AGP Executive Report

Kazakhstan–Georgia Strategic Partnership: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze agreed to elevate ties to a strategic partnership, with both sides pointing to growing tourism demand and “untapped potential.” Air Connectivity Boost: Air Astana marked 15 years of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Georgia, reporting 270,000+ passengers in 2025 (+17%) and up to 44 weekly flights in summer 2026. Tourism Investment Watch: Melco Resorts & Entertainment met Kazakhstan’s PM to explore tourism infrastructure projects in Alatau (near Almaty), including a major wellness and recreation “Green District.” Transport Corridor in Action: Uztemiryulkonteyner completed a first Malaysia–Tajikistan multimodal cargo run via Kazakhstan (32 days total), underlining Kazakhstan’s role in South-East to Central Asia logistics. Rail Travel Upgrade: East Kazakhstan’s Ridder and Shemonaikha railway stations reopened after modernization, with more stations planned by July 1. Media Environment: KazTAG says journalists and its platforms faced an information attack with bot spam and fake channels. Industry Snapshot: Leather and related products output in Kazakhstan rose 36% in Jan–May 2026, led by travel accessories/saddlery and footwear.

Aviation & Tourism Links: Air Astana marked 15 years of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Georgia, launched in June 2011, and says demand keeps climbing—more than 270,000 passengers flew the route in 2025 (+17%). For the 2026 summer season, the airline group plans up to 44 flights per week (25 by Air Astana, 19 by FlyArystan), with transit programs like “Stopover Holiday” aimed at turning one trip into two countries. Tourism Investment: Melco Resorts & Entertainment met Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister to explore tourism infrastructure projects in Alatau near Almaty, including a “Green District” with hotels, wellness and outdoor recreation, plus plans to draw millions of visitors annually by 2050. Rail Travel Upgrade: Kazakhstan reopened modernized railway stations in East Kazakhstan—Ridder and Shemonaikha—after renovations to platforms, interiors and passenger facilities, with more station upgrades planned nationwide. Domestic Industry for Travelers: Kazakhstan’s leather and related products output rose 36% in Jan–May 2026, with travel accessories/saddlery and footwear among the fastest-growing categories. Practical Travel Admin: Kazakhstan and the UAE signed a memorandum for mutual recognition and easier exchange of driver’s licenses, supporting the large Kazakh community traveling to and living in the Emirates. Nature Getaway: Bayanaul National Park is highlighted as an easy summer escape from Astana, with routes, timing and transport tips to reach lakes and resorts. Media & Safety Note: KazTAG says journalists and its platforms were hit by bot-driven information attacks, while global heat and wildfire risks are rising—worth keeping in mind for summer travel planning.

Rail Upgrade for Travelers: Kazakhstan has reopened two fully modernized East Kazakhstan railway stations—Ridder and Shemonaikha—after renovations under a nationwide program to upgrade 124 stations, with more upgrades planned (30 by July 1). Summer Nature Getaway: Bayanaul National Park, about 450 km from Astana, is pushing domestic tourism with granite mountains, pine forests and lakes like Toraygyr and Zhasybai—plus practical travel tips on reaching the park and getting around. Kazakhstan–UAE Driver’s License Swap: Kazakhstan and the UAE signed a memorandum to mutually recognize and simplify exchange of national driver’s licenses, aiming to make cross-border driving easier for the growing number of travelers. Kazakhstan–EU Visa Progress: Kazakhstan and the EU completed expert-level talks on draft visa facilitation and readmission agreements, with domestic procedures now underway before signing. Visa-Free Travel Guidance: Kazakhstan’s foreign ministry published updated visa-free entry guidance for Kazakh passport holders, including 90-day stays in many countries and specific rules for places like Russia and South Korea. Eurasian Connectivity Talk: A new discussion piece argues Eurasia shouldn’t be viewed through one “corridor” only, but as interconnected routes shaping broader connectivity. Equestrian Tourism Spotlight: A National Geographic Traveller feature highlights rising horse-riding travel, including “ride with Kazakh eagle hunters” as a standout experience.

Rail Travel Upgrade: Kazakhstan has reopened two fully modernized railway stations in East Kazakhstan—Ridder and Shemonaikha—after renovations under a national program to upgrade 124 stations, with improved platforms, engineering systems, passenger facilities and new equipment; Ridder (471 sq m) and Shemonaikha (230 sq m) are the first two of five regional stations expected to resume, and 30 upgraded stations are planned to be commissioned by July 1. Visa & Border Ease: Kazakhstan and the UAE signed a memorandum for mutual recognition and simplified exchange of national driver’s licenses, aiming to streamline admin steps for the growing number of Kazakh visitors to the Emirates. EU Travel Facilitation: Kazakhstan and the EU have completed expert-level talks on draft visa facilitation and readmission agreements; both sides now move through domestic procedures before signing, with the goal of faster processing and easier access for Kazakh travelers. Media Day: Kazakhstan marked the Day of Media Workers (June 28), highlighting the role of journalism in independent Kazakhstan. Tourism Links: Kazakhstan and Thailand agreed a 2027–2028 cooperation roadmap covering tourism expansion, transport/logistics and people-to-people ties.

Visa & entry ease for travelers: Kazakhstan and the EU have finished expert-level talks on visa facilitation and readmission, with both sides now moving through domestic procedures before signing—aimed at faster processing, more multiple-entry options, and lighter paperwork. Driving across borders: Kazakhstan and the UAE signed a memorandum for mutual recognition and simplified exchange of national driver’s licenses, supporting the large Kazakh travel flow to the Emirates. Tourism ties with Thailand: Kazakhstan and Thailand agreed a 2027–2028 joint action plan, with both sides pointing to visa-free travel, growing tourist exchange, and plans to expand cooperation in transport, green energy, strategic minerals, and tourism. UAE expands visa-on-arrival: The UAE broadened visa-on-arrival eligibility for citizens of six countries (with specific residence-permit rules), making spontaneous trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi easier. Travel logistics & safety: Kazakhstan-linked regional travel news includes an Air Canada diversion to Boston after a pilot medical emergency midflight. Culture spotlight: The Smithsonian is increasing engagement with Kazakhstan’s intangible heritage via a Kazakhstan Cultural Heritage Fund and artisan-focused initiatives.

Visa & border ease: Kazakhstan and the EU have finished expert-level talks on a Visa Facilitation and Readmission deal, with both sides now running domestic procedures before signing. Driver’s license swap: Kazakhstan and the UAE signed a memorandum for mutual recognition and a simplified exchange of national driving licenses—aimed at making travel paperwork easier for citizens. Tourism ties: Thailand’s foreign minister says 200,000 Kazakh tourists visit Thailand each year and expects growth via more direct flights and better transport links; Kazakhstan and Thailand also signed a 2027–2028 joint action plan that includes tourism expansion. Energy & travel impact: Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted Russia’s Orenburg gas processing, hitting Kazakhstan-linked gas flows and forcing logistics reroutes; separately, Russia is reportedly discussing importing gasoline from Kazakhstan amid its fuel crunch. Digital travel economy: Kaspi.kz received Turkish regulator approval to acquire Rabobank A.Ş., a move that could boost fintech services for travelers and cross-border commerce. Scam-hub warning: Reports say thousands, including at least 18 Filipinos and victims from Kazakhstan among other nationalities, remain trapped in Myanmar scam compounds near the Thai border.

Kazakhstan–EU Visa Progress: Kazakhstan and the EU have finished expert-level talks on a Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreement. Both sides now need domestic procedures before signing, with the goal of faster processing and easier multi-entry visas for Kazakh citizens. Energy & Travel Risk Watch: Reuters reports Russia is discussing importing about 50,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan amid refinery disruptions, while Kazakhstan says it hasn’t received an official request—an issue that could affect regional fuel stability for travelers. Tourism Boost via Regional Links: Thailand’s foreign minister says over 200,000 Kazakh tourists visit Thailand yearly and hopes more direct flights and transport links will grow numbers, citing the 30-day visa-free regime. Cross-border Entry Rules: Kazakhstan’s updated guidance reiterates visa-free travel for many destinations (up to 90 days in several cases) and notes Russia’s new electronic entry authorization requirement from July 1 for study/work. Kazakhstan–Thailand Roadmap: Kazakhstan and Thailand signed a 2027–2028 joint action plan covering transport, green energy, strategic minerals, tourism, and people-to-people ties. UAE Visa-on-Arrival Expansion: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival for citizens of six countries, potentially lifting regional leisure travel demand.

Kazakhstan–Thailand Tourism Boost: Kazakhstan and Thailand signed a 2027–2028 joint action plan after talks in which both sides flagged tourism as a priority, with Thailand noting nearly 200,000 Kazakh visitors each year and hoping for more direct flights and better transport links. Paragliding in Zhetysu: Kazakhstan is hosting the first Paragliding World Cup in Central Asia, drawing about 150 pilots from 33 countries to the Zhetysu region, a growing extreme-sports destination. New Air Links for Travelers: Air Astana marked 15 years of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Georgia, while the airline network continues to expand for summer travel. Rail Internet for Remote Routes: Starlink satellite internet has been launched on the Astana–Semey–Dostyk rail line, improving connectivity for passengers on train No. 121/122. Safety & Rescue Update: Volunteers from Russia and Kazakhstan joined the search for a missing 6-year-old boy after a vehicle fell into the water in Kyrgyzstan’s Kegeti Gorge.

Kazakhstan–Thailand Tourism Boost: Kazakhstan and Thailand signed a 2027–2028 Joint Action Plan, with tourism, transport links, green energy and people-to-people exchanges on the agenda, as Thailand targets growth beyond the current ~200,000 Kazakh visitors a year. Visa-Friendly Travel: The UAE expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility for citizens of several countries (including Thailand and the Philippines), aiming to make travel smoother and strengthen ties. Air Connectivity for Travelers: Air Astana marked 15 years of direct flights between Kazakhstan and Georgia, while Starlink satellite internet was launched on the Astana–Semey–Dostyk rail route to improve connectivity in remote areas. Extreme Sports in Kazakhstan: The first Paragliding World Cup in Central Asia is taking place in Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu region, drawing about 150 pilots from 33 countries. Tech for the Road: Green SM launched all-electric ride-hailing in Kazakhstan (starting in Almaty), adding a new EV mobility option for visitors and locals. Aviation Growth: Kazakhstan and Italy discussed sustainable aviation fuel cooperation, supporting longer-term travel and aviation upgrades.

Aviation Upgrade: Air Astana signed Kazakhstan’s biggest-ever aircraft order, taking up to 50 Airbus A320neo family jets (25 firm, 25 options) in a deal worth over €7bn—good news for faster route growth and better connectivity. EU Travel Boost: President Tokayev’s Brussels wrap-up included an aviation agreement with the EU and progress on easier short-stay visas, plus a major business package reported at $12bn. Middle Corridor Logistics: Kazakhstan is working with Georgia and Azerbaijan on a unified long-term tariff model for the “Middle Corridor,” alongside port upgrades and Caspian cargo fleet plans. New Mobility in Almaty: Green SM launched all-electric ride-hailing in Kazakhstan with VinFast VF 6 Eco SUVs, starting in Almaty and backed by driver training and local partnerships. Cross-Border Headache: A major truck traffic jam hit the Kazakhstan–Russia Syrym-Mashtakovo border crossing in West Kazakhstan, with drivers stuck for over a day. Travel Culture Moment: Enrique Iglesias teased fans with a Kazakh phrase ahead of Astana and Almaty concerts, and shared the tradition of bringing Kazakhstan chocolate abroad. Press Freedom: Human rights defenders marked the Kazakh journalists’ professional holiday by highlighting ongoing cases involving media figures.

Fuel & Logistics: Reuters reports Russia is negotiating with Kazakhstan to import 50,000 tons of A-92 gasoline after Ukrainian drone attacks hit Russian refineries, with Kazakhstan’s Atyrau maintenance (June 26–July 20) and possible swaps for Russian jet fuel adding uncertainty. Border Delays: A major truck jam has formed at the Kazakhstan–Russia Syrym-Mashtakovo crossing in West Kazakhstan, with drivers stuck for over a day and queues reportedly growing. Aviation & Connectivity: Tokayev says Kazakhstan, Georgia and Azerbaijan are developing a unified long-term “Middle Corridor” tariff model, while Kazakhstan–EU talks in Brussels advanced aviation cooperation and visa facilitation steps. Air Astana Expansion: Air Astana signed Kazakhstan’s biggest-ever aircraft order—up to 50 Airbus A320neo family jets (25 firm, 25 options)—aiming to boost domestic and international routes. Green Travel Tech: Kazakhstan and Italy signed an SAF cooperation deal to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Kazakhstan. Mobility in Cities: Green SM launched all-electric ride-hailing in Almaty, marking its Central Asia debut. Travel Safety Watch: East Kazakhstan issued the highest fire danger alert (Class 5) as extreme heat nears 50°C and multiple wildfires burn. Tourism Inspiration: A Kazakh grandmother’s viral paragliding video over Türkiye’s Ölüdeniz highlights growing interest in adventure travel. Cross-border Road Plans: Kyrgyzstan proposed a land exchange with Kazakhstan to enable a new paid highway link near Tokmok, improving regional travel routes.

New Air Links: Air Astana has launched direct services between Larnaka (Cyprus) and Kazakhstan, adding fresh options for travelers. Green Mobility in Almaty: Green SM officially started an all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan with VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, aiming to improve city travel for residents and visitors. Road & Transit Boost: Kazakhstan secured a 229.5bn tenge EBRD-backed deal to upgrade the Aktobe–Karabutak–Ulgaisyn highway (234 km) to a four-lane corridor, strengthening the Western Europe–Western China route and the Middle Corridor. Kazakhstan–EU Focus: President Tokayev says Kazakhstan-EU ties are “more important than ever,” prioritizing resilience, connectivity, and citizen opportunities—key themes for tourism and transport planning. Regional Connectivity Talks: Montenegro’s President Milatović visited Kazakhstan, discussing transport links and the potential integration of the Port of Bar into the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, with knock-on benefits for travel routes. Sustainable Tourism Push: A CICA conference in Baku kicked off on circular green tourism, including plans for tourism villages and nature-based projects involving Kazakhstan. Climate & Safety Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan’s RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue in Bishkek (June 24–26) will coordinate flood and mudflow risk reduction across Kazakhstan and neighbors—relevant for safer travel planning.

Kazakhstan–China Talks: Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Kazakhstan PM Olzhas Bektenov in Dalian, pledging deeper cooperation in trade, energy and minerals, connectivity, and expanding people-to-people links including culture and tourism. Green Mobility in Almaty: Green SM launched an all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan, starting in Almaty with VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles—aimed at giving residents and visitors cleaner, quieter urban travel. Road Upgrade for the Middle Corridor: Kazakhstan secured a major EBRD-backed deal for the Aktobe–Karabutak–Ulgaisyn highway upgrade (234 km), targeting a four-lane, 120 km/h corridor boost for Western Europe–Western China transit. Regional Climate Resilience: A Central Asia dialogue in Kyrgyzstan (with Kazakhstan among participants) will focus on mudflow and flood risk reduction using digital tools under the RESILAND CA+ program—relevant for safer travel planning across the region. Kazakhstan–EU Push in Brussels: President Tokayev outlined priorities for the next Kazakhstan–EU phase—resilience, connectivity, and new citizen opportunities—highlighting the Trans-Caspian/Middle Corridor and easier travel. Caspian Nature Watch: Reports note ongoing Caspian seal deaths along the coastline, pointing to multiple pressures like pollution and declining water levels—an issue for eco-tourism and coastal livelihoods.

Kazakhstan–EU Push: President Tokayev says the Kazakhstan–EU partnership is “more important today than ever,” setting priorities on resilience, connectivity (including the Middle Corridor), and new opportunities for citizens as he heads to Brussels. New Air Links: Kazakhstan expands flights to Azerbaijan: AZAL launched Shymkent–Baku (3x weekly), with plans for Aktobe–Baku (3x) and Atyrau–Baku (4x), boosting tourism and business travel. Nature & Tourism: Almaty State Nature Reserve highlights for visitors and travelers—71,700 hectares of Northern Tien Shan ecosystems, glaciers, mountain lakes, and rich biodiversity. Outbound Travel Intel: Chameleon Strategies and CrescentRating launched the Asia Pacific Outbound Traveler Handbook 2026 in Singapore, offering market-by-market insights for travel trade planning. Record Food Event: Balkhash Tour Fest-2026 features an 86.4kg kazyburger recognized by Kazakhstan’s Book of Records, drawing 35,000 guests. Caspian Wildlife Warning: Caspian seal carcasses keep washing ashore; experts cite multiple pressures like pollution, declining water levels, overfishing, and disease—relevant for coastal tourism and fishing communities.

Kazakhstan–EU Push: President Tokayev heads to Brussels to advance the next phase of Kazakhstan–EU cooperation, focusing on critical minerals, transport connectivity, investment, and easier travel, with three priorities: resilience, connectivity, and new opportunities for citizens. Air Links for Tourism & Business: Kazakhstan expands flights to Azerbaijan: AZAL launched Shymkent–Baku (3x weekly) and plans more services from Aktobe and Atyrau to Baku, aiming to boost trade and tourism. Digital Hub Ambition: Kazakhstan signs AI infrastructure deals with Firebird, with a planned “Data Center Valley” that could attract up to $10B and position the country as a Eurasian digital hub. Outdoor & Food Tourism: Balkhash Tour Fest 2026 draws ~35,000 visitors and spotlights local heritage, while chefs set a Kazakhstan Book of Records giant 86.4kg kazyburger. Nature Tourism: Almaty State Nature Reserve highlights Northern Tien Shan ecosystems and glacier-rich landscapes, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s eco-travel appeal. Sports for Schools: Kazakhstan hosts the Asian stage of the World School Team Chess Championship, feeding into the Africa finals in Cape Town.

Business Travel: Russia’s business travel market hit about US$16bn in 2025, with 1 out of 4 trips made for work and most travel staying domestic—useful context for Kazakhstan’s regional corporate travel demand. Kazakhstan–EU Partnership: A new take on the Kazakhstan–EU relationship argues the next chapter must focus on resilience, better connectivity, and new citizen opportunities as geopolitics reshapes trade and investment. Tourism & Food Culture: Balkhash Tour Fest 2026 drew around 35,000 visitors and crowned an 86.4kg kazyburger in Kazakhstan’s Book of Records—another reason to watch the region’s growing tourism calendar. Nature Tourism: UNESCO-listed Almaty Reserve coverage highlights the Northern Tien Shan’s protected landscapes, glaciers, and biodiversity—great material for hiking and eco-travel interest. Medical Tourism: Kazakhstan’s Medical Workers’ Day remarks position the country as a regional medical tourism hub with free-care scale and competitive pricing. Digital & Travel Safety: A report warns AI-driven biometric and surveillance expansion raises risks for travelers and foreign nationals in many countries. Kazakhstan–Montenegro Links: Kazakhstan and Montenegro sign up to expand cooperation in tourism, logistics, education, and digitalization after a high-level visit.