AGP Executive Report

Tourism Boom: Kazakhstan welcomed a record 15.7 million foreign visitors in 2025, with 11.1 million for tourism, as visa liberalization and better air links keep pulling travelers in. New Visa Rules: Kazakhstan published the full 2026 list of 48 countries whose citizens can enter and exit visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with strict passport requirements. Air Connectivity Push: Oman Air and Fun & Sun are expanding direct Russia–Dhofar links (Moscow–Salalah from Sept 2026; Kazan and Yekaterinburg added), and a Kazakhstan–Dhofar direct program starts Oct 20, 2026. Regional Travel Safety: Israelis were attacked at a remote campsite in Mongolia; one tourist suffered a fractured jaw and was evacuated for treatment. City Transport Milestone: Astana’s Tarlan LRT carried about 2.08 million passengers in its first full month, including the airport–rail station line. Bilateral Travel & Trade: Tokayev met Xi in Shanghai and signed cooperation deals covering transport and media, while Kazakhstan also discussed tourism-focused ties with Cambodia and Thailand. Travel Disruption Watch: Dubai airport remains open but delays and reduced schedules continue amid regional tensions.

Tourism Boom: Kazakhstan hit a record 15.7 million foreign visitors in 2025, with 11.1 million traveling for tourism, driven by visa liberalization, better air links, and Silk Road attractions—though infrastructure and awareness still lag. Visa Rules (2026): Kazakhstan published the full list of 48 countries whose citizens can enter and exit visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with strict passport requirements. Air Connectivity: Kazakhstan–Cambodia ties got a tourism boost after Tokayev met Hun Manet, including visa exemption for diplomatic/official passport holders and a plan to deepen cooperation. Regional Travel Watch: Russia released its 2026 visa-free entry list with nationality-specific conditions, while UAE authorities investigated a false Dubai explosion report and issued flight/travel updates amid regional tensions. Aral Sea Recovery: Kazakhstan’s Northern Aral Sea restoration continues under a World Bank-backed phase, with water levels and salinity improving as fishermen raise concerns about agricultural water limits. Infrastructure & Mobility: Astana’s Tarlan LRT carried about 2.08 million passengers in its first full month, with airport-to-city service boosting early ridership. Event Tourism: East Kazakhstan’s Altai–Golden Cradle of the Turkic World festival drew an estimated 50,000 people, spotlighting remote Altai routes and culture.

Aral Sea Revival: Kazakhstan plans to direct another 1.2 billion cubic meters of water to the Northern Aral Sea by year-end, boosting the Kokaral Dam project with World Bank support and aiming for higher water levels and lower salinity. Bilateral Travel Boost: Tokayev met Cambodia’s Hun Manet in Shanghai, with tourism and easier official travel on the agenda, including visa exemption for diplomatic/official passports. Southeast Asia Gateway: Kazakhstan and Thailand pushed cooperation further, highlighting wellness tourism and winter travel as Tokayev invited Anutin to visit Kazakhstan. Air Connectivity: China and Kazakhstan agreed to add 28 weekly round-trip flights, lifting scheduled passenger flights to 152 per week and expanding Chinese destinations—good news for tourism and transit. Education & Mobility: The University of Arizona held its first Kazakhstan graduation milestone, with students earning dual degrees without leaving home. City Transport Milestone: Astana’s Tarlan LRT carried about 2.08 million passengers in its first full month, with fare revenue reported since the airport-to-rail link opened. Travel Context: A report notes Caspian Sea crossings between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan can be unreliable for passengers, with freight-focused schedules and long waits.

Kazakhstan–Cambodia Tourism Push: President Tokayev met Cambodia’s PM Hun Manet and flagged tourism among the top areas to grow ties, alongside agriculture, textiles, food, construction, transport and logistics, with Kazakhstan ready to boost grain and fertilizer exports. Kazakhstan–Thailand Travel Outlook: Tokayev also met Thailand’s PM Anutin Charnvirakul, noting 150,000+ Kazakh visitors to Thailand in 2025 and proposing deeper government cooperation, including winter tourism. Astana LRT Milestone: Astana’s Tarlan light rail carried about 2.08 million passengers in its first full month (June), with 3.2 million riders since launch and fare revenue of 503.1 million tenge. Air Links with China: Kazakhstan and China agreed to add 28 weekly round-trip flights, raising scheduled services to 152 per week and expanding approved Chinese destinations to 11. Green University Grants: Green University opened applications for 50 grants for students from Turkic states, including Kazakhstan, with tracks such as sustainable tourism and environmental law. Event Tourism Spotlight: A feature highlights how Kazakhstan’s Altai–Golden Cradle of the Turkic World festival drew an estimated 50,000 people to East Kazakhstan, showing the power of events to put remote destinations on the map. Middle East Flight Disruptions: UAE travel advisories continue as some routes face delays or suspensions, with airlines including Air Astana among those with Middle East route interruptions.

Uzbek Tourism Boom: 667,722 Uzbek visitors came to Kazakhstan in the first half of 2026, making it the No.2 destination after Kyrgyzstan (1.55M), while FlyArystan is also set to launch Almaty–Urgench–Almaty direct flights. China–Kazakhstan Air Push: Kazakhstan and China agreed to add 28 weekly round-trip flights, lifting capacity to 152 per week and expanding approved Chinese destinations to 11. Kazakhstan–Thailand Partnership: President Tokayev invited Thailand’s PM to visit Kazakhstan as bilateral trade jumped 76% in early 2026; tourism is flagged as a key growth area. Aviation Watch: Air Astana suspends Dubai flights from July 21 to Aug 31 over Middle East security concerns, offering refunds or free rebooking. Tourism Demand Signals: IATA’s WATS shows Kazakhstan’s passenger market surged 40% in 2025 to 18.1M, alongside strong global premium travel growth. Baikonur in the Spotlight: Soyuz MS-29 launched from Baikonur with NASA astronaut Anil Menon and two cosmonauts, docking to begin Expedition 75. Local Culture & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s museum reserves drew up to 784,000 visitors in six months, with popular routes spanning major historical and archaeological sites.

Aviation & Tourism Demand: IATA’s latest World Air Transport Statistics show Kazakhstan’s passenger traffic surged 40% year-on-year in 2025 to 18.1 million, with Uzbekistan also growing fast (12.5 million, +16.9%). Aviation & Premium Travel: The same IATA report says international premium-class travel (business/first) hit 109.7 million in 2025 (+4.5%), while Asia-Pacific dominates the busiest route rankings, including Jeju–Seoul Gimpo (13.3 million passengers). Wildfire Response in Abai: Kazakhstan’s Defense Ministry deployed helicopters and aviation crews to fight a forest fire in the Abai region, with 190 children and 20 adults evacuated from a nearby summer camp as the blaze spread to 60 hectares. Baikonur Space Tourism Spotlight: Soyuz MS-29 launched from Baikonur carrying NASA astronaut Anil Menon plus two Russian cosmonauts to the ISS, adding another high-profile Kazakhstan-linked space moment for travelers and media. Museums & Cultural Tourism: Kazakhstan’s museum reserves drew up to 784,000 visitors in six months, with popular routes spanning Turkistan, Ulytau and Tamgaly petroglyph sites. New Flights for Cross-Border Travel: FlyArystan is set to launch direct Almaty–Urgench flights to boost Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan tourism.

Baikonur-to-ISS Launch: NASA astronaut Anil Menon and two Russian cosmonauts docked with the International Space Station on a Soyuz MS-29 flight from Kazakhstan, with NASA chief Jared Isaacman attending at Baikonur—another big tourism-and-pride moment for the country. Aviation Growth for Kazakhstan: IATA data shows Kazakhstan’s passenger traffic jumped 40% year-on-year to 18.1 million in 2025, while premium international travel rose 4.5% globally. New Direct Routes: FlyArystan will launch Almaty–Urgench direct flights (twice weekly from Sept 3) to boost Uzbekistan tourism, and it also added Atyrau–Batumi (Georgia) service from July 14. Kazakhstan–China Connectivity: Kazakhstan and China agreed to raise scheduled flights to up to 152 per week, add Chongqing, and discuss a third air corridor. Investment Rules Update: Kazakhstan amended “one-stop-shop” and investor register regulations, explicitly including tourism facilities in priority destinations under investment project support. Health Tourism Signal: Kazakhstan’s growing high-tech cardiac surgery capabilities (including more advanced procedures) add to the wider regional health-travel appeal.

Space & Baikonur: NASA astronaut Anil Menon (Indian-origin) has docked with the ISS aboard Soyuz MS-29 after launching from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur, starting an eight-month research mission with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina; NASA chief Jared Isaacman attended the launch and Russia-U.S. ISS cooperation is set to run through 2030. Aviation & Tourism Links: FlyArystan will launch direct Almaty–Urgench flights (from Sept 3, twice weekly) to boost Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan travel, while a new FlyArystan Atyrau–Batumi route (weekly) opens Georgia tourism; Kazakhstan also agreed with China to raise flights to up to 152–154 per week, add Chongqing, and explore an extra air corridor. Health Tourism: Türkiye’s health tourism revenue hit $761.5M in Q1 as demand grows, reinforcing the region’s medical travel pull. Politics & Travel Planning: Kazakhstan allocated about $73M for elections to the new Kurultai on Aug 23, with 70,000+ election staff and 10,674 polling stations nationwide. Culture & Events: Astana hosted an event promoting the 5th volume of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China,” reflecting ongoing Kazakhstan–China public exchanges.

Space & Baikonur: NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur on Soyuz MS-29 with Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, docking with the ISS after a little over three hours for an eight-month Expedition 75 mission focused on astronaut health, AI-assisted ultrasound, and microgravity tech. ISS Cooperation: Russia and the U.S. agreed to extend ISS operations through 2030, with NASA chief Jared Isaacman attending the launch—an unusual joint show of cooperation. Air Connectivity for Travelers: FlyArystan launched a new weekly Atyrau–Batumi route (from July 14), while Kazakhstan and China agreed to boost weekly passenger flights from 124 to 152 and expand Chinese destinations to 11 cities, including plans for Astana–Shanghai direct service. Culture & Events: Enrique Iglesias shared a Kazakh artist’s portrait video and teased “See you soon Kazakhstan,” with concerts in Astana (Sept 3) and Almaty (Sept 5). Tourism Demand Watch: Uzbekistan welcomed 6.5 million foreign tourists in H1, with Kazakhstan among the top source markets.

Space & Baikonur: NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome on Soyuz MS-29 with Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina, starting an eight-month ISS mission focused on microgravity health research, AI-assisted medical scanning, and semiconductor crystal production; docking to the Prichal module is expected after a fast two-orbit trip. Air Travel & Tourism: FlyArystan begins a new once-weekly Atyrau–Batumi route (Tuesdays) to boost access to Georgia’s Black Sea resorts, while Air Astana has suspended UAE flights amid Middle East tensions, offering refunds or free rebooking for affected passengers. Tech for Real Life: Kazakhstan’s universities are turning AI into working products, from drone-based solar defect detection to oil-and-gas analytics and mine safety monitoring. Culture & Film: Jackie Chan has arrived in Mangystau to start filming “Armour of God: Ultimatum,” with local landscapes highlighted as major international drawcards. Policy & Travel Rules: Kazakhstan introduced an electronic travel authorization for foreign visitors, with details on EAEU applicability still unclear.

Tourism Demand: Kazakhstan’s Almaty mountain resort area is leading the country for international visitors, with over 131,000 foreign tourists in Q1 and a big summer surge in 2025 as resorts shift to year-round breaks (hiking, cable cars, cycling, pools, spa and glamping). Entry Rules: Kazakhstan has introduced electronic travel authorization for foreign citizens, but it’s still unclear how it applies to EAEU states. Air Connectivity: Cathay plans cargo flights to Astana from Aug 1 (up to five weekly) and passenger service Hong Kong–Almaty from Jan 2027 (three weekly), while Kazakhstan and Japan move closer to direct flights. Regional Flights: Air Astana suspends UAE flights amid Middle East security escalation, offering refunds or free rebooking. Film Tourism Boost: Jackie Chan has begun filming “Armour of God: Ultimatum” in Almaty and Mangystau (Bozzhyra Canyon highlighted), with production running July–October. Wildlife & Nature: Two Przewalski’s horses (Shara and Togs) have been released into Kazakhstan’s wild via an international conservation effort. Space Spotlight: NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to launch from Baikonur on July 14 for an eight-month ISS mission.

Air Travel Disruption Watch: Air Astana has temporarily suspended select flights to the UAE (Almaty–Dubai and Astana–Dubai) and is offering full refunds or free rebooking as Middle East security tensions rise; Dubai International Airport remains open but is seeing delays and some cancellations. New Routes for Kazakhstan: Cathay plans cargo flights to Astana from Aug 1, 2026 (up to five per week) and passenger service Hong Kong–Almaty from Jan 2027 (three times weekly). Japan Direct-Fly Talks: Kazakhstan and Japan are edging closer to direct flights after meetings on route planning, visas, and aviation frameworks. Tourism & Sports Leadership: Miras Tulebayev appointed Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports. Altai Festival Buzz: Dimash Qudaibergen headlined the Altai – Golden Cradle of the Turkic World festival in East Kazakhstan, drawing about 50,000 visitors. Space Tourism-Adjacent News: NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set to launch from Baikonur on July 14 for an eight-month ISS mission. Heritage & Discovery: LiDAR and ground-penetrating radar in Pavlodar uncovered a large medieval structure tied to the Golden Horde era. Family Safety Reminder: Two sisters died after a car rolled into a flooded quarry near Astana; police are investigating the cause.

Air Travel Disruption: Air Astana has suspended all flights to the UAE amid Middle East security escalation, canceling specific Almaty–Dubai and Astana–Dubai services and offering full refunds or free rebooking for affected travelers. New Routes for Travelers: Cathay Pacific plans cargo flights to Astana from Aug. 1 and passenger flights between Hong Kong and Almaty starting January 2027 (three times weekly), boosting Kazakhstan–Asia connectivity. More Flying Options: Turkish low-cost carrier plans daily Astana–Ankara service, expanding flight frequency from twice weekly. Tourism Leadership: Miras Tulebayev appointed Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, after prior deputy roles in the sector. Passport Season Update: Kazakhstan issued 269,000+ passports and ID cards in June, with guidance to renew early for summer travel. Kazakhstan on the Map: A Kazakhstan lidar survey found a large medieval structure with fired bricks linked to the Golden Horde, adding new depth for history-minded visitors. Culture & Food: Astana’s BaiQymyz-2026 festival drew 40,000 visitors on day one, with tastings of kumis and shubat plus equestrian shows. Nature for Weekend Plans: Karkaraly National Park highlights steppe-to-lake scenery for hikers, with pine forests and protected wildlife. Safety Reminder: Two sisters died after a car rolled into a flooded quarry near Astana; police are investigating the cause. Travel Tech/Transport: Cathay Pacific cargo and passenger plans, plus new air links, signal continued growth in Kazakhstan’s route network.

Turkic Heritage & Food Tourism: Astana’s BaiQymyz-2026 gastronomy festival opened with about 40,000 visitors tasting 200,000 liters of kumis (plus one ton of shubat), featuring kumis competitions, masterclasses, crafts, equestrian shows, and concerts—running July 12. Nature for Travelers: Karkaraly National Park in Saryarka is spotlighted for its granite mountains, pine forests, crystal lakes, and wildlife, with key stops like Lake Shaitankol and Lake Bassein. Phygital Sports in Astana: The Games of the Future 2026 will kick off July 29 across four Astana venues, mixing traditional sports with digital disciplines and bringing about 1,000 athletes from 35 countries. Air Connectivity Update: Cathay Pacific plans cargo flights to Astana from Aug. 1 and passenger service Hong Kong–Almaty from Jan. 2027, boosting trade and tourism links. Safety Alert: Two sisters (8 and 12) died after a car rolled into a flooded quarry near Astana; an investigation is underway. Crypto Policy Watch: Kazakhstan’s president signed a decree to accelerate regulated digital asset adoption, including stablecoin payments and tokenized finance. Travel Disruption: Air Astana returned an Astana–Dubai flight and canceled Almaty–Dubai amid worsening Middle East security, with refunds offered. On-the-Ground Culture: A Turkic world festival gala in Kazakhstan drew international audiences, with Dimash Qudaibergen headlining.

Astana Air Connectivity Boost: Cathay Pacific will add up to five weekly cargo flights to Astana from Aug. 1, plus passenger service Hong Kong–Almaty from Jan. 2027—good news for travelers and logistics. Summer Resort Links: Asman Airlines launches seasonal Almaty–Tamchy–Almaty flights twice a week (Mondays/Fridays) until September, making Issyk-Kul easier to reach. Games of the Future Prep: PM Bektenov inspected Astana venues for the July 29 Games of the Future phygital event, with 1,000 athletes from 35 countries and multiple sports arenas ready. Culture & Tourism Spotlight: Dimash Qudaibergen headlined a Turkic world festival gala in Kazakhstan, drawing fans from around 30 countries. Agritourism Surprise: A banana greenhouse farm near Shymkent is attracting visitors to see tropical fruit grown in Kazakhstan. Travel Policy Watch: Saudi Arabia’s 2026 eVisa list includes Kazakhstan, signaling smoother planning for Kazakh travelers heading to the kingdom. Border Fuel Crackdown: Kazakhstan tightens control over petroleum exports and adds checkpoints to curb “gasoline tourism” amid regional shortages.

New Air Routes: Cathay Pacific will add up to five weekly cargo flights to Astana from Aug. 1, and start passenger service between Hong Kong and Almaty in Jan. 2027—boosting trade and tourism links. Summer Getaways: Asman Airlines launches seasonal Almaty–Tamchy–Almaty flights twice a week (Mondays/Fridays) until September, timed for Issyk-Kul resort demand. Border & Fuel Watch: Kazakhstan tightens control over petroleum exports and “gasoline tourism” by adding checkpoints on nearly 60 roads with Russia and limiting crossings to one per day. Travel Tech & Mobility: BYD’s long-range EV test drive from Rome to Hong Kong includes a stop in Kazakhstan, highlighting regional interest in next-gen batteries and charging. Tourism Inspiration: A guide spotlights Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region—Dzungarian Alatau hikes, waterfalls, lakes, and Silk Road-era sites. Culture & Film: Jackie Chan begins filming “Armour of God: Ultimatum” in Almaty, signaling a Kazakhstan–China movie push. Space Tourism Buzz: NASA astronaut Anil Menon will launch from Baikonur on July 14 for an eight-month ISS mission.