Kazakhstan’s leading airline, Air Astana, is expanding its network with new direct flights from Shymkent and Almaty to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia. These routes cater to the growing demand for pilgrimage and business travel, offering convenient and affordable travel options. Passengers will enjoy modern Airbus A321LR aircraft and a range of amenities, including spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and premium dining options.
Narxoz University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, has opened a state-of-the-art student residence with 424 beds, featuring modern amenities, environmental sustainability, and a focus on student well-being. The US$15 million project, funded by Verny Capital, offers comfortable accommodation with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and shared spaces.
The Kazakhstan Tourism Board held a successful roadshow in Mumbai, attracting Indian tour operators and showcasing the country’s diverse tourism offerings. This event, organized with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India, highlighted Kazakhstan’s growing popularity as a travel destination for Indian tourists, driven by increased accessibility and a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty.
Kazakhstan claimed the first medal of the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing bronze in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. Alexandra Le and Islam Satpayev of Kazakhstan overcame Germany in a thrilling match, showcasing their shooting prowess and securing the first medal of the Games.
Kazakhstan, a Central Asian nation brimming with diverse cities, rich history, and stunning landscapes, has become a prime destination for global tourists. The country has made travel more accessible by offering visa-free entry to over 100 countries, including major destinations in Europe, North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, and Africa. This strategic move, coupled with initiatives like new flight routes and marketing campaigns, is driving a surge in tourism arrivals, particularly from India, which has become Kazakhstan’s third-largest source market. Kazakhstan’s tourism industry is projected to experience significant growth, with a projected revenue of over US$1 billion by 2024.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Kazakhstan with the announcement of its first Vignette Collection hotel in Almaty. Set to open in 2027, the 95-room hotel will be part of a mixed-use development and offer unique experiences for both business and leisure travelers. This marks IHG’s second upscale venture in the region and underscores the growing popularity of the Vignette Collection brand, which focuses on individuality and sustainability.
Kazakhstan is strategically expanding its visa-free entry policy, welcoming travelers from 27 Schengen Area nations, neighboring CIS countries, and key Middle Eastern nations. This move aims to position Kazakhstan as a prominent travel destination in Central Asia, attracting international tourists with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and growing attractions. The policy is anticipated to boost tourism arrivals, foster cultural exchange, and drive economic growth.
A Kazakh tourist was apprehended for carving his name, ‘ALI,’ onto a wall of the House of the Ceii in Pompeii. The tourist is facing charges and will be responsible for any restoration costs.
Approximately 100 petroglyphs, dating back to the Bronze or Early Iron ages, have been discovered in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan. Depicting animals, humans, and hunting scenes, these engravings were found during a nationwide environmental cleanup campaign. Although scholars acknowledge the existence of the site, it has been kept a secret to protect it until it could be thoroughly examined.
Kazakhstan has made significant progress in its tourism industry, ranking 52nd among 119 nations in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024. This marks a substantial improvement from its previous position of 66th in 2021. Kazakhstan’s strong performance in categories such as health and hygiene, price competitiveness, and tourism’s socioeconomic impact contributed to its rise in the rankings.
