Tourists from China, India, Germany, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) contributed $866mn to Kazakhstan’s economy in 2023. Data from the National Bank of Kazakhstan shows that the average foreign tourist spent approximately $1,500 during their visit.

Kazakhstan experienced a notable increase in tourists from China, with 367,400 visitors in 2023 compared to 17,700 in 2022. This substantial growth is linked to the visa-free travel agreement between the two countries and the 44 weekly flights connecting Kazakhstan and China.

The country also saw 78,000 tourists from India, 85,000 from Germany, 36,600 from South Korea, and 10,500 from the UAE, further boosting its tourism revenue.

The highest number of tourists came from Uzbekistan, with 3.6 mn visitors. Russia followed with 2mn, the Kyrgyz Republic with 1.6mn, and Tajikistan with 700,000. Most travellers arrived by private vehicles and buses (84.4%), while 10.6% travelled by air, and 5% by train.

Kazakhstan welcomed approximately 9.2mn tourists in 2023, underscoring its growing status as a desirable travel destination.