Authorities have given the green light for the construction of the tourism hub, "Mangistau"
Kazakhstan Unveils Ambitious Plan for Mangystau Tourist Zone Development
The Government of Kazakhstan has approved a comprehensive plan for the development of the Mangystau tourist zone for the years 2025-2029, with a focus on the Kenderli tourist zone. This ambitious plan aims to transform Mangystau into a leading tourist destination, boosting infrastructure, tourism growth, and investment opportunities[1].
The development of the Kenderli tourist zone is one of twelve promising tourist objects in the Mangystau region. Key details of the plan include significant investment in improving transportation infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and service standards to support an increase in tourist arrivals[1][2].
Infrastructure issues in the Kenderli tourist zone will be addressed, including utility connections, electricity, water supply, and transport accessibility. An airport will be built in the village of Kenderli as part of the development, taking into account proposals from investors and eco-activists[1].
The plan also prioritizes employment growth, with projections suggesting that the number of people employed in tourism will increase from 1,700 to 2,700 by 2029[1]. Small and medium-sized businesses will receive a boost with a low-interest tourism loan program through JSC "Kaspi" Savings Bank[1].
Kazakhstan is leveraging a surge in investment in tourism (over 570 million USD within the first five months of 2025 nationwide) to fuel faster growth. The focus includes promoting unique local attractions in Mangystau, alongside other national destinations like Baikonur Cosmodrome and medical tourism hubs[2][5].
The government is encouraging both public and private investments in Mangystau, inviting participation from international hotel chains, service providers, and infrastructure developers. Partnerships with countries such as Thailand, Turkey, China, and Russia are enhancing the hospitality ecosystem, which indirectly supports Mangystau’s tourism zone[2][5].
The plan aims to attract funding to build modern resorts, hotels, and medical tourism facilities, especially emphasizing sustainable, resilient growth models[2][5]. Over 100 events are planned during the implementation period of the Comprehensive Plan, including cultural and sporting events to promote tourism in the region[1].
The plan was developed in accordance with the instructions of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to develop tourism in the Mangystau region. The Comprehensive Plan for the development of the "Mangystau" tourist zone was signed by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov[1].
The plan is part of Kazakhstan's wider strategic push into resilient, locally driven tourism growth amid evolving global travel trends[2]. Environmental considerations are significant in the region, with ongoing debates about projects that could affect surrounding nature reserves and tourism ecology in Mangystau. These environmental stakes underscore the need for balanced sustainable development alongside tourism expansion[3].
International tourists are projected to increase from 89,000 to 143,000 by 2029, while domestic tourists are expected to increase from 430,000 to 520,000 by the same year[1]. The tourism's share in the regional economy is projected to increase from 2.2% to 3.6% by 2029[1].
The plan fosters a favorable investment climate for the further development of the tourist zone. Key areas of focus include infrastructure development, logistics, digitalization, security, human resources, and investment project promotion[1].
In summary, the Comprehensive Plan for the Mangystau tourist zone centers on expanding and modernizing infrastructure, boosting tourism arrivals and diversifying the economy, and creating attractive investment opportunities, supported by national funding and international partnerships[1][2][5].
- The government's low-interest tourism loan program through JSC "Kaspi" Savings Bank is aimed at boosting small and medium-sized businesses in the Mangystau tourist zone, contributing to the finance sector of the lifestyle and business sector.
- As Kazakhstan prioritizes sustainable, resilient growth models with eco-activist proposals in mind, the development plan for Mangystau's tourist zone also emphasizes Travel that encourages cultural preservation and minimal impact on nature reserves, aligning with global travel trends and environmental concerns.
