AGP Executive Report

UAE Flight Updates: Despite Gulf tensions, most UAE routes stayed stable, but Kuwait, Bahrain and Doha services saw cancellations/delays as airlines adjust to airspace restrictions; Qatar Airways plans to resume some passenger flights from Aug. 8. Kazakhstan Air Mobility: Astana saw Kazakhstan’s first passenger eVTOL flight as an autonomous EH216-S carried a passenger on a short demo over a designated area, with sightseeing routes planned first and air-taxi ambitions targeting 2027. Tourism & Culture Links: Pakistan and Kazakhstan agreed to expand cultural cooperation, heritage exchanges and education, with hopes for direct flights next year to boost tourism. Kazakhstan Logistics Push: Work began on the Beineu–Saksaulsk highway (Aral–Caspian Highway), aiming to cut freight travel times to Caspian ports and support faster Europe–China connectivity. Digital Services & Travel: Kazakhstan’s services exports neared $13B in 2025, with travel-related services up to $2.9B and digital industries showing the fastest growth. Pop Culture in Astana: Comic Con Astana 2026 opened with a record 16,000 visitors and runs through Aug. 9. Regional Travel Context: Armenia reported 1.04M foreign tourists in H1 2026 (+14.8%), with Kazakhstan among the visiting countries.

Eurasian Trade & Tourism Links: Uzbekistan is expanding cooperation with the EAEU, with Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov highlighting digital trade, industrial projects, labor mobility, transport links, and tourism as key priorities. Autonomous Air Travel in Astana: Kazakhstan’s first passenger flight on an electric eVTOL aircraft (EH216-S) marks a step toward short tourist hops and future urban air mobility, with plans for emergency services and localized production. Border & Road Travel Upgrade: Kazakhstan says it will fully reconstruct road checkpoints in 2027 to handle surging overland freight and daily traffic. Cross-Border Travel Boost: China’s Horgos port reported over 1 million entry-exit passenger trips since early 2026, helped by visa-free policy and smart border upgrades—many travelers head onward to Almaty. Tourism Growth Snapshot: WTTC data shows Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in outbound tourist share, while Kyrgyzstan ranks among the region’s top destinations for Central Asians. Travel Disruption Watch (Gulf): Airlines continue suspending or reducing Dubai services amid Middle East security concerns, with multiple carriers extending cancellations. Cultural Heritage & Heat Safety: A look at traditional ways to survive extreme summer heat in Kazakhstan pairs with ongoing interest in Kazakh cultural symbols amid online religious disputes.

Autonomous travel in Astana: The first passenger flew aboard Kazakhstan’s EH216-S eVTOL, with short tourist hops planned first and wider urban air-mobility use (plus med delivery and logistics) later. Border and entry rules: Kazakhstan is consulting on paid electronic entry permits for foreigners, but key details like fees and coverage are still unclear. Road travel upgrades: Tokayev says Kazakhstan will fully reconstruct road checkpoints in 2027 to handle booming overland freight. Tourism and visas across Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan back Kyrgyzstan’s push for a unified tourist visa. Air connectivity: Air Astana boosts Guangzhou services and FlyArystan plans the first direct Almaty–Chongqing route. Travel safety and trust: A Kazakh traveler alleges police extortion in Kyrgyzstan; Kazakhstan also faces a separate travel-ban dispute involving journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov. Nature for visitors: Kazakhstan reintroduced Amur tigers into the wild after 70 years, following habitat and prey recovery. Regional travel demand: WTTC data shows Kazakhstan leads outbound/inbound shares in Central Asia, with Kyrgyzstan also ranking high.

Autonomous Aviation in Astana: Kazakhstan’s first passenger flight on an eVTOL aircraft (EH216-S) kicked off tourist demo flights, with plans to expand into urban transport and services like medical delivery. Tourism & Diplomacy: Kazakhstan opened an Honorary Consulate in Ohrid, North Macedonia, aiming to boost business, culture, and tourism links. Border Rules for Travelers: Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry launched public consultation on paid electronic entry permits for foreigners, but key details (fee, coverage, refusal/appeal) are still unclear. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Astana will add more Guangzhou flights to Astana and Almaty, while FlyArystan prepares the first nonstop Almaty–Chongqing route. Regional Travel Demand: A WTTC study says Kazakhstan leads Central Asia for outbound tourist share, while Kyrgyzstan ranks among the region’s top destinations. Road & Logistics Push: Tokayev announced major road checkpoint reconstruction in 2027 and new highway works to strengthen Kazakhstan’s Europe–Asia logistics role. Travel Safety Alert: A Kazakh traveler reported alleged police extortion near the Kyrgyz–Kazakh border; an investigation has been launched. Conservation Tourism Angle: Kazakhstan released adult Amur tigers into the wild after 70 years, following habitat and prey recovery efforts. Tech Tourism Spotlight: Astana hosted the Games of the Future 2026 phygital sports event, drawing huge multi-language online viewership.

Tourism Demand Snapshot: A WTTC study says Kazakhstan led Central Asia in foreign tourist share in 2025 (29%), while Kyrgyzstan ranked fourth (19%)—and tourism grew fast across the region, reaching $20.1bn and 4.3% of GDP. Astana Events & Tech: Astana is hosting the largest International AI Olympiad in its three-year history, with 500+ students from 106 countries competing under UNESCO patronage. Sports Tourism: PSG announced its first football academy in Kazakhstan, opening in Astana in September at Air Arena for kids aged 6–14. Phygital Spotlight: Astana’s Games of the Future 2026 are drawing huge online audiences, with competitions across multiple venues and disciplines. Border & Entry Rules: Kazakhstan is consulting on paid electronic entry permits for foreigners, but key details like fees and coverage are still unclear. Road Access Upgrade: Kazakhstan plans a complete reconstruction of road checkpoints in 2027 to handle rising freight volumes. Air Connectivity: Air Astana will add flights from Guangzhou to Astana and Almaty, while FlyArystan prepares a new Almaty–Chongqing direct route. Conservation for Travelers: Kazakhstan reintroduced Amur tigers into the wild after 70 years, a major nature milestone for Central Asia tourism. Cross-border Travel Boom: Horgos Port reported over 1 million entry-exit passenger trips by road in 2026 so far, boosted by visa-free policy and upgraded facilities. Media Freedom Watch: CPJ urged Kazakhstan to overturn a travel ban on journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov and end harassment. Safety & Travel Friction: A Kazakh traveler alleges extortion by a Kyrgyz police officer during a road trip—no official comment yet. Film Tourism: Jackie Chan has arrived in Baku to film Armour of God 4, with Kazakhstan as the main shooting location and Azerbaijan as a second base.

Wildlife & Nature: Kazakhstan has released adult Amur tigers into the wild after a 70-year absence, with habitat prep, prey recovery, and a conflict-prevention system in place; two tigers from Russia are expected to be released soon after behavioral checks. Border & Roads: President Tokayev says Kazakhstan will completely reconstruct road checkpoints in 2027, aiming to handle growing overland freight and improve the main Europe–Asia bridge routes. Travel Rules (Digital Entry): Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry is consulting the public on a paid electronic entry permit for foreign visitors, but the draft details (fee, eligible countries, refusal/appeal rules) are still unclear. Air Connectivity: Air Astana is boosting Guangzhou services and FlyArystan will launch Almaty–Chongqing direct flights in September, adding to Kazakhstan–China network growth. Tourism Tech & Events: Astana is showcasing phygital sport at the Games of the Future 2026, blending esports-style competition with real-world arenas and massive multi-language streaming reach. Safety & Travel Integrity: A Kazakh traveler alleges Kyrgyz police extortion during a road trip, including a “grease my palm” demand; no official comment yet. Crime Crackdown: Korea and Kazakhstan jointly arrested 14 members of a Korean voice-phishing scam ring in Almaty. Film Tourism Boost: Jackie Chan has arrived in Baku for Armour of God 4 filming, with Kazakhstan as the main shoot location—good news for regional cultural and tourism visibility.

New China air links: Kazakhstan and China discussed opening new scheduled routes and even a possible joint regional airline, with Urumqi Airlines reportedly planning Urumqi–Karaganda, Yining–Astana and Yining–Almaty, while Kazakhstan floated links to cities like Semey and regional airports to boost tourism and trade. Direct China route opens: Aero Nomad Airlines launched the first direct Bishkek–Urumqi flight, citing strong demand from tourists, students and business travelers. Tourism growth in Central Asia: A WTTC-based analysis says Central Asia’s travel and tourism grew fast in 2025, with international visitor spending up sharply and the sector contributing $20.1bn to the regional economy. Astana smart delivery pilot: Yandex robot couriers are being tested in Astana for grocery deliveries via Yandex Lavka, with app-controlled pickup and safety-focused street trials. Transport upgrades for travelers and freight: Kazakhstan began construction of the Beineu–Saksaulsk highway and expanded other road corridors to strengthen its Europe–Asia logistics role. Film tourism buzz: Jackie Chan arrived in Baku for Armour of God 4 scenes, while Kazakhstan continues as the main shooting base—good news for regional cultural visibility. Vietjet promos: Vietjet rolled out Golden Week deals for travelers in Vietnam and Singapore, including very low “Eco” fares and discounts on select international routes, with Kazakhstan mentioned in promo destinations.

Film & Tourism Boost: Jackie Chan has arrived in Baku to film Armour of God 4: Ultimatum, with Kazakhstan as the main shooting base and Baku’s Old City, funicular, Green Theatre and Fountain Square expected to feature—an easy win for regional cultural visibility. Smart City Services: Astana has started testing Yandex robot couriers for grocery deliveries via Yandex Lavka, using app-controlled stops and low-speed autonomous travel in selected areas. Logistics & Roads: Kazakhstan is pushing a new transport push—construction of the Beineu–Saksaulsk highway and expansion of other corridors—aimed at strengthening the Middle Corridor and cutting China–Europe freight times. Travel Rules (US): The US Visa Bond Program is now permanent for eligible business and tourist visa applicants from many countries, but Kazakhstan remains outside the scheme. Air Travel Deals: Vietjet is running Golden Week promotions (including very low Eco fares) and also offers Kazakhstan-linked discounts, while other airlines’ sales are circulating for regional getaways. Heritage Discovery: Excavations at Otyrar have uncovered a Golden Horde-era mosque and a rare stone-paved street, adding fresh material for Kazakhstan’s archaeology tourism story. E-commerce Supply Shift: Wildberries is reportedly seeking warehouse space in Kazakhstan after drone strikes hit Russian logistics hubs, hinting at more cross-border warehousing demand.

Logistics Push: President Tokayev announced construction of the Beineu–Saksaulsk highway and expansion of other road corridors to cut China–Europe freight times and boost Kazakhstan’s role as a Europe-Asia logistics hub. Smart Mobility in Astana: Yandex Qazaqstan and Astana authorities are testing robot couriers for grocery deliveries via Yandex Lavka, with app-controlled stops and low-speed pavement travel. Tourism & Heritage Spotlight: Archaeologists at ancient Otyrar uncovered a Golden Horde-era mosque, a major stone-paved street, and rare artifacts during new excavations. Retail Supply Shift: Wildberries’ parent is reportedly seeking warehouse space in Kazakhstan after Ukrainian drone strikes hit Russian inventory, with new facilities planned near Almaty and Astana. Travel Policy Update: The U.S. made its Visa Bond Program permanent for eligible business and tourist applicants from many countries, but Kazakhstan remains outside the scheme. New Air Link: SunExpress launched the Izmir–Almaty direct route (twice weekly), aiming to lift tourism and trade between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Sports Tourism Angle: Almaty club Kairat could face Champions League playoff action against Levski, with matches scheduled in August.

New Direct Route to Almaty: SunExpress launched the first Izmir–Almaty direct flight, running twice weekly and aiming to boost tourism, trade, and Kazakhstan–Türkiye ties. Summer Travel Safety (UAE): UAE airports urged passengers to arrive early and check flight status; Etihad and Emirates made selected cancellations/changes affecting Bahrain and Kuwait routes. Kazakhstan in the Middle Corridor: Coverage highlights how Kazakhstan is reshaping logistics around the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor,” with Georgia, Poti port links, and Batumi oil transit helping move goods toward EU markets. Tourism Push via Central Asia: Leaders in Cholpon-Ata discussed deeper regional cooperation, including Kyrgyzstan’s push for a unified tourist visa—supported by Kazakhstan and others. Mangystau Summer Picks: A guide spotlights Mangystau’s standout landscapes for adventure and culture, starting with Bozzhyra’s dramatic white cliffs. Rare Earth Reality Check: Kazakhstan’s rare-earth investment ambitions face familiar hurdles—especially refining capacity and competition with China. Issyk-Kul Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan’s F1H2O event at high-altitude Issyk-Kul is framed as a major tourism and international media boost.

New Direct Route to Almaty: SunExpress launched the Izmir–Almaty link with twice-weekly flights, including a ceremonial welcome at Almaty Airport—good news for Kazakhstan–Türkiye tourism and business travel. Tourism Push via Regional Unity: Central Asian leaders meeting in Cholpon-Ata put tourism on the agenda, with Kazakhstan-backed calls for a unified tourist visa across the region. Issyk-Kul Spotlight (F1H2O): Kyrgyzstan hosted the first-ever F1H2O World Championship stage at Issyk-Kul, with Kazakhstan’s Tokayev among attending leaders—expect big international visibility for the lake resort. Travel Logistics Watch: UAE airports urged passengers to arrive early and check flight status amid summer crowds, while some Middle East routes saw cancellations and schedule changes. Summer Getaway Ideas in Mangystau: A guide highlights top places to visit in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, from Bozzhyra’s dramatic cliffs to Caspian-side landscapes. Air Travel Updates: Travelers also got reminders to monitor airline changes and cancellations when flying from the UAE and across the Middle East.

New Direct Route to Almaty: SunExpress has launched the first-ever Izmir–Almaty direct flight, operating twice weekly with a ceremonial welcome and aiming to boost tourism, trade, and business ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Summer Travel Inspiration (Mangystau): A guide highlights top places to visit in Mangystau this summer, spotlighting dramatic landscapes like Bozzhyra and the region’s growing adventure tourism. Flight Disruption Watch (Middle East/UAE): Airlines continue adjusting schedules amid US–Iran tensions and airspace restrictions; UAE airport advisories urge travelers to arrive early and check flight status, with some Etihad and Emirates cancellations reported. Regional Connectivity & Tourism Policy: Kazakhstan’s foreign-policy coverage includes discussions around CPC oil exports ahead of Tokayev’s US visit, while regional leaders push practical integration ideas—plus renewed momentum for a unified Central Asian tourist visa. Tech for Travel Logistics (Astana): Astana’s Games venues are trialing autonomous drone delivery via QR ordering and smart parcel lockers, part of Kazakhstan’s low-altitude economy push. Sports Tourism Moment: Kazakhstan’s fencing team champions returned home after a major win, while regional coverage also spotlights the F1H2O event at Issyk-Kul as a tourism booster.

Gaza Ceasefire Oversight: Trump’s “Board of Peace” faces a major test as a disarmament plan hinges on Hamas handing over weapons and tunnels, with Israel yet to comment—an outcome that could reshape regional stability and, indirectly, travel risk perceptions. Central Asia Tourism Push: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov renewed calls for a single tourist visa across Central Asia, backed by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, aiming to make Silk Road routes and lake-and-mountain trips easier for visitors. Issyk-Kul Spotlight: Kyrgyzstan kicked off the UIM F1H2O World Championship at Issyk-Kul with leaders from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and more, stressing ecology and tourism growth. New Hotel on the Lake: The five-star Baku Resort & Spa opened on Issyk-Kul shores, adding 111 rooms and 10 cottages to the region’s year-round hospitality. Astana Drone Delivery: Kazakhstan debuted an autonomous drone delivery demo in Astana for Games of the Future venues, using QR ordering and smart parcel lockers. Smart Cities Check-In: Almaty ranked 38th in an Intelligent Cities Index, highlighting progress—and the need to improve project execution—for Kazakhstan’s AI-driven urban plans. Citizenship Rule Clarified: Kazakhstan published guidance that foreigners must live continuously in the country for at least five years before applying for citizenship.

Central Asia Tourism Push: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov renewed calls for a single tourist visa across Central Asia at the Cholpon-Ata summit, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan backing the idea—aimed at making Great Silk Road routes and mountain-and-lake trips easier for visitors. New Air Links: SunExpress launched twice-weekly direct flights between Izmir and Almaty (Tuesdays and Fridays), boosting Turkey–Kazakhstan travel and tourism connectivity. Autonomous Delivery in Astana: Central Asia’s first autonomous drone delivery system debuted in Astana for Games of the Future venues, using QR ordering and smart parcel lockers—more “smart city” travel convenience for visitors. Regional Hospitality Upgrade: Azerbaijan’s five-star Baku Resort & Spa opened on Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, adding year-round accommodation, wellness, and event facilities. Citizenship Rules (Travel Planning): Kazakhstan clarified that foreigners must live continuously in the country for at least five years before applying for citizenship. Smart Cities Watch: Almaty ranked 38th in an Intelligent Cities Index, highlighting progress but also gaps in “ways of working” and project delivery.

Tourism Visa Push: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov floated a single tourist visa for Central Asia at the Cholpon-Ata summit, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan backing the idea—aiming to make multi-country trips easier across the region. New Luxury Stay by Issyk-Kul: Azerbaijan’s five-star Baku Resort & Spa opened on Lake Issyk-Kul shores in Kara-Oy, with 111 rooms and 10 cottages for up to 330 guests, built under a 2023 Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani investment deal. Regional Summit in Cholpon-Ata: Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev met to align on trade, energy, transport corridors and tourism, turning the resort town into a key diplomacy hub. Astana Transit Update: Astana LRT will introduce new fare options from August 1, including day and multi-trip passes loaded onto the Tarlan Astana card. Kazakhstan Residency Rule: Kazakhstan clarified that foreigners must live continuously in the country for at least five years before applying for citizenship. Sports & Tourism Link: In Astana, OTS and Kazakhstan’s tourism/sports officials discussed sports diplomacy, sustainable tourism and phygital sports.

Almaty Airport Upgrade: Kazakhstan is reshaping its aviation game as Almaty International Airport’s modernization and stake sale to TAV Airports highlight a push for a stronger Central Asia hub. New Routes for Travelers: SunExpress launches direct Almaty–Izmir flights from July 31 (twice weekly), while FlyArystan and Uzbekistan’s Arda Khiva team up around a new Almaty–Urgench link starting Sept 3, with familiarization tours for Kazakh operators in August. Local Transit Update: Astana LRT introduces new fare options from August 1, including day and multi-trip passes loaded onto Tarlan Astana cards. Regional Tourism Push: Kazakhstan’s F1H2O World Championship heads to Kapchagay Reservoir in 2027, with organizers expecting thousands of foreign visitors and major media reach. Central Asia Connectivity by Rail: Belarusian Railway’s “Slavic Caravan” freight train links Belarus–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan, cutting transit times and offering 20-ton container shipping. Games of the Future in Astana: Kazakhstan’s phygital sports event runs July 29–Aug 9, positioning Astana as a global innovation and esports destination. Travel Disruption Watch: Airlines keep suspending parts of Middle East routes amid renewed US-Iran tensions, so schedules may shift for passengers.