Kazakhstan's Tourism Booms in H1 2023: 7.5M Visitors, $1.2B Investment
Kazakhstan's tourism sector has witnessed remarkable growth in the first half of 2023, with a record 7.5 million foreign tourists visiting and investments surging by 27% to US$1.2 billion. To enhance safety and accommodate the increasing number of visitors, 48 video surveillance cameras have been installed at swimming areas.
The tourism boom has led to an expansion in accommodation facilities. Currently, there are 4,442 facilities with a combined capacity of over 232,000 beds. Revenue from these facilities rose by 25% compared to the same period last year. Notably, 3.9 million Kazakh citizens utilized these services, marking a 500,000 increase from last year. Meanwhile, 5 million international arrivals stayed in the country for more than 24 hours.
The Ulytau Region led in investment growth with a staggering 626% increase. While the specific region with the highest increase in tourism investments in 2021 is not explicitly mentioned, the Almaty region, renowned for its ski resorts like Shymbulak, is recognized for its significant tourism infrastructure. To improve visitor experience and safety, regional authorities are prioritizing infrastructure improvements and internet coverage expansion in resort areas. They are also tasked with implementing new standards and enhancing safety measures for water bodies.
The first half of 2023 has been a remarkable period for Kazakhstan's tourism sector. With a significant increase in tourists, investments, and accommodation facilities, the country is poised for further growth. The installation of 48 video surveillance cameras at swimming areas is a testament to the government's commitment to ensuring safety and security for all visitors.