Almaty Strengthens Its Position as a Tourism Hub: 2024 Results and 2025 Plans

In recent years, Almaty has been confidently developing as one of Kazakhstan’s leading tourist centers. The city attracts both international and domestic travelers with its unique natural landscapes, modern infrastructure, and diverse tourism offerings.

In 2024, Almaty demonstrated notable growth in the tourism sector. The total number of tourists increased by 14.2%, reaching 1.7 million. The number of international visitors rose by 23.9%, surpassing 507,500 people. Domestic tourist numbers reached 1.2 million, up by 10.6% compared to the previous year.

One of the key areas of focus has been improving the qualifications of tourism industry professionals. In 2024, English language courses were organized for employees at transport hubs and staff interacting with tourists. Guides received training based on World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) programs, and rescue workers participated in specialized training sessions.

To promote Almaty on the international stage, city representatives took part in seven major tourism exhibitions and hosted Almaty Tourism Days in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi’an, and Beijing. These efforts led to signed agreements with international partners and strengthened global cooperation. Additionally, informational tours were organized for 90 representatives of travel companies from 11 different countries.

In 2025, the city plans to continue developing tourism infrastructure, including expanding camping areas and improving mountain routes. International promotion will be enhanced through participation in ten tourism exhibitions, four MICE events, and the continuation of Almaty Tourism Days abroad.

A major platform to showcase the city’s tourism potential will be the KITF 2025 exhibition, scheduled to take place from April 23 to 25 at the Atakent Exhibition Center in Almaty. For the Almaty City Tourism Department, KITF is a key event, as it gathers tourism industry representatives from across Kazakhstan and beyond. Participation offers an opportunity to establish business contacts, present Almaty's tourism potential, and boost interest in visiting the city. Guests will be welcomed at the department’s stand, where they can learn more about Almaty’s tourism offerings and foster international collaboration aimed at increasing tourist flows.