On October 22 this year, the international airport of Aktau hosted the opening ceremony for FlyArystan's first direct international flight on the Aktau – Istanbul route.
The launch of the new air route will improve the region's transport accessibility and strengthen trade, economic, and tourism ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
Mangystau Region is known as an "open-air museum." The Caspian Sea coast, unique natural landscapes, and the underground mosques of Beket-Ata, Shopan-Ata, Shakpak-Ata, Karaman-Ata, and Sultan-Epe are important components of the region's tourism potential.
It should be noted that a direct flight on the Aktau – Urumqi (China) route was launched this summer. Starting October 27, regular flights on the Aktau – Istanbul route will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The first flight, FS 7625, took place on October 22 at 17:35.
The opening of the new international air route is expected to increase the tourist flow to Mangystau Region and strengthen Aktau's role as an international aviation hub.
On October 9, 2026, a regional working meeting on the implementation of Decision 48 COM 8B.20 of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held in Aktau.
The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the conservation, protection and management of the rock-cut mosques of Mangystau and associated sacred sites, as well as to set timelines for implementing the relevant measures and identify further tasks. Particular attention was paid to preserving and protecting the underground mosques of Beket Ata, Shopan Ata, Karaman Ata, Sultan Epe and Shakpak Ata, and to safeguarding their historical and cultural heritage for future generations.
Participants discussed the inventory of historical and cultural heritage sites, the development of a conservation strategy, an integrated management plan, monitoring activities and funding.
Special focus was also placed on the designation of buffer zones, land-use and urban planning, infrastructure development, tourist flow management, and the regulation of tourist and pilgrimage routes.
Representatives of relevant government bodies and district administrations, as well as heads of charitable foundations invited to the meeting, shared their proposals on the conservation and protection of the region’s underground mosques.
Preserving the region’s historical and cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations is an important component of sustainable tourism development in Mangystau. In this regard, effective coordination of measures to protect sacred sites and proper management of tourism activities in line with international standards are of particular importance.
The “Visit Malaysia 2026–2027: Discover, Connect and Grow!” event was held in Aktau, dedicated to presenting Malaysia’s tourism potential and developing cooperation in the tourism sector.
During the meeting, participants were introduced to Malaysia’s tourism destinations, new opportunities, and tourism products available to Kazakhstani travelers.
The event was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Malaysia in Astana, AirAsia, and tour operators from the region.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss strengthening cooperation in tourism, sharing experience, and establishing new business connections.
The event contributed to the further development of tourism ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia, as well as the creation of new opportunities for cooperation between the tour.
A meeting of the Coordination Council with the participation of representatives of local executive bodies was held in Astana as part of the Kazakhstan Travel Forum. The meeting was chaired by N.E. Baizhanov, Chairman of the Tourism Industry Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The main topics of discussion included the development of tourism infrastructure, investment attraction and increasing the flow of international tourists. Participants reviewed regional investment initiatives, the readiness of tourism infrastructure to accommodate visitors in the coming years, as well as existing infrastructure constraints.
Particular attention was paid to the exchange of regional practices and the development of joint solutions aimed at advancing the tourism industry.
Mangystau Region was represented at the meeting by Manshuk Kabdykyzy, Head of the Tourism Department. During the meeting, current issues related to the further development of the region’s tourism infrastructure and the implementation of promising projects were discussed. A number of proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan received support from the participants.
Highlighting the region’s significant tourism potential, the Chairman of the meeting referred to Mangystau Region as the No. 1 tourism region in Kazakhstan.
According to him, further growth in inbound tourism and enhancing the attractiveness of the regions require concentrating resources on priority projects and the most promising tourism destinations.
For Mangystau Region, the development of tourism remains one of its key priorities. The region possesses significant natural and cultural potential and continues its efforts to create favourable conditions for increasing tourist flows, attracting investment and implementing new projects in the tourism sector.
According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Tourist Activities”, tourists have the right to receive necessary information, emergency medical and legal assistance, and to have their personal safety protected during their travels.
At the same time, tourists are required to comply with the laws and entry and stay regulations of the country, respect the environment and historical and cultural sites, and follow personal safety rules while travelling.
Responsible travel begins with safety and respect for the environment.
Kazakhstan is implementing a Tax Free pilot project.
The project allows foreign citizens to claim a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods purchased in Kazakhstan and taken out of the country.
📌 Learn more about Tax Free and take advantage of the opportunity to claim a VAT refund on your purchases in Kazakhstan!
On August 26, 2026, DRV Destination Forum 2026, one of the key events of Germany’s tourism industry, was held in Astana. Kazakhstan hosted the forum for the first time, bringing together around 130 participants, including 69 representatives of the German tourism sector.
Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan Miras Tulebaev took part in the official opening of the forum.
The event was organized as a result of cooperation between Kazakh Tourism National Company and the German Travel Association Deutscher Reiseverband (DRV).
As part of the forum, German delegates visited Almaty and Almaty Region, Mangystau and East Kazakhstan Regions, as well as Shymkent and Turkistan Region, exploring their tourism potential and infrastructure.
An important part of the programme was B2B meetings between representatives of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry and German tour operators. Air Astana also contributed to promoting Kazakhstan’s tourism potential and strengthening the country’s international connectivity.
DRV brings together more than 3,000 tourism companies in Germany. Around 100,000 visitors from Germany travel to Kazakhstan annually.
Hosting the forum in Astana creates new opportunities to promote Kazakhstan’s tourism products on the German market, expand business ties and increase tourist arrivals from Germany.
From August 20 to 23, the Tourism Department of the Mangystau Region, together with regional tour operators and the Ustyurt State Nature Reserve, participated in the international TBEX conference, held in Almaty and attended by more than 300 travel bloggers.
As part of efforts to promote Mangystau’s tourism potential, 10 travel bloggers will visit the region from August 24 to 27. An informational tour covering the region’s key tourist destinations has been organized for the participants.
The familiarization tour is aimed at promoting Mangystau internationally and increasing the region’s visibility as a tourist destination.
On August 22 of this year, cleanup activities were carried out in the Ybykty Sai Gorge to maintain the natural area's cleanliness.
The activities were organized jointly by the Tourism Department of Mangystau Region and SaparGo company. During the clean-up, the gorge area was cleared of household waste, helping preserve its cleanliness and natural appearance.
The main purpose of the clean-up was to protect Mangystau’s natural sites, promote responsible attitudes towards the environment, and maintain the cleanliness of tourist areas.
The picturesque nature of Mangystau is one of the region’s main tourism assets. Keeping natural areas clean and treating the environment with care is a shared responsibility for all of us.
The environmental relay was passed on to the tourism company @redmaya.travel, which was invited to continue the initiative aimed at protecting nature.
Travel is a wonderful opportunity to discover new places and create unforgettable memories. However, every traveler needs to know their rights and responsibilities.
📌 According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Tourist Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan” dated June 13, 2001, No. 211, tourists are required to comply with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, respect the laws and traditions of their temporary place of stay, treat natural, historical, and cultural heritage with care, avoid harming the environment, and follow safety rules while traveling.
📌 At the same time, every tourist has certain rights. Tourists have the right to safety, to receive necessary and accurate information, to freely choose quality tourist services, to receive consular and diplomatic assistance, as well as necessary medical and other forms of assistance.