In recent years, sustainability has become a defining principle in the development of tourism. The sector, which supports a significant share of the global economy, has proven particularly vulnerable to crises – from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and geopolitical instability.
These challenges have reinforced a clear understanding: tourism must not only grow, but grow sustainably – adapting to crisis, creating opportunities for local communities and safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity.
According to the UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals reached 1.5 billion in 2025, a 4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Tourism accounts for one in ten jobs globally and generates around 10 percent of global GDP, underscoring both its scale and the importance of embedding sustainability at the core of its development.
Kazakhstan’s Natural Potential and Rising Visitor Interest
For Kazakhstan, where much of tourism of the country potential lies within specially protected natural areas – from mountain ecosystems to steppe and semi-desert landscapes -sustainable tourism is emerging as a powerful tool for regional development and expanding economic opportunities.
The country is home to 14 national parks and 10 nature reserves, and interest in these destinations continues to grow.
According to the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, visitation to natural areas has steadily increased – from 1.3 million visitors in 2019 to 2.8 million in 2024, and nearly 4 million in 2025, representing a 47.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Rising visitor numbers create new economic opportunities, but also place increasing pressure on fragile ecosystems. This makes it essential to adopt systemic approaches that balance conservation with development in remote regions of the country.
A Coordinated Approach by Government and Partners
Recognizing environmental risks, Kazakhstan is steadily advancing sustainable models of tourism management – from strengthening legislation to improving infrastructure and supporting rural entrepreneurship.
This work is carried out in partnership with international organizations. In particular, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is implementing initiatives that combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable tourism development.
At the same time, the Forestry and Wildlife Committee is leading a systematic effort to promote ecotourism in protected areas, ensuring a balance between ecosystem conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and safe visitor management.
A Legal Framework for Sustainable Tourism
A key milestone was the adoption of Kazakhstan’s updated Environmental Code. At the initiative of the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan, and with expert support from the UNDP Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), definitions and principles of ecotourism were incorporated into the legislation.
The Code establishes core principles such as ensuring local communities benefit from tourism and regulating visitor numbers in line with ecological carrying capacity. This provides ecotourism with a clear legal foundation.
An additional step was the adoption in 2025 of the national standard ST RK 2993-2025 “Ecological Tourism. General Requirements”. The document sets unified standards for ecotourism services and introduces requirements related to infrastructure, safety, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and waste management.
Amendments adopted in 2025 to the Law on Specially Protected Natural Areas also allow land within designated zones of limited economic activity to be used for tourism infrastructure without removing it from the natural reserve fund – enabling development while maintaining conservation status.
From Policy to Practice: Infrastructure and Digital Solutions
Legislative progress is being reinforced by practical measures on the ground.
A strong example of public-private partnership is the attraction of investment into visitor centres in the Ile-Alatau National Park, the Charyn National Park and the Altyn-Emel National Park. Environmentally responsible accommodation options, including glamping sites, yurts and campsites – are being developed alongside improved tourist routes and ecological trails.
Across national parks and reserves, 179 tourist routes and 42 ecological trails are currently in operation, including upgraded routes in the national parks: Katon-Karagay, Sairam-Ugam and Kolsay Kolderi. Between 2023 and 2025, navigation systems, observation platforms and information boards were installed, helping to manage visitor flows and reduce pressure on ecosystems.
Digital solutions are also being introduced, including automated checkpoints, online ticketing and cashless payment systems – improving transparency, visitor experience and visitor flow management.
Virtual tours have been developed for the West Altai Nature Reserve, Katon-Karagai National Park and Kolsay Kolderi National Park. These tools allow people to explore unique natural areas remotely and help build environmental awareness before travel.
In parallel, the “Clean Tourism” programme is promoting waste sorting and environmental awareness among visitors. The programme is expected to expand to additional national parks in 2026.
Local Communities at the Centre of Sustainability
Sustainable tourism is not possible without the active participation of local communities. When people become partners in sustainable development, nature becomes a long-term economic asset.
In 2019, UNDP organized training for artisans from Almaty, East Kazakhstan and Turkestan regions, equipping them with skills in handicrafts, felt and textile production. Many participants have since opened their own businesses and continue to work in the sustainable tourism sector.
The “Eco Damu” Programme (2014–2022) demonstrated how sustainable tourism can expand economic opportunities for women in rural areas. More than 200 participants – 70 percent of them women – received concessional loans to develop guesthouses, farms and beekeeping enterprises.
In Ulytau Region, between 2022 and 2024, 171 rural entrepreneurs received support, including 109 women. Participants were trained in business planning, marketing, mobile content creation, handicrafts and food services.
Investing in Knowledge
Building a sustainable tourism sector requires skilled professionals. Since 2023, with support from BIOFIN, a leading university in Kazakhstan has introduced an ecotourism module taught in Kazakh, English and Russian. From 2026, the course will also be available to a broader audience, including guides and tour operators. Similar programmes are already implemented in universities in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, China and the United States.
Sustainable Tourism as a Strategy for the Future
Kazakhstan is developing a comprehensive model of sustainable tourism in which legislation, infrastructure, digital innovation and community development work together.
All measures are aimed at aligning tourism in natural areas with sustainability principles while strengthening environmental awareness among visitors. This approach helps conserve biodiversity, support regional economies and create new opportunities for people.
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