition to welcome a global audience.

As Kazakhstan continues to unlock its vast potential, it stands at the crossroads of continents and cultures, offering a unique opportunity for travelers seeking discovery off the beaten path. The country’s natural resource wealth and diverse locations support a wide range of tourism types — including leisure, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, sports tourism, and health tourism — making it one of the most promising destinations to watch in the coming years.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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