In 2024, Kazakhstan saw a significant rise in Chinese tourism, with 655,000 visitors, reflecting a 78% increase compared to the previous year. This surge was highlighted by Nurtas Karipbayev, chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, during a press conference on February 6.
The boost in arrivals coincided with Kazakhstan’s declaration of 2024 as the “Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China,” a strategic initiative designed to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations. The initiative aimed to promote Kazakhstan as a travel destination while fostering collaboration among tourism stakeholders from both countries.
Key to the success of the program was the role of major Chinese media outlets and social networks, which have a combined audience of over 1.3 billion people. Karipbayev noted that these platforms helped raise awareness about Kazakhstan, generating significant interest among Chinese tourists.
Almaty emerged as the top destination for Chinese visitors to Kazakhstan, according to Karipbayev.
Kazakhstan also participated in four prominent tourism exhibitions in China—ITB China, ITE Hong Kong, COTTM, and the China International Medical Tourism Fair—where new partnerships with leading Chinese tour operators were formed.
In addition to these efforts, Kazakhstan hosted 10 major presentation tours throughout the year, further increasing interest in the country. Karipbayev emphasized that tourism exhibitions and informational tours remain crucial in the ongoing collaboration between Kazakhstan and China.
The visa-free travel agreement introduced in November 2023, which allows citizens of both countries to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, has also contributed to the rise in tourist numbers. This mutual arrangement covers tourism, medical treatment, business trips, and transit travel.
Building on the momentum of 2024, both Kazakhstan and China have designated 2025 as the “Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan,” with plans to further enhance travel and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
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