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Tourism
The Kyzylorda Region possesses significant potential for the development of space, historical, and wellness tourism.
In the first half of 2026, the number of tourists reached 120,400, an increase of 15.8% compared to the same period the previous year.
Of this total, 113,700 were domestic tourists and 6,720 were foreign tourists.
There are 153 accommodation facilities operating in the region, with a total capacity of 5,108 beds.
Projects for the construction of new accommodation facilities are currently underway in the region:
o A 5-star hotel with 150 beds (project cost: 20.0 billion tenge);
o A 3-star "IBIS Kyzylorda" hotel with 100 beds (project cost: 6 billion tenge);
o The "Pana" hotel with 63 beds (project cost: approximately 3.2 billion tenge).
In the first eight months of 2026, investment in the region's tourism sector totaled 33.1 billion tenge.
Regional tourism sites
Thirteen tourism sites in the Kyzylorda Region have been included in the Republic of Kazakhstan's tourism development map.
These include:
o Baikonur Cosmodrome;
o The ancient settlement of Syganak;
o The "Aral Geopark" project;
o Khankozha Lake;
o The Korkyt Ata Memorial Complex;
o The Kamystybas Lake resort area;
o Zhanakorgan mud resorts;
o Petroglyphs in the Sauskandyk tract;
o The ancient settlement of Zhankent;
o Aktas Mosque;
o Khorasan Ata Mausoleum; o "Okshy Ata" Mausoleum;
o "Maral Ishan" Mausoleum.
Recreation Areas
During the 2026 summer season, 22 recreation areas provided services to vacationers.
Sanatoriums
Five sanatoriums with a total capacity of 856 beds operate within the region. As of the end of September 2026, the number of visitors totaled 11,903.
Roadside Service Facilities
There are 61 roadside service facilities operating along the section of the "Western Europe – Western China" international transport corridor that passes through the Kyzylorda region. Of these, 59 facilities meet National Standard requirements.
Transport Infrastructure Development
To develop the region's transport infrastructure, a new airport and bus terminal were built in the city of Kyzylorda, and the railway station underwent complete renovation.
Station improvement projects have been completed in the Aral, Kazaly, Shieli, and Zhanakorgan districts.
Fourteen pairs of passenger trains and 38 routes serving various destinations operate on national and international lines.
A new flight route connecting Aktau, Kyzylorda, and Aktau was launched on June 20 of this year.
Approximately 47 flights depart weekly from Korkyt Ata Airport to Astana, Almaty, and Aktau.
State Support Measures
As part of state support measures for the tourism sector, 16.9 million tenge has been allocated from the regional state budget in 2026 to subsidize the maintenance costs of sanitary facilities that meet National Standards.
To date, 14 applications have been approved by the commission and are receiving subsidies. Baikonur Complex
Currently, seven hotels operate in the city, offering a total of 671 rooms.
In 2026, five carrier rocket launches took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, attended and observed by over 10,000 tourists.
To foster tourism development involving Kazakhstani tourism companies, JSC Baiterek and RSE on REM Infrakos have been designated as coordinators for tourism-related activities.
A series of specific measures are being implemented to enhance the tourism potential of the city of Baikonur.
Procedures have been developed to issue entry permits for the city and the cosmodrome in electronic format and to shorten the application processing time for visiting the complex's tourist sites.
With the participation of the Aerospace Committee, a Kazakhstani observation point—designed as a yurt with a capacity of 400 people—has been opened.
In April 2026, a joint Kazakhstan-Russia launch of the Soyuz-5 (Sunkar) rocket took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome as part of the program to develop the Baiterek space rocket complex.
Aral Geopark Project
At a meeting of the Council of Heads of Founding States of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea on April 22, 2026, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan announced the creation of a unique natural and scientific site: the Aral Geopark.
Following the meeting, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan was instructed to work on including the Aral Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network by December 2027. The project aims to preserve the natural-ecological, geological, historical, and cultural heritage of the Aral region, foster scientific research, and promote the region's socio-economic development through the advancement of eco-tourism.
In accordance with UNESCO requirements, four educational tourism routes have been established within the Aral Geopark.
In November 2025, an application for the inclusion of the "Aral Geopark" in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network was submitted to the organization's headquarters.
In April 2026, a representative arrived in the region to conduct a preliminary assessment of the "Aral Geopark" project.
Following the visit, the expert presented recommendations for including the "Aral Geopark" project in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
A primary evaluation mission took place within the geopark from July 6 to July 13, 2026, involving international UNESCO experts.
The results of the evaluation mission are currently pending.
Promoting the region's tourism potential
A number of specific initiatives were implemented this year to boost the region's tourism potential.
In April 2026, the "KITF-2026" International Tourism Exhibition was held in Almaty.
At the exhibition, the region's tourist destinations, historical sites, and products from local entrepreneurs were showcased to domestic and international tourists and members of the intellectual community.
In June 2026, a familiarization tour was organized for Kazakhstani and international travel bloggers.
Participants visited key regional sites, including Presidential Park, the Korkyt Ata Memorial Complex, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
A Hungarian delegation paid a working visit to the Kyzylorda Region from July 13 to July 15, 2026.
Delegation members toured various sites in the Karmakshy and Aral districts, as well as the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
From August 27 to August 29, 2026, leadership from the Turkish tourism association "TURSAB" visited the region on a working trip. During the visit, the representatives toured the Korkyt Ata memorial complex, the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the ancient settlements of Zhankent and Syganak, the Kambash recreation area, and other significant sites.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Akimat of the Kyzylorda Region and the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies.
The tourism industry is a vital sector of the country's economy, contributing to tax revenues, increased job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Kyzylorda Oblast, with its advantageous geographic location, unique natural, cultural, and historical heritage sites, and favorable climate, has significant potential for tourism development. As a result, the total number of tourists in the first quarter of 2026 reached 59,700, representing a 24.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This figure includes 57,700 domestic tourists and 1,940 inbound foreign tourists.
As of the first quarter of 2026, the region has 148 accommodation facilities with a total capacity of 4,909 beds (111 hotels and 37 hostels, motels, and rental residential buildings and apartments). Providing high-quality service to tourists arriving in a region directly impacts its image. Therefore, to meet the needs of tourists, international-class hotels are being built in the region: a five-star hotel with 150 rooms (project cost: 20.0 billion tenge), a three-star hotel with 100 rooms "IBIS Qyzylorda" (project cost: 6 billion tenge), and a 63-room "Pana" hotel (project cost: approximately 3.2 billion tenge).
By the end of the first five months of 2026, the volume of investment attracted to the region's tourism sector amounted to 15 billion tenge.
Concerning government support measures:
As part of government support measures implemented in the tourism industry, 16.9 million tenge of budget funds have been allocated in 2026 to subsidize the costs of maintaining sanitary and hygienic facilities that meet the National Standard. To date, 13 applications have received support and are being subsidized by the commission's decision. To date, specific steps have been taken to establish the Aral Geopark in accordance with established requirements, and four tourist routes have been developed.
A main assessment mission of international UNESCO experts (José Bernardo Rodrigues Brillha and Soma Saediunesi) is scheduled to take place in the Geopark from July 6 to 13 of this year. Based on the mission's findings, a final assessment will be made regarding the Geopark's inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks network.
July 1, 2026
The tourism sector is one of the most important sectors of the country's economy due to tax revenues coming into the budget, an increase in the number of jobs and the influx of foreign currency.
The Kyzylorda region, with its favorable geographical location, unique natural, cultural and historical heritage sites, and favorable climate, has great potential for tourism development.
At the same time, within the framework of the approved "Action Plan for the implementation of the Development Plan of the Kyzylorda Region for 2021-2025", 2 indicators are fixed in the tourism sector:
– Domestic tourists 45,434 people (plan 150,000 people) (25,336 people for the corresponding period of 2024);
- External tourists 2,512 people - (plan 10,000 people) (595 people for the corresponding period of 2024);
Also, the volume of investments in the tourism industry for the period from January to May 2025 amounted to 25.7 billion tenge, compared to the same period last year (12.2 billion tenge), which is 2 times more.
In addition, there are 172 hotels and 55 hostels, motels, rental housing and apartments in the region, including 4 hotels with a star rating. (Sultan Plaza * 5, Krez Hotel * 4, Mirage * 3, Cairo * 1).
In accordance with the instructions of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the Address to the People of Kazakhstan on improving the level of service on highways of national significance, today 94.5% of roadside service facilities along the Western Europe - Western China highway adjacent to the region have been brought into compliance with the National Standard ST RK 2476-2014 (total - 55, compliant - 53). Along with this, there are 556 monuments under state protection in the region. Among them are 2 ensembles, 23 sacred sites, 131 archaeological sites, 242 urban planning and architectural monuments and 158 monumental art structures.
As is known, the region is one of the regions with developed medical tourism. Today, 5 popular sanatoriums in the country are actively operating in the Zhanakorgan district. The number of visitors and the demand for sanatorium and resort services are increasing from year to year.
Image events
On May 20 this year, within the framework of the international scientific and practical conference "GeoPark Aral", the visitor center "GEOPARK ARAL" was opened. This facility is not only an infrastructure project, but also a tourist center for the preservation and presentation of the rich natural, historical, geological, cultural and environmental heritage of the Aral Sea region, and also meets international standards. In addition, the unique tourist educational expedition "Journey to the Heart of Eurasia - 2025", which started in June of this year in Moscow, continued in the land of Syr from June 23 to 25 of this year, dedicated to history and science. More than 100 tourists from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan visited cities with centuries-old history, got acquainted with the culture and customs. The purpose of the educational expedition is to strengthen business, humanitarian and scientific ties between the countries of Central Asia and Russia, as well as the development of international partnership. In addition, in order to develop children's tourism in the region, representatives of the regional departments of physical education, sports and tourism, education and culture of the region, archives and documentation, as well as the media of the region on June 28 of this year organized an educational tour to familiarize students of the children's leisure and health camp "Zerentay" of the city with sports and tourist places of the city of Kyzylorda. As part of the trip, the children visited the Muz Aydyny Ice Center, the Table Tennis Center, located on the left bank of the city, and the Kyzylorda Regional Museum of History and Local History.
01.07.2025
The tourism sector is one of the most important sectors of the country's economy due to tax revenues coming into the budget, an increase in the number of jobs and the influx of foreign currency.
The Kyzylorda region, with its favorable geographical location, unique natural, cultural and historical heritage sites, and favorable climate, has great potential for tourism development.
At the same time, within the framework of the approved "Development Program of the Kyzylorda Region for 2021-2025", 4 indicators are fixed in the tourism sector: In this regard, according to the results of the 3rd quarter of 2024:
- Domestic tourists with an annual plan of 142,000 people, actual performance amounted to 110,461 people (77.7%);
- Foreign tourists with an annual plan of 8,000 people, actual performance amounted to 6,159 people (76.9%);
- The number of rooms with an annual plan of 4056, the actual implementation amounted to 4,712 beds (116.1%);
- Investments in the tourism industry with an annual plan of KZT 19.7 billion, the actual implementation for January-November 2024 amounted to KZT 29.9 billion (152%).
At the same time, there are 110 hotels and 40 hostels, motels, rental housing and apartments in the region, including 5 hotels with star status. (Sultan Plaza *5, Krez Hotel *4, Kyzylorda *3, Mirage *3, Cairo *1).
In accordance with the instruction of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the Address to the People of Kazakhstan on improving the level of service of national highways, today
93% of service facilities along the Western Europe - Western China highway adjacent to the region have been brought into compliance with the National Standard ST RK 2476-2014 (54 in total, 50 comply).
In addition, 556 monuments are under state protection in the region. Among them are 2 ensembles, 23 sacred sites, 131 archaeological sites, 242 monuments of urban development and architecture and 158 monuments.
As is known, the region is among the regions with developed medical tourism. Today, 5 popular sanatoriums in the country are actively operating in the Zhanakorgan district. The number of visitors and the demand for spa services are growing from year to year. In turn, this year, as part of the Year of Tourism of Kazakhstan in China, the opening of the Year of Tourism in Beijing took place in March, and the International Tourism Exhibition "KITF-2024" in Almaty in April.
At these events, tourist destinations of the region, historical sites and products of local entrepreneurs were presented.
Also, in September of this year, an exhibition was organized in Astana as part of the 5th World Nomad Games. As part of the exhibition, tourist destinations of the region, historical sites and products of local entrepreneurs were presented to foreign and domestic tourists, representatives of the intelligentsia.
In order to increase the tourism opportunities of the region and develop domestic tourism, a new bus station and a new terminal of the Korkyt Ata airport were built and put into operation.
In addition, the reconstruction of the railway station in the city of Kyzylorda was carried out. In order to create favorable conditions for tourists in the region, 100 eco-taxis were purchased, 10 units of charging devices were installed.
Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the country's economy, thanks to tax revenues, job creation, and foreign exchange inflows.
The Kyzylorda region, which has a favorable geographic location, unique natural, cultural, and historical heritage objects, and a favorable climate, has a large potential for tourism development.
Within the framework of the approved 'Development Program of the Kyzylorda Region for 2021-2025, 4 indicators have been established for the tourism sector.
In this regard, based on the results of the 2nd quarter of 2024:
- Domestic tourists with an annual plan of 102,000 people, the actual performance amounted to 63 698 people (62,4%)
- External tourists with an annual plan of 8000 people, the actual performance amounted to 3 016 people (54.2%);
- Room capacity with an annual plan of 4056, the actual implementation amounted to 4366 beds (107,6%).
- Investments in the tourism industry with an annual plan of KZT 19.7 billion, actual execution in January-September 2024 amounted to KZT 23.0 billion (117.2%).
At the same time, there are 110 hotels and 47 hostels, motels, rental housing and apartments in the region, including 5 hotels with star status. (Sultan Plaza *5, Hotel Creuse *4, Kyzylorda *3, Mirage *3, Cairo *1).
According to the instruction of the Head of State Kassim-Zhomart Tokayev in the Message to the people of Kazakhstan on improving the level of service of highways of republican significance to date
94.5% of service facilities along the highway «Western Europe - Western China» adjacent to the territory of the region are brought into compliance with the National Standard CT RK 2476-2014 (total - 55, corresponds to - 52).
In addition, 556 monuments are under state protection in the region. These include 2 ensembles, 23 sacred sites, 131 archaeological sites, 242 urban planning and architectural monuments and 158 monuments.
As you know, the region is one of the regions with developed medical tourism. Today, 4 popular sanatoriums in the country are actively operating in the Zhanakorgan district. From year to year the number of visitors increases and the demand for spa services grows.
In turn, this year, within the framework of the Year of Tourism of Kazakhstan in China, the opening of the Year of Tourism in Beijing took place in March, and the International Tourism Exhibition “KITF-2024” took place in Almaty in April.
At these events, tourist destinations of the region, historical sites and products of local entrepreneurs were presented.
Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the country's economy, thanks to tax revenues, job creation, and foreign exchange inflows.
The Kyzylorda region, which has a favorable geographic location, unique natural, cultural, and historical heritage objects, and a favorable climate, has a large potential for tourism development.
Within the framework of the approved 'Development Program of the Kyzylorda Region for 2021-2025, 4 indicators have been established for the tourism sector.
In this regard, based on the results of the 1st quarter of 2024:
- Domestic tourists with an annual plan of 102,000 people, the actual performance amounted to 25,343 people (24.8%);
- External tourists with an annual plan of 5,560 people, the actual performance amounted to 595 people (10.7%);
- Room capacity with an annual plan of 4056, the actual implementation amounted to 4258 beds (104.9%);
- Investments in the tourism industry with an annual plan of KZT 19.7 billion, actual execution in January-May 2024 amounted to KZT 12.2 billion (61.9%).
At the same time, there are 110 hotels and 40 hostels, motels, rental housing and apartments in the region, including 5 hotels with star status. (Sultan Plaza *5, Hotel Creuse *4, Kyzylorda *3, Mirage *3, Cairo *1).
According to the instruction of the Head of State Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev in the Message to the people of Kazakhstan on improving the level of service of highways of republican significance to date
92.4% of service facilities along the highway «Western Europe - Western China» adjacent to the territory of the region are brought into compliance with the National Standard CT RK 2476-2014 (total - 53, corresponds to - 49).
In addition, 556 monuments are under state protection in the region. These include 2 ensembles, 23 sacred sites, 131 archaeological sites, 242 urban planning and architectural monuments and 158 monuments.
As you know, the region is one of the regions with developed medical tourism. Today, 4 popular sanatoriums in the country are actively operating in the Zhanakorgan district. From year to year the number of visitors increases and the demand for spa services grows.
In turn, this year, within the framework of the Year of Tourism of Kazakhstan in China, the opening of the Year of Tourism in Beijing took place in March, and the International Tourism Exhibition “KITF-2024” took place in Almaty in April.
At these events, tourist destinations of the region, historical sites and products of local entrepreneurs were presented.
Information about the progress of development of the tourism sector in the region
Target indicators
Within the framework of the approved “National Project for Entrepreneurship Development for 2021-2025”, 4 indicators in the field of tourism were approved: In 2023:
- Domestic tourists 51,124 people (plan - 92,000 people) - based on the results of 6 months;
- External tourists 2065 people (plan 3890 people) – based on the results of 6 months;
- Room capacity 3970 beds (plan - 3946) - based on the results of 6 months;
- Investments in the tourism industry (KZT 16.1 billion) – KZT 6.9 billion as of September 1, 2023;
Placements
Today, there are 140 placements in the region with 3,907 beds. 107 of them are hotels, and the remaining 32 are hostels, motels, rental housing and apartments.
Of all the hotels, only 5 have star status. In particular:
- “Sultan Plaza Hotel” - 5 stars;
- “Hotel KREZ” - 4 stars;
- hotel “Kyzylorda” - 3 stars;
- Hotel “Mirage” – 3 stars;
- Cairo Hotel - 1 star.
In the region, the average cost of a bed-day in accommodation facilities is KZT 9,750.
Based on the results of 6 months of this year, 53,189 people were accepted into placements. Of these, 2065 visitors are foreign citizens.
The volume of services provided to visitors at accommodation sites amounted to KZT 739.8 million.
Tourist areas
Recreation areas
During the summer recreation season, there are 13 small and 2 large recreation areas in the region. During the seasonal period of 2023, the number of vacationers amounted to 65.7 thousand people.
Of these, 55.3 thousand vacationers were received by 2 large recreation areas “Kamystybas” (Kambash) and “Lake Khankozha” (Baygekum).
The remaining 10.4 people took 13 small recreation areas
- City beach "Syr Samaly" (3.5 thousand people);
- Abay Beach in Belkol village (1.7 thousand people);
- “Arai aqua”, “Aqua Grand”, “Aqua House”, “Selena aqua”, “Sabalak aqua”, “Keruen”, “Shah”, “Dalapark”, “PMK-26”, “PMK-29” Syr Tolkyny" (5.2 thousand people).
Sanatoriums
Currently, there are 4 sanatoriums with a total capacity of 656 beds in the region. The number of visitors as of September 1 of this year was 13,307 people:
- JSC “Sanatorium Zhanakorgan” (380 places, visitors 8,040 people);
- “Sanatorium Zhanakorgan” LLP (76 places, 1,095 people);
- “Ak-Shuak” LLP (80 places, 1,130 people);
- “Orda-Syganak” LLP (120 places, 3,042 people).
In addition, by the end of 2023, a modern sanatorium for 120 beds, “Zhan-Aray” LLP, will be put into operation for a total amount of KZT 1.2 billion.
Roadside service facilities
Today, along the road corridor “Western Europe - Western China” in the region, there are 53 roadside service facilities, of which 46 facilities or 86.7% comply with the national standard.
for reference:
In category “A” 1 object; by category “B” 9 objects;
There are 20 objects in category “C”; There are 16 objects in category “D”;
In addition, subsidizing the costs of maintaining 17 sanitary and hygienic units located near the roadside complex has begun as part of state support.
Historical and cultural objects
To date, in Kyzylorda region, 556 objects of historical and cultural heritage have been taken under state protection, of which 31 are objects of republican significance and 256 objects of local significance.
As part of the project “Sacred Geography of Kazakhstan”, 12 national and 60 regional sacred objects are included in the list of the region.
Information on tourism
Within the framework of the approved "National Project for the Development of Entrepreneurship for 2021-2025", 4 indicators in the field of tourism were approved: In 2023:
- Domestic tourists 22,338 people* (plan - 92,000 people) - based on the results of 3 months;
- External tourists 775 people * (planned - 3890 people) - based on the results of 3 months;
- Room fund 3907 beds* (plan - 3946) - based on the results of 3 months;
- Investments in the tourism industry amounted to 4.4 billion tenge (16.1 billion tenge) - based on the results of January-May 2023;
* information provided for the 1st quarter of this year, according to the frequency of statistical data, information for the 2nd quarter will be published in September 2023.
Locations
Today, there are 139 accommodation places with 3,907 beds in the region. 107 of them are hotels, and the remaining 32 are hostels, motels, rental housing and apartments.
Of the 102 hotels, only 5 have star status. They are:
- "Sultan Plaza Hotel" - 5 stars;
- "Hotel KREZ" - 4 stars;
- "Kyzylorda" konak uyi - 3 stars;
- "Mirage" konak uyi - 3 stars;
- "Cairo" konak uyi - 1 star.
In the region, the average cost of a bed-day in places of accommodation is KZT 9,128.
According to the results of 3 months of the current year, 23,113 people were admitted to places of accommodation. 775 visitors are foreign citizens.
The volume of services rendered to visitors in places of accommodation amounted to 299.4 million tenge.
At the end of January-March 2021, compared to the corresponding period of last year, the number of inbound tourism visitors decreased by 80.0%, and the number of domestic tourism visitors increased by 31.6% and amounted to 16 people (non-residents) and 14,927 people (residents) respectively.
In the region, there are 114 accommodation places with an average cost of KZT 7,282. There are 1,485 rooms in places of accommodation, in which the one-time capacity is 3,544 beds. 20 hotels in the region are registered in the international Internet booking system "Booking.com". During the specified period, 14,943 people were served and services were rendered in the amount of KZT 236.8 million.
In addition, there are 13 tourist companies operating in the region.
And also, along the highway "Western Europe - Western China" on the section of the Kyzylorda region, 54 points have been identified. To date, 34 objects have been commissioned with a total amount of investments of KZT8.6 billion. 806 permanent jobs were created.
Following the results of January-September 2020, there is a 90% decrease in the number of inbound tourism visitors, and a 39% decrease in domestic tourism and amounted to 32,139 people, including residents - 31,923, non-residents -216 people.
In the region, there are 112 accommodation places with an average cost of 6,993 tenge. There are 1,421 rooms in places of accommodation, in which the one-time capacity is 3,522 beds. 19 hotels in the region are registered in the international Internet booking system "Booking.com". During the specified period, 31,923 people were served and services were rendered to the amount of 469.3 million tenge.
In addition, 12 tourist companies operate in the region.
And also, along the highway "Western Europe - Western China" on the section of Kyzylorda region, 55 points have been identified. To date, 30 objects have been commissioned with a total investment of 6 billion 361 million tenge. 737 permanent jobs were created.
On the development of tourism in Kyzylorda region for the 1st quarter of 2020
At the end of January-March 2020, there is a decrease in the number of inbound tourism visitors by 91.8%, and in domestic tourism, a decrease of 42.4% compared to the same period last year and amounted to 80 people and 11,340 people, respectively.
There are 109 accommodation places in the region, in which there are 1,460 rooms, the average cost is KZT 7,555, the one-time capacity is 3,485 beds. 19 hotels in the region are registered
in the international online booking system "Booking.com".
Also, 12 tourist companies operating in the region.
And also, along the highway "Western Europe - Western China" on the section of Kyzylorda region, 44 points have been identified. To date, 30 objects have been commissioned with a total investment of KZT 6 billion 361 million. 737 permanent jobs were created.