The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan have forged a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of sustainable tourism in Kazakhstan. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for the country’s tourism sector, aiming to enhance infrastructure, attract global visitors, and establish Kazakhstan as a leading destination for both cultural heritage and innovative travel experiences.
The partnership’s goals are ambitious and multifaceted. UNWTO and Kazakhstan will work together to promote sustainable tourism development, ensuring that environmental, social, and economic benefits are distributed equitably across the country. This includes preserving Kazakhstan’s unique landscapes, including its vast steppes, mountains, and lakes, which make it a diverse and appealing destination for nature-based tourism.
In addition to promoting sustainability, the collaboration aims to diversify tourism offerings in Kazakhstan to attract a wider range of international tourists. This will help boost the economy while protecting natural and cultural resources. The partnership recognizes the growing importance of digital tools in transforming the travel experience. UNWTO and the Ministry will collaborate on the development and implementation of innovative digital platforms to enhance visitor experiences, including improving digital access, creating smart travel systems, and promoting digital innovations that make traveling more seamless. One of the most ambitious goals is to establish Astana as the first global hub for digitalization in tourism. This digital focus will involve integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve both the tourist experience and the management of tourism resources. Smart tourism tools such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and big data will play a role in optimizing Kazakhstan’s tourism strategies.
Capacity building through education and training is a key component of the MoU. Kazakhstan and UNWTO will collaborate on initiatives to train tourism professionals, offering exchange programs and scholarships. This partnership seeks to build a new generation of tourism professionals capable of leading the industry into the future, as well as to create research centers that promote innovation and sustainability within the tourism sector. Additionally, there are discussions to establish an International Academy in Kazakhstan. This academy would provide world-class education and training to individuals aspiring to become leaders in tourism and hospitality, with a special focus on sustainability and innovation.
Innovation is central to the UNWTO’s vision for the future of global tourism. Kazakhstan is poised to benefit from initiatives aimed at promoting creativity and entrepreneurship within its tourism sector. By fostering a tourism innovation ecosystem, the country hopes to support startups and entrepreneurs with new ideas to advance sustainable travel solutions. Through this ecosystem, talented individuals and tourism-related businesses will have the opportunity to collaborate on initiatives that aim to drive growth, attract investment, and develop Kazakhstan’s unique tourist attractions. This includes promoting innovation in services, experiences, and infrastructure.
Another key focus of the MoU is promoting investments in Kazakhstan’s tourism sector. UNWTO will provide expertise and insights on global investment trends in tourism, working closely with Kazakhstan to attract foreign direct investments in tourism infrastructure, accommodations, and service industries. By promoting investments in tourism, Kazakhstan aims to develop both urban and rural tourism areas, expand its hotel and service sector, and improve the overall travel experience for visitors. Joint research projects will help Kazakhstan better understand tourism trends and opportunities, ensuring the country remains competitive in the international tourism market.
During an official visit to Kazakhstan, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili held discussions with Kazakhstan’s President, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to explore the alignment of goals and identify opportunities for a stronger partnership. The visit included a series of high-level talks aimed at promoting long-term growth and sustainability within Kazakhstan’s tourism sector. These efforts align with the broader mission of advancing sustainable development through tourism, digitalization, and cultural preservation.
Secretary-General Pololikashvili also attended a roundtable meeting hosted by the Office of Presidential Affairs in Astana, bringing together key tourism stakeholders from Kazakhstan to discuss the current state of the industry, as well as challenges and opportunities for the future. The forum highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector and focused on the importance of sustainable practices, diversification of tourism products, and the need to develop tourism-related infrastructure across the country.
The collaboration between UNWTO and Kazakhstan reflects a commitment to nurturing this cultural legacy while promoting modern and innovative tourism experiences. Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a destination that seamlessly blends its ancient traditions with cutting-edge developments in travel and hospitality. The partnership between UNWTO and the Republic of Kazakhstan marks a significant step forward in the development of the country’s tourism sector. By focusing on sustainability, digitalization, education, and investment, this collaboration aims to turn Kazakhstan into a top destination for global travelers seeking unique cultural experiences and modern, sustainable tourism offerings. As Kazakhstan continues to grow its tourism industry, it will benefit from the insights and expertise provided by UNWTO, ensuring that its tourism sector contributes to long-term economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. The goals set out under the MoU will guide the development of tourism in the coming years, making Kazakhstan a leading example of how countries can develop their tourism sectors in a responsible and forward-thinking manner.
