Almaty (TDI): The “Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China” concluded with a grand closing ceremony in Almaty, marking a significant milestone in fostering cultural and economic ties between the two neighboring nations.
The event, attended by over 300 representatives from Kazakhstan and China’s tourism sectors, celebrated a year of strengthened collaboration and a remarkable surge in mutual tourism.
Launched in Beijing in March 2024, the initiative aimed to enhance connectivity and encourage partnerships among tourism industry stakeholders from both countries.
It also highlighted Kazakhstan’s potential as a key destination for Chinese tourists.
“This year was marked by a significant expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and China in tourism,” said Yerzhan Yerkinbayev, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports.
“The impressive growth in tourist flow underscores the strong bond of good neighborliness and our shared commitment to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.”
Data from Kazakhstan’s Border Service reveals that Chinese tourists to Kazakhstan increased by 50% in 2024, while Kazakh visits to China rose by 31%.
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Between January and June 2024, 566,500 foreign tourists visited Kazakhstan, with Chinese tourists forming the second-largest group at 69,918.
Russian visitors topped the list with 186,100 arrivals, followed by India (53,695), Turkiye (30,312), and the US (19,597).
Interest in ‘Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China’
The Year of Kazakhstan Tourism in China has generated remarkable interest across Chinese media platforms, achieving an overall media reach of 1.8 billion views.
Social media platforms also played a key role in amplifying Kazakhstan’s tourism potential, with posts about the Central Asian nation reaching 160 million users.
The initiative has significantly enhanced Kazakhstan’s visibility in China, prompting the two governments to declare 2025 as the Year of China in Kazakhstan to further strengthen bilateral ties.
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In a major development to facilitate travel, a mutual visa-free agreement between the two countries came into effect in November 2023.
The agreement allows citizens to travel visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of 90 calendar days permitted within a 180-day period.
This arrangement covers medical treatment, business trips, and transit travel, marking a significant step toward fostering closer economic and cultural ties.
Officials from both sides have expressed optimism that these measures will enhance people-to-people exchanges and unlock new opportunities for commerce.
