≡-Kazakhstan Welcomes Nearly Seven Lakh Chinese Tourists, Marking Seventy-Eight Percent Growth Thanks to Visa-Free Access, Direct Flights, and Cultural Exchange Programs – Viral of Today
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Home » ASIA » Kazakhstan Welcomes Nearly Seven Lakh Chinese Tourists, Marking Seventy-Eight Percent Growth Thanks to Visa-Free Access, Direct Flights, and Cultural Exchange Programs Tuesday, June 24, 2025Kazakhstan has witnessed a notable surge in the number of Chinese tourists in 2024, driven by the introduction of visa-free travel and an expanded flight network. This growth has been particularly significant, with reports revealing that approximately 665,000 Chinese visitors traveled to Kazakhstan last year. This marks a remarkable 78% increase compared to the 367,000 Chinese tourists recorded in 2023, showcasing the success of recent travel initiatives.The surge in tourism to Kazakhstan can be largely attributed to the implementation of visa-free access for Chinese nationals, a move that has streamlined travel and made visiting the country more convenient. This policy eliminates the need for traditional visa processes, enabling Chinese travelers to explore Kazakhstan with ease. As a result, Kazakhstan has emerged as a more appealing and accessible destination for both leisure and business visitors. Furthermore, the country has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing its air travel infrastructure. The introduction of new flight routes connecting key Chinese cities such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xi’an to major Kazakh cities like Almaty and Shymkent has significantly improved connectivity. These expanded travel options have been instrumental in boosting tourism to Kazakhstan.Several new flight routes were introduced in 2024 to cater to the increasing demand for travel between China and Kazakhstan. These routes include direct flights from Guangzhou to Almaty, Chengdu to Almaty, Shanghai to Almaty, Shanghai to Shymkent, and Xi’an to Shymkent. With these new connections, Kazakhstan is expected to see even higher volumes of Chinese visitors in the future. The increased availability of flights has not only improved convenience but has also reduced travel time, making Kazakhstan more accessible for Chinese tourists seeking to explore the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.A key initiative to foster tourism between China and Kazakhstan was the unveiling of the Xi’an-Almaty tourist train on May 29, 2024. Launched ahead of a major regional summit, this train service is designed to enhance cultural interactions and offer travelers a distinctive way to journey between Xi’an and Almaty. Unlike air travel, the train provides passengers with a leisurely and picturesque experience, allowing them to enjoy the stunning landscapes along the route while strengthening cultural bonds between the two nations. This launch marks a major advancement in promoting tourism and further solidifying the relationship between China and Kazakhstan.In the first five months of 2024 alone, Kazakhstan welcomed approximately 280,000 visitors from China, marking a 42% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which saw 197,429 Chinese visitors. This upward trend highlights the success of Kazakhstan’s tourism initiatives, which have effectively attracted a growing number of Chinese tourists.The influx of Chinese tourists is not only a boon for Kazakhstan’s tourism industry but also has a positive impact on the country’s economy. Tourism plays a critical role in Kazakhstan’s economic development, contributing to sectors such as hospitality, retail, transportation, and local businesses. Chinese visitors, in particular, are known to spend significantly during their trips, contributing to both urban and regional economies by purchasing local goods, enjoying cultural experiences, and utilizing a range of travel services.Kazakhstan is strategically positioning itself as a leading cultural tourism hub. In 2025, the country will host the “Bronze Meets the Golden Man” cultural event at Nazarbayev University in Astana, from June 22 to 24. This event will highlight the vibrant cultural traditions of both Kazakhstan and China, fostering greater cultural exchanges between the two nations. Attendees can expect a variety of exhibitions, performances, and discussions centered on shared historical narratives, art, and cultural practices. This event will not only strengthen bilateral relations but also serve as a key attraction for visitors, further enhancing Kazakhstan’s cultural tourism appeal.Looking toward the future, Kazakhstan’s tourism industry is poised for continued growth. The ongoing expansion of visa-free access, combined with the strengthening of air travel links, indicates that the influx of Chinese tourists will only increase in the years ahead. The Kazakh government is dedicated to further enhancing its tourism infrastructure, opening new avenues for international visitors, and capitalizing on the country’s rich cultural and natural attractions to attract even more travelers.In summary, the rapid growth of Chinese tourism in Kazakhstan in 2024 reflects the successful implementation of visa-free travel policies, the expansion of air routes, and the introduction of new tourism initiatives like the Xi’an-Almaty tourist train. With the continuing focus on enhancing connectivity and promoting cultural exchanges, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to become a leading destination for tourists from China and around the world. The future of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry looks bright, and the growing number of Chinese visitors will likely continue to fuel the sector’s development.
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