AGP Executive Report

Cyprus-Kazakhstan Air Links: Air Astana has launched direct flights between Astana and Larnaca, with Almaty–Larnaca starting June 4; both run twice weekly through September, giving Cypriot and Kazakh travelers a new fast route for tourism, education and business. Diplomatic Push for Tourism & Trade: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides’ first official visit to Kazakhstan included new MoUs (education, culture, sports, digital governance) and talks on boosting connectivity, investment and the Middle Corridor. Middle Corridor Invitation: Kazakhstan invited Cyprus to join the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, aiming to speed logistics, cut costs and open new tourism and digital-tech cooperation. New Kazakhstan–Mongolia Route: SCAT Airlines started direct Astana–Ulaanbaatar flights twice a week, adding more options for travelers and business between the capitals. Kazakhstan–Hong Kong Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and mainland China signed 42 commercial agreements, with plans for a direct Hong Kong–Almaty flight in 2027. Airfare Reality Check: Jet fuel price surges could squeeze Central Asian airlines’ margins, especially carriers without strong fuel-hedging. Sports Travel Angle: Kazakhstan’s wider region tourism gets a boost as new international events and routes expand visitor flows.

New Direct Routes to Boost Travel: LOT Polish Airlines launched Warsaw–Almaty direct flights (4x weekly in summer, 3x in winter), giving European travelers an easier gateway to Kazakhstan’s largest city. More Air Connectivity Promises: Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific plans Hong Kong–Almaty direct service from Q1 2027 (3x weekly), while Hong Kong also signals talks on incentives to revive direct flights. Cyprus–Kazakhstan Link: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in Astana as the first direct Air Astana flight from Larnaca began, highlighting growing tourism and business ties. Almaty Leisure Project: Almaty will build a new 27-hectare family entertainment complex with an aquarium, butterfly museum, amphitheater, and observation tower (2026–2027). Aviation Innovation: Kazakhstan is set to test Central Asia’s first air taxi service using eVTOL tech in Almaty. Tourism Tech Awards: Trip.com’s Tourism Innovation Awards named the Almaty Museum of Arts among winners, spotlighting Kazakhstan’s cultural tourism growth. Regional Travel Boost: Renovated Balkhash airport reopened for flights, supporting access to resort areas.

New Direct Routes to Kazakhstan: Cathay Pacific says it will launch Hong Kong–Almaty direct flights in Q1 2027, three times a week, using an Airbus A330-300—its only non-stop link between the two cities. More Europe-to-Almaty Access: LOT Polish Airlines has started Warsaw–Almaty direct flights (from May 31), four times weekly with Boeing 737 MAX 8. Cyprus Connection: Kazakhstan–Cyprus air links are set to grow, with Astana–Larnaca starting June 2 (twice weekly) and Almaty–Larnaca starting June 4 (twice weekly). Almaty Leisure Boost: Almaty plans a new 27-hectare family entertainment complex in Alatau District with an aquarium, butterfly museum, amphitheater, observation tower, and waterfront canal (construction 2026–2027). Wildlife Tourism Moment: Kazakhstan continues Przewalski’s horse restoration, releasing a new group into the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve after a year-long adaptation period. Regional Travel Infrastructure: Renovated Karaganda airport has reopened for passenger service, with subsidized daily flights from Astana (Qazaq Air) and six weekly flights from Almaty (SCAT). Livestock & Export Outlook: Experts outline three scenarios for Kazakhstan’s livestock sector by 2031, tied to new foot-and-mouth disease-free status and the need to build the export chain.

New Air Links: Hong Kong will relaunch direct flights to Almaty in Q1 2027, while Kazakhstan also adds Cyprus routes: Astana–Larnaca starts June 2 (twice weekly) and Almaty–Larnaca starts June 4 (twice weekly), boosting easier travel for business and tourists. More Europe Access: LOT Polish Airlines launched direct Warsaw–Almaty flights on May 31 (four times a week), giving travelers a faster route into Kazakhstan’s largest city and nearby mountain getaways. Tourism Infrastructure: Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with a $30M cable car project linking the Lower and Middle Kolsai lakes, with construction expected to start this year and completion targeted for end-2027—aimed at handling growing visitor demand. Regional Travel Safety: Kazakhstan rescue teams saved British tourists lost in the steppe/mountains, highlighting ongoing support for travelers. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Przewalski’s horses continue their comeback, with new releases and births supporting Kazakhstan’s conservation tourism appeal. Travel Tragedy: Two Indian medical students drowned while swimming in Kazakhstan; FAIMA has asked India’s MEA to help repatriate the bodies.

New Routes: Kazakhstan will launch direct flights to Larnaca from Astana (from June 2, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Almaty (from June 4, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays), with Kazakhstan citizens needing a visa for Cyprus. Tourism Infrastructure: A $30M cable car project will connect the Lower and Middle Kolsai lakes (6.3 km), with construction set to start this year and completion targeted for end-2027, plus a new parking complex to handle rising visitor numbers. Regional Travel & Business: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a roadmap for trade and economic cooperation that also covers tourism, alongside industry, logistics and “green” energy. Safety on the Road: British tourists were rescued after their vehicle got stuck in a salt marsh in Mangystau; the extraction took over 24 hours and no injuries were reported. Rescue in the Mountains: Eight hikers lost their way above Almaty near Shymbulak were found and guided down safely after a night search. Diplomatic Travel: Cyprus President Christodoulides will visit Kazakhstan on June 3 and inaugurate the Cyprus embassy in Astana, with an inaugural direct flight on June 2.

Tourism & Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Cambodia signed a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, aiming to ease official travel and deepen government ties. Air Travel & Diplomacy: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is set to visit Kazakhstan on June 3, with a direct flight launch on June 2, plus a business forum and the inauguration of Cyprus’s Astana embassy. Safety in Nature: Kazakhstan’s rescue teams pulled eight British tourists from the Almaty mountains after they got lost near Shymbulak; no injuries were reported. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists in Mangystau unearthed artifacts at the Karakabak site, pointing to Silk Road-era trade links reaching Rome, Persia, India and China. Sports Tourism: The 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships (June 23–27) in the Philippines is expected to draw 600+ athletes, with Kazakhstan among interested countries. Regional Cooperation: Turkestan Region and Tashkent Region held a “Cooperation Without Borders” forum to expand trade, investment and tourism. Travel Demand Signals: More Hong Kong travelers are choosing “mysterious” Central Asia, with agencies citing growing business links and interest in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Diplomatic Travel Boost: Kazakhstan and Cambodia signed an agreement removing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, aiming to make official travel easier and deepen government-to-government cooperation. New Direct Route & Embassy Opening: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides will visit Astana on June 3, with a direct flight on June 2, meetings with Tokayev, and the official inauguration of the Cyprus embassy—plus a business forum and multiple cooperation MoUs. Safety on the Steppe: Kazakhstan’s rescue teams pulled British tourists from a remote Mangystau salt-marsh after a 24+ hour ordeal, with no injuries reported. Mountain Rescue for Hikers: In Almaty’s Medeu district, eight tourists were safely guided down after getting lost above Shymbulak resort in low visibility. Regional Business & Tourism Links: A “Cooperation Without Borders” forum in Tashkent brought together Turkestan and Tashkent regions to expand trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and tourism. Travel Demand Signals: Hong Kong travel agencies say more visitors are choosing “mysterious” Central Asia, expecting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan visits to further lift interest. Culture & Heritage Tourism: Archaeologists began excavations at the medieval Zhankent settlement in Kazakhstan, with the site set up for tourist access via roads, fencing, and restorations. Putin’s Astana Visit: Putin arrived for a state visit and high-level talks in Kazakhstan, underscoring close bilateral ties that can indirectly shape regional travel and business planning.

Tourism & Culture: Kazakhstan’s tazy dog stars at Türkiye’s International Ethnosport Culture Festival, with Akbaqai (from Balkhash) winning a medal after his first trip abroad—plus Kazakh eagle hunters and traditional sports drawing crowds. Archaeology & Heritage: Excavations begin at the medieval Zhankent settlement in Kazakhstan, with a road built to the site and a protected, fenced area; reconstructed rooms let tourists see Oghuz-era daily life. City Green Infrastructure: Almaty breaks ground on a waste-to-energy plant to process solid household waste and generate electricity for the city, framed as part of the Taza Qazaqstan push. Regional Travel Links: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan sign a new cooperation roadmap that explicitly targets tourism alongside industry, logistics, and green energy. EAEU Integration (travel-relevant): EAEU leaders in Astana back AI development and new trade initiatives, including free-trade talks with Tunisia and updates to Serbia rules—aimed at smoother cross-border movement. Practical Travel Costs: Sri Lanka waives tourist visa fees for travelers from 40 countries, including Kazakhstan, via a free ETA for 30 days.

Archaeology & Heritage: Excavations have begun at the medieval Zhankent settlement in Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda region, with restored walls and gates and a new focus on the eastern gates and shakhristan—plus a road and fenced protected area to support visitor access. Green Cities: Almaty has kicked off construction of a waste-to-energy plant aimed at processing household waste and generating electricity for the city. EAEU Integration (Travel-Relevant): Uzbekistan and EAEU leaders met in Astana to push a new roadmap covering digital trade, industrial cooperation, logistics, and labor mobility—areas that can directly shape cross-border travel and tourism flows. Tourism Routes: Kyzylorda region is rolling out new sacred historical routes for tour operators, highlighting mausoleums and medieval sites to build excursion programs. Connectivity for Travelers: Vietjet announced a Hanoi–Prague route starting Oct 10, 2026, with an Almaty stop, adding another Europe link for Kazakhstan-based connections. Visitor Incentives Abroad: Sri Lanka waived visa fees for travelers from 40 countries, including Kazakhstan, offering a free ETA for 30 days. Mobile Travel Comfort: spusu cut roaming data costs across 115 countries, with Kazakhstan included in reduced pricing tiers. Sports Tourism: Kazakhstan-linked interest is rising around the June 23 Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila, with teams from across the region including Kazakhstan expected.

Eurasian Mobility Upgrade: Kazakhstan and Russia launched their first cross-border autonomous freight pilot on the Astana–Moscow corridor, with driverless trucks covering about 3,000 km in two days and cutting delivery time by more than half—an early step toward harmonizing autonomous transport rules across the EAEU. Astana Transit Boost: Astana’s first light rail phase officially began operation, bringing Central Asia’s first urban light rail and promising easier city travel with a fully automated driverless system. Tourism Routes in the Spotlight: Akmola region is set to launch new sacred routes, with tour operators invited to add key steppe landmarks and mausoleums into excursion programs. Sports Tourism Watch: Kazakhstan is among countries showing interest in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila (June 23), a multi-day event expected to draw 31 countries and 600+ athletes. Aviation Connectivity: Vietjet will start Hanoi–Prague flights from Oct 10, 2026 via Almaty, Kazakhstan, expanding Europe access for travelers. Regional Context: Putin’s Astana visit underscored deep Russia–Kazakhstan ties, including transport and energy cooperation, as security measures and long-term infrastructure deals took center stage.

New Sacred Routes: Kazakhstan’s tourism department is rolling out three historical and spiritual excursion routes for tour operators in Astana, spotlighting sites like Niyaz bi Mausoleum, Kabanbay Batyr Mausoleum, Bytygay Mausoleum and Kanykey Mazar, with Kyzylorda also set for excavations at Babish Mola and Syganak. Astana Light Rail: Central Asia’s first urban light rail has started operating in Astana, a fully automated driverless line with 22.4 km and 18 stations, promising easier city travel. Cross-Border Freight Tech: Kazakhstan and Russia launched a pilot for cross-border autonomous freight trucks between Astana and Moscow, aiming to cut delivery times by more than half and move toward shared autonomous transport rules. Tourism Growth in the Capital: Astana is showcased at ITB China 2026 as a fast-rising MICE and leisure destination, with 1.6m tourists in 2025 and 310 hotels supporting business travel. Aviation & Connectivity: Vietjet will launch Hanoi–Prague flights from Oct 10, 2026 via Almaty; Treva’s airport “super app” expands in Türkiye with plans to reach Kazakhstan soon. Sports Tourism Boost: The Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila is drawing interest from Kazakhstan and other countries, underlining sports travel momentum.

Airport Tech & Passenger Flow: Treva, an app-based “super app” for the full airline journey (fast-track, lounges, transfers, terminal navigation and updates), has launched in Türkiye and plans to expand into Kazakhstan and Georgia. Aviation Connectivity: flydubai and Cyprus Airways announced a new interline agreement via Dubai, giving one-itinerary access to destinations including Almaty and Astana. Tourism Growth in the Capital: Astana is being showcased at ITB China 2026, highlighting 1.6mn tourists in 2025 and a push for more B2B meetings to grow MICE travel. Eid Travel & Culture: Eid al-Adha celebrations drew crowds across Kazakhstan, with visitors flocking to mosques and public spaces for prayers and community events. Visa-Friendly Travel: Sri Lanka waived entry fees for citizens of 40 countries (including Kazakhstan) for up to 30 days, with an ETA still required—good news for regional travelers. Digital Air Mobility: A2Z Drone Delivery partnered with Alatau Advance Air Group to support Kazakhstan’s Alatau City urban air mobility test plans, including drone logistics and vertiport infrastructure. Regional Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region continues to attract travelers with remote, ancient-landscape nature trips, including Bozzhyra’s “Fangs” canyon views.

Tourism Boost: Astana is showcasing strong growth at ITB China 2026, with the city welcoming 1.6 million tourists in 2025 and highlighting its expanding hotel base and MICE business travel momentum. New Routes & Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines will launch direct Shymkent–Baku flights from June 16 (twice weekly), while flydubai and Cyprus Airways are rolling out an interline deal via Dubai that adds smoother one-stop access to Astana and Almaty. Air Mobility in the Making: A2Z Drone Delivery has partnered with Alatau Advance Air Group on Kazakhstan’s Alatau City urban air mobility program, tied to the new UAM Test Center Eurasia. Regional Travel Demand: Kyrgyzstan has joined the Alipay+ international QR network, making cross-border payments easier for tourists and travelers. Culture & Travel Spotlight: A Kazakhstan “Tourism Ambassador” award went to Chinese horse influencer Tao Mingxiu, whose Kazakhstan trips and posts have drawn huge online attention. Eid al-Adha in Kazakhstan: Eid celebrations included visits to livestock markets in Almaty, reflecting how holiday traditions shape local travel experiences. Big Diplomatic Moment: Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan (May 27–29) is expected to include cooperation topics that also touch tourism and people-to-people ties.

State Visit & EAEU: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan for a May 27–29 state visit, with talks expected to focus on trade, energy and regional integration alongside the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana. Diplomatic Protocol: Kremlin officials say the visit is timed to highlight the “unprecedentedly high” level of Russia–Kazakhstan ties, with leaders meeting for one-on-one talks and an informal lunch. Tourism Policy Push: Kazakhstan is stepping up tourism development via a new coordination council and an updated action plan through 2029, targeting better infrastructure, investment, products and international promotion. Aviation Connectivity: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched an interline agreement feeding passengers via Dubai, including one-stop access to Almaty and Astana. New Routes: Azerbaijan Airlines will start direct Shymkent–Baku flights from June 16 (twice weekly). Regional Payments for Travelers: Kyrgyzstan rolled out international Alipay+ QR payments, already working in Kazakhstan and Malaysia, to simplify tourist and business spending. Travel Inspiration: Mangistau is spotlighted for its remote, ancient-ocean landscapes and iconic sites like Bozzhyra.

MMA Spotlight: Omar Solomanov steps into the main event of BRAVE CF 105 in Almaty on Sunday, aiming to become the undisputed featherweight champion when he faces Nicholas Hwende for the vacant title at Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. Tourism Push: Kazakhstan’s tourism drive stays front and center, from Shymkent residents packing documentary screenings to a fresh focus on Mangistau’s “raw wilderness” and Bozzhyra’s iconic “Fangs.” Aviation Boost: New connectivity keeps stacking up—Azerbaijan Airlines launches Shymkent–Baku direct flights June 16, and SunExpress adds Izmir–Almaty direct service from July 31. Rail Freight Leap: KTZ is planning a major China–EU freight expansion, with $10bn earmarked for infrastructure by 2030 and more Caspian shipping capacity. Eid Atmosphere: President Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstanis on Eid al-Adha as local communities prepare for the holiday. Regional Context: Putin’s upcoming Kazakhstan visit is set to coincide with EAEU summit talks, with Armenia’s EU ambitions expected on the agenda.

Putin’s Kazakhstan State Visit: Vladimir Putin is arriving in Astana for a three-day state visit, with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov saying the unusually high-level ties are behind the protocol shift. Leaders are set to meet one-on-one and sign 16 documents spanning energy, finance, healthcare, and tourism. Diplomatic Passports Update: Kazakhstan has updated rules for issuing diplomatic and official passports, clarifying which officials qualify and allowing the Foreign Ministry—coordinating with the President—to issue passports outside the main list. Middle East Travel Risk Watch: Iran condemned fresh U.S. strikes as ceasefire talks stay fragile, while the U.S. says its “self-defense” actions targeted mine-laying boats and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz—an issue that can quickly ripple into flight schedules and fuel prices. Regional Mobility: Uzbek outbound travel surged in early 2026, with Kazakhstan ranking third among destinations. Air Connectivity: Direct Izmir–Almaty–Izmir flights are set to start July 31, twice weekly through October. Tourism Push: Almaty’s Superski project is framed as a mountain-cluster plan balancing access, safety, and environmental limits.