Influx of Chinese tourists recorded in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – Tourist flow from China to Kazakhstan has increased ninefold since 2019, according to data from Kazakh Tourism.
In 2024, the number of tourists from China visiting Kazakhstan showed an impressive surge, growing nearly nine times compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Chinese travelers.
By the end of 2024, China ranked second in the number of foreign tourists accommodated in Kazakh hotels and other lodging facilities. A total of 173,987 Chinese citizens stayed in hotels — a 66% increase compared to 2023. Overall, over 650,000 Chinese citizens visited Kazakhstan, according to the company.
Kazakh Tourism attributes this growth to a set of strategic measures:

Introduction of visa-free entry;
Launch and increased frequency of new direct flights;
Active promotion of Kazakhstan’s tourism potential in China.

According to the company's press service, B2B meetings were recently held in Guangzhou, where Kazakh tour operators met with over 50 Chinese tourism industry representatives. In 2024 alone, more than 30 events were organized in China to promote Kazakhstan’s tourism — including business meetings, exhibitions, cultural presentations, and info tours. Another 16 events are planned for this year.
Interestingly, in January 2024, it was reported by 24KZ that tourist arrivals from China had increased 17 times at that point.