AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Transport Tech: Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with a unified digital transport platform, aiming to build a centralized “data lake” by the end of 2026 to manage the transport and logistics chain in real time. City Travel Made Easier: Astana has launched tourist transport cards sold at the airport, offering 5/10/15 ride options so visitors can use public buses right away without extra app setup. Heritage & Routes: Archaeologists at Mangystau’s Karakabak say the ancient settlement sat on East–West trade routes, with new findings feeding plans to add it to regional tourism itineraries. Film Tourism Boost: Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God 4: Ultimatum” has started filming in Mangystau, with Bozzhyra tract among key locations—expected to spotlight Kazakhstan to global audiences and support tourism. New Air Links: Azerbaijan Airlines launched the first direct Baku–Shymkent route, with twice-weekly flights starting June 16 and rising to three weekly from June 30. Regional Travel Growth: Akmola Region expects around 2 million tourists this year as Burabay expands routes, bike paths, hotels, and safety infrastructure. Cross-border Travel Policy: Kazakhstan says U.S. visa denials for citizens are mostly due to document mistakes, not nationality, while EU entry rules are also shifting with the Entry/Exit System pilot. Tourism Market Watch: Goa is targeting new international markets including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Poland by improving air connectivity and pushing visa facilitation.

Tourism Transport: Astana rolled out tourist transport cards at Astana International Airport, letting visitors buy 5/10/15-ride passes (orange/blue/dark blue) and hop on the bus network right away via Avtobys terminals. Regional Tourism Boost: Akmola Region expects about 2 million tourists this year as Burabay expands routes, bike paths, observation decks, safety measures, and hotel capacity (including Mövenpick and Radisson Blu). Air Connectivity Push: Kazakhstan is preparing to remove FAA-related remarks to open direct air communication with the USA, a move officials say could boost tourism and investment. Rail & Transit in Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan began construction of the Balykchy–Cholpon-Ata railway (86 km) to link Lake Issyk-Kul’s resorts and improve passenger and cargo access. Film Tourism Spotlight: Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God 4” is filming in Mangistau, with local authorities pitching the region’s landscapes to international audiences. Travel Safety Update: A passenger died on Astana–Uralsk train No. 57 after medical assistance at Kurort-Borovoye station. International Tourism Demand: Goa’s tourism minister says the Indian state is targeting new markets including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, backed by improved air connectivity and longer-stay plans. Tourism Policy & Access: Kazakhstan’s MFA flagged EU Entry/Exit System (EES) pilot rules affecting short-term travelers, including visa-exempt visitors.

Tourism Infrastructure Boost (Akmola): Akmola Region expects around two million tourists this year, with Burabay leading the way as new observation decks, picnic areas, bike paths, and sanitary facilities roll out, alongside hotel openings and upgraded transport links. City Travel Made Easier (Astana): Astana launched tourist transport cards at the airport—5, 10, or 15-ride options—so visitors can use buses right away without app sign-ups. New Rail for Lake Issyk-Kul (Kyrgyzstan): Construction began on the Balykchy–Tamchy–Cholpon-Ata railway (86 km), aiming to cut road transfers and support cargo and resort tourism along the lake. International Film Tourism (Mangistau): Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God 4” started filming in Mangistau, with local officials pitching the project as a boost for Kazakhstan’s visitor appeal. Air Connectivity Push (Kazakhstan–USA): Kazakhstan is preparing regulatory changes to remove FAA remarks, paving the way for direct air communication with the United States—potentially boosting tourism and business travel. Transit Logistics Upgrade (China Border): Belgian Sarens plans up to $56m for a logistics hub near Khorgos, including a new border crossing concept to ease freight bottlenecks. Direct Flights to Resorts (Kyrgyzstan): Kyrgyzstan and the UAE are working on Sharjah–Issyk-Kul (Tamchy) direct flights for summer 2026, with winter Sharjah–Karakol talks also underway. Tourism Growth Strategy (Goa): Goa is targeting new overseas markets including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Poland by expanding direct connectivity and visa facilitation. Tourism Industry Numbers (Kazakhstan): Kazakhstan’s tourism sector generated major tax revenue in 2025, with national parks drawing millions of visitors—signals of continued demand. Tourism Access (Baikonur): Foreign tourists are getting easier access to Baikonur Cosmodrome as permit processes speed up.

EU Entry Rules: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry says the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in force for short-term travelers, recording entry/exit dates and biometric data. US Air Links: Kazakhstan is preparing to remove FAA “remarks” to enable direct air communication with the USA, aiming to boost tourism, business ties and investment. Astana for Visitors: Astana launched tourist transport cards at the airport (5/10/15 rides) so visitors can ride buses right away without extra app sign-ups. Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan Flights: New connectivity is expanding with a Centrum Air route via Tashkent–Kostanay, expected to support business and tourism. Kazakhstan–Armenia Route: FlyOne Armenia begins Yerevan–Almaty flights twice weekly, adding more options for travelers. Travel Safety Note: Kazakhstan advises citizens not to travel to Iran amid security concerns. Tourism Growth Watch: Kazakhstan’s tourism sector continues to be highlighted in foreign media as it expands international interest and mobility.

Tourism Transport: Astana has rolled out tourist transport cards at Astana International Airport, letting visitors hop on the bus network right away without app setup or registration—options for 5, 10, or 15 rides (1,550/2,110/2,650 tenge) with payments via Avtobys terminals on buses. Air Connectivity: Kazakhstan’s route map keeps expanding: FlyOne Armenia launched Yerevan–Almaty flights (twice weekly), while Centrum Air is set to start Tashkent–Kostanay–Tashkent services—boosting business and tourism links for northern Kazakhstan. Regional Flights: Kyrgyzstan and the UAE are working on a summer 2026 Sharjah–Issyk-Kul (Tamchy) direct flight, with talks also underway for a winter Sharjah–Karakol link to support ski tourism. Visa & Mobility: Kazakhstan and the EU made “substantial progress” in talks on easier visa procedures, including faster processing and broader multiple-entry access. Travel Advisory: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens not to travel to Iran amid security concerns. Food Tourism: Almaty is partnering with Gault&Millau to rate 150 restaurants and feature hotels, aiming to pull in international gastronomic travelers. Tourism Economy: Kazakhstan’s tourism sector generated over $1.3 billion in tax revenue in 2025, with national parks drawing 3.7 million visitors.

Internet & Travel Disruption: Russians report cash-only workarounds after intelligence services effectively shut down internet access in Moscow, with mobile signal and apps suddenly failing—an uncomfortable reminder for travelers who rely on payments and maps. Kazakhstan–Thailand Diplomacy: Kazakhstan’s FM met Thailand’s ambassador, flagging cooperation in transport, digitalization, critical minerals, energy, electronics, advanced manufacturing, and tourism, with a Thai deputy PM/foreign minister visit set for June 24–26. Travel Safety Advisory: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens not to travel to Iran due to security concerns, noting a separate list of other countries with health risks will follow. Air Connectivity Boost: New routes expand Kazakhstan’s links—FlyOne Armenia launches Yerevan–Almaty (twice weekly), and Centrum Air plans Tashkent–Kostanay–Tashkent service—expected to support tourism and business ties. Tourism & Food Tourism: Almaty partners with Gault&Millau to promote its restaurants and hotels internationally, aiming to pull in gastronomic travelers. Visa Talks: Kazakhstan and the EU made progress on simplifying visa procedures, including faster processing and more multiple-entry access. Silk Road Inspiration: A surge in Silk Road travel interest is highlighted through “Race Across the World,” with niche tours and rail options drawing attention to places like Khiva.

Yurt stay in Uzbekistan: Travelers can now sleep in traditional yurts at Yurt Camp Aydar in the Kyzylkum Desert near Aydar Lake, with folk music, Uzbek food, archery, and stargazing—an easy Silk Road-style escape from the usual crowds. Kazakhstan travel safety: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advises citizens not to travel to Iran amid ongoing security concerns, noting that a wider list of non-recommended African destinations will follow. New flights for easier trips: FlyArystan will launch Urgench–Almaty direct flights from Sept 3, 2026 (twice weekly), while Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air starts Kostanay–Tashkent direct service on June 13. More regional connectivity: Kazakhstan’s air links expand with FlyOne Armenia’s Yerevan–Almaty route and Centrum Air’s Kostanay–Tashkent connection. Tourism on the ground: Almaty is partnering with Gault&Millau to boost food tourism, including inspections of restaurants and hotels for an international audience. Hiking route idea: Kyrgyz and Kazakh parliament speakers discussed an Almaty–Issyk-Kul hiking route to make cross-border travel smoother.

New Air Links: Kazakhstan’s Kostanay gets a first direct connection to Uzbekistan’s capital as Centrum Air launches the Kostanay–Tashkent–Kostanay route on June 13, boosting business and tourism access for the Kostanay region. More Flights Across Central Asia: FlyArystan will add a direct Urgench–Almaty–Urgench service from September 3, 2026, twice weekly, creating a faster gateway to Khiva and onward connections via Almaty. Regional Travel Boost: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia discussed plans to link transport corridors, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, with Georgia’s Black Sea access to strengthen the Middle Corridor. Tourism Branding in Almaty: Almaty partners with Gault&Millau to promote its restaurants and hotels internationally, with inspections planned for 150 eateries and 25 hotels. Visa Talk Progress: Kazakhstan and the EU report substantial progress toward easier visa procedures, aiming to cut processing times and expand multiple-entry options. Travel Advisory: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advises citizens not to travel to Iran amid security concerns.

Air Connectivity Boost: FlyOne Armenia launched Yerevan–Almaty flights (twice weekly), and Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air plans the first regular Tashkent–Kostanay–Tashkent service from June 13—good news for business and tourism links. More New Routes: FlyArystan will start Urgench–Almaty on Sept 3, 2026, positioning Almaty as a gateway for Khiva visitors. Regional Travel Push: Kyrgyzstan and the UAE are working on a Sharjah–Issyk-Kul (Tamchy) direct flight for summer 2026, with talks also underway for Sharjah–Karakol in winter. Tourism Branding in Almaty: Almaty is partnering with Gault&Millau to rate 150 restaurants and feature 25 hotels, aiming to pull in international food travelers. Travel Safety Note: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens not to travel to Iran due to ongoing security concerns. Culture & Tourism Interest: A Kazakh documentary filmmaker, Zhanana Kurmasheva, discusses her Semipalatinsk nuclear test site film and rising interest in tours to the area. Security Update: The NSC reported 13 convictions for terrorism and extremism in April–May 2026, including cases tied to online calls to travel to conflict zones.

New Air Links: FlyArystan will launch direct Urgench–Almaty flights from September 3, 2026, twice weekly, giving a smoother gateway to UNESCO-listed Khiva via Urgench. Tourism Push to Asia: Kazakhstan is pitching rocket-launch tourism to Hong Kong travelers at the International Travel Expo, with Baikonur packages starting around €1,900 (launch-viewing) and cheaper options without a launch. Aviation Growth (Kazakhstan–Cyprus): Air Astana begins Cyprus operations with direct Larnaka–Astana and Larnaka–Almaty services twice weekly, boosting inbound tourism potential for both markets. Travel Safety Advisory: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry advises citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to ongoing security concerns, with guidance updated as risks change. Border & Travel Facilitation: The Senate ratified a Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan border agreement to clarify rules for movement, transport, and security cooperation at crossings. Fuel Watch: Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry says there’s no expected gasoline shortage, citing reserves for about 36 days despite disruptions in Russia. World Cup Travel Costs: Kazakh fans heading to the 2026 World Cup may face high single-match budgets (about $1,700–$4,000), driven by flights, visas, accommodation, and resale ticket prices. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists documented 1,200+ petroglyphs and a rare Old Turkic runic inscription in Kazakhstan’s Burkhansai Gorge—another reason to add the region to heritage itineraries.

Aviation & Safety: Moalem Aviation in Kyrgyzstan reportedly lost its Air Operator’s Certificate, with four planes seized and all flights cancelled—another reminder of how licensing risk can quickly disrupt regional travel. New Routes: Air Astana launched direct flights to Cyprus, starting Larnaka–Astana and Larnaka–Almaty twice weekly, boosting Central Asia–Mediterranean connectivity. More Connectivity: Cathay Pacific plans nonstop Hong Kong–Almaty service from Q1 2027 (three weekly flights), giving Hong Kong travelers a direct gateway to Kazakhstan. Tourism Promotion: Kazakhstan operators pitched Baikonur rocket-viewing packages to Hong Kong visitors at the International Travel Expo, including cosmodrome launch tours. Travel Advisories: Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens to avoid travel to Iran due to security concerns. Border & Travel Ease: Kazakhstan ratified a border agreement with Uzbekistan to tighten security and clarify rules for movement of people, vehicles, cargo, and flights. Fuel Watch: Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry says there’s no expected gasoline shortage, citing reserves for 36 days. Attractions & Culture: Archaeologists documented 1,200+ petroglyphs and a rare Old Turkic runic inscription in Jambyl’s Burkhansai Gorge. Infrastructure for Travelers: Balkhash Airport reopened after reconstruction, raising capacity to 80 passengers per hour and restoring daily Astana service plus frequent Almaty flights.

Fuel Watch: Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister says there’s no expected gasoline shortage, with reserves for about 36 days as summer and holiday demand rises. Adventure & Air Travel: A major hot air balloon festival returned to Kazakhstan’s Almaty region after a two-year break, with 29 balloons and pilots from 12 countries. Space Tourism: Baikonur Cosmodrome permits for foreign visitors will be approved in just 10 days under a new tourism plan through 2030. Aviation Update: Balkhash Airport reopened after reconstruction, boosting capacity and restoring daily Balkhash–Astana flights plus frequent links to Almaty. New Routes: Cathay Pacific plans direct Hong Kong–Almaty flights from Q1 2027, while Air Astana adds seasonal Cyprus service (Astana/Almaty to Larnaca). Heritage for Travelers: Archaeologists documented 1,200 petroglyphs and a rare Old Turkic runic inscription in Burkhansai Gorge, Jambyl Region. Tourism Economy: Kazakhstan’s tourism generated over $1.3B in tax revenue in 2025, with national parks drawing 3.7M visitors.

Tourism Numbers Boom: Kazakhstan’s tourism generated $1.3B+ in tax revenue in 2025 (+18%), with foreign visitor spending hitting about $2.9B and investments up 33% to 1.3T tenge; national parks welcomed 3.7M visitors in 2025. Digital Travel Push: Kazakhstan.travel unified tourism portal with an AI assistant is set for December 2026, alongside eQonaq tracking and the KazTuristBot. Baikonur Made Easier: Foreign tourists can now get Baikonur Cosmodrome permits in just 10 days under the 2030 tourism concept, with more event-style packages between launches. New Entry Rules: Kazakhstan expanded e-visas for citizens of 105 countries, plus Digital Nomad and Neo Nomad visas, and is rolling out QR tourist cards and tourist police support. Adventure & Events: Almaty region’s hot air balloon festival returned after a two-year break, and Astana will host the Future Games (July 29–Aug 9) with ~900 athletes from 50+ countries. Air Connectivity: Cathay Pacific plans direct Hong Kong–Almaty flights starting Q1 2027 (3 weekly). Seasonal Flights: Air Astana adds seasonal Cyprus routes (Astana/Almaty to Larnaca) and continues expanding leisure links.

Air Connectivity: Air Astana is adding seasonal flights to Cyprus, with Larnaca service from Astana and Almaty running twice weekly (Tues/Sat from Astana; Thu/Sun from Almaty) until September. Adventure & Events: Kazakhstan’s big ballooning festival returned to the Almaty region after a two-year break, with 29 hot air balloons (including an owl-shaped one) flying daily over the Trans-Ili Alatau foothills, plus concerts and family activities. Tourism Economy: Kazakhstan says tourism hit 5 trillion tenge in total economic contribution, with 630 billion tenge in tax revenue in 2025, 2.9 billion USD in foreign tourist spending, and 600,000+ jobs. National Parks & Eco-Travel: Protected areas saw 3.7 million visitors in 2025; authorities are expanding hiking routes, upgrading checkpoints, and rolling out QR payments and the Clean Tourism waste system. Baikonur Space Tourism: Foreign tourists can now get Baikonur Cosmodrome permits in just 10 days under a tourism concept through 2030, aiming to boost inter-launch event packages. Digital Tourism Portal: Kazakhstan plans a unified tourism portal (Kazakhstan.travel) with an AI assistant in December 2026, plus an eQonaq tourist-flow tracking system. Astana Sports: The Future Games international tournament will be held in Astana July 29–August 9, drawing about 900 athletes from 50+ countries.

Tourism Economy Boost: Kazakhstan says tourism delivered 5 trillion tenge to the economy and 630 billion tenge in tax revenue in 2025, with foreign visitors spending about $2.9 billion and investments up 33% to 1.3 trillion tenge. National Parks & Eco-Travel: Protected areas drew 3.7 million visitors in 2025; authorities are expanding hiking routes, ecotrails, QR payments, and the “Clean Tourism” waste program. Baikonur Access: Foreign tourists can now get Baikonur Cosmodrome permits in 10 days, aiming to grow space-tourism packages beyond launch days. Digital Travel Tools: Kazakhstan plans a unified tourism portal (Kazakhstan.travel) with an AI assistant in December 2026, plus an eQonaq system tracking tourist flows. Adventure Spotlight: A major hot air balloon festival returned to the Almaty region after a two-year break, with pilots from 12 countries and daily flights over the Trans-Ili Alatau foothills. Big Events Calendar: “Future Games” will be held in Astana from July 29–Aug 9, with about 900 athletes from 50+ countries. Travel Disruption Watch: Dubai flight suspensions are still spreading, with some airlines extending cancellations into late summer. Border Notes: Uzbekistan warns of temporary queues at the Kazakhstan border due to Kazakh customs IT maintenance.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Astana will resume Almaty–Dubai flights from June 20 and Astana–Dubai from July 10, with services routed via Pakistan due to Iranian airspace closures. New Direct Route to Kazakhstan: Cathay Pacific plans direct Hong Kong–Almaty flights starting Q1 2027 (three times weekly), aiming to strengthen people, cargo and capital links. Border Travel Disruption: Temporary queues may hit the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border after Kazakh customs IT maintenance caused short-term processing slowdowns. Nature & Eco Tourism: Kazakhstan plans to expand national parks and reserves by 20,000 sq km by 2035 under a new biodiversity strategy, raising protected areas to 332,000 sq km. Tourism Demand Signals: Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for 40 countries including Kazakhstan, making travel cheaper for Kazakh visitors. Culture & Events: Cirque du Soleil’s OVO runs in Astana June 4–7 at Barys Arena, bringing an insect-inspired spectacle to Kazakhstan. Regional Transit Focus: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia reaffirmed cooperation on the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, highlighting connectivity as a growth driver.