Department of Tourism and Investments of the East Kazakhstan Region
About the Department
The mission of the state institution "Department of Tourism and Investments of the East Kazakhstan Region" is to exercise leadership in the sphere of implementing state policy on tourism development, investment attraction, and foreign relations within the territory of the region. The activities of the department are aimed at creating a favorable investment climate and developing tourist resources. An important aspect of the mission is the formation of an effective system for promoting the region's tourist potential in the domestic and international markets, alongside the development of international contacts. Within the framework of the investment direction, the mission consists of actively attracting domestic and foreign investments, increasing the overall investment attractiveness of the region, and creating conditions for business development, which collectively contributes to the creation of new jobs and the increase of state revenues through the development of the tourism industry.
From 8 to 10 October 2026 , East Kazakhstan Region will host a major international sports and cultural event – the First Asia Cup in the traditional art of hunting with birds of prey, “Shygys Salburyny – 2026.” The event will take place in the Ulan District, on the territory of Bozanbay rural district, at the “Burkit Tobe” venue. The tournament is aimed at reviving, preserving and promoting the centuries-old traditions of nomadic civilization, as well as advancing national sports on the international stage. Professional eagle hunters and falconers will take part in the competitions, demonstrating their skills in handling birds of prey. Professional eagle hunters and falconers from Kazakhstan, Hungary, Spain, Georgia, China, Mongolia, Russia, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will participate in the competitions, showcasing their skills in handling birds of prey and presenting the traditions of falconry from their respective countries. Event Programme The three-day programme includes both sporting competitions and a spectacular cultural programme: 8 October – organizational day: preparation of the ethno-village (installation of yurts) , arrival and registration of participants, a meeting of the Credentials Committee and the draw. 9 October – at 10:00 , the official opening ceremony of the tournament will take place. The day will feature qualifying rounds and semi-finals, including equipment checks, calling the golden eagle to the hand from a distance of 700 metres, releasing birds at a lure (shyrga) , as well as competitions involving falcons and hawks. 10 October (Main Day) – the final competitions will begin at 10:30 (free hunting: golden eagles will be released at a fox, while hawks and falcons will hunt a hare and a pigeon) . In addition to the kusbegilik competitions, guests and participants will be offered a programme featuring traditional sports of the Great Steppe. The programme will include: archery (sadak atu) ; tug of war (arkan tartu) ; a race of Tazy , the traditional Kazakh dog breed. The demonstration programme will feature: breaking in wild horses (asau üiretu) ; mounted archery (zhamby atu) ; picking up coins while riding (tenge ilu) ; the traditional competition “Tolagay.” The closing ceremony and award presentation for the winners of the First Asia Cup will take place on 10 October at 16:30 . The organizers invite representatives of national and regional mass media to participate in covering the tournament. “Shygys Salburyny – 2026” will serve as a unique media platform showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan and the strong tourism potential of East Kazakhstan Region. Venue: East Kazakhstan Region, Ulan District, Bozanbay rural district, “Burkit Tobe” area. Dates: 8–10 October 2026.
The Tourism and Investment Department of East Kazakhstan Region announces the competition dedicated to World Tourism Day. The competition aims to identify and recognize the best representatives of the tourism industry who contribute to the quality development and promotion of the tourism potential of East Kazakhstan Region. 6 nominations: • Best Guest House of East Kazakhstan Region 2026 • Best Recreation Facility of East Kazakhstan Region 2026 • Best Wellness Facility of East Kazakhstan Region 2026 • Best Tour Operator of East Kazakhstan Region 2026 • Best Tourism Blogger of East Kazakhstan Region 2026 • For Active Coverage of Tourism Development Issues Applications are accepted until September 21, 2026. Applications are accepted via Google Forms for the respective nominations at the following link: https://forms.gle/7dMD2M4XGSxVpywd9
«Altai — the Golden Cradle of the Turkic World»: an international festival uniting the cultural heritage and art of Turkic peoples to be held in Katon-Karagay District . On July 10–12, 2026, the international festival «Altai — the Golden Cradle of the Turkic World» will take place in Katon-Karagay District of East Kazakhstan Region. This large-scale cultural event, spanning three days, aims to promote the shared history, traditions, art, and spiritual values of Turkic peoples. The festival program will include aitys, poetry evenings, national sports, alaman-baiga, ethnocultural projects, artisan exhibitions, gastronomic festivals, and international-level concert programs. The main highlight of the festival will be a theatrical performance about Pyrak . The central theme of this year's festival will be Pyrak — a mythical white-winged horse considered a sacred symbol of the Turkic world. At the festival's opening ceremony, a special theatrical choreographic performance will be presented to the audience. Through artistic language, it will reveal the role of the horse in the development of human civilization, its significance in shaping nomadic culture, the connection between the history of the Great Steppe and the horse, and its sacred place in the spiritual world of Turkic peoples. This stage composition will transport viewers deep into the millennia and demonstrate the enormous influence the horse has had on the development of human life and culture. International GALA CONCERT . The festival's largest cultural event will be the international gala concert. Renowned stars from Kazakhstan and the Turkic world will perform on stage: from Kazakhstan — world-famous singer Dimash Kudaibergen and the group «Sarmat»; from Karakalpakstan — Yerbay Niyazov; from Azerbaijan — Efendi; from Uzbekistan — Sevara Khantulanova; from Kyrgyzstan — JAX (Jax); from Hungary — the group Nox; from Turkey — Murat Yaprak; from Bashkortostan — the group «Khazina»; from Mongolia — Subeidi Samdum and the group «Ot»; from the Republic of Tuva — Ayzana. Artists arriving from different corners of the world will showcase the richness of shared Turkic culture and gift the audience an unforgettable musical evening. A platform uniting the Turkic world . The festival «Altai — the Golden Cradle of the Turkic World» is an international platform where cultures meet and bonds between fraternal peoples are strengthened. The main goal of the festival is to popularize the common historical roots of Turkic peoples, develop cultural cooperation, and promote the tourism potential of Altai on an international level. The festival, set amidst the picturesque nature of Katon-Karagay District, will allow guests to experience the harmonious blend of national traditions and modern culture. See you on the sacred land of Altai!
Report of the External Relations Division of the Tourism and Investment Department of East Kazakhstan Region for the Third Quarter of 2026 (July–September)
During the third quarter of 2026, East Kazakhstan Region welcomed 30 representatives of foreign companies and delegations. These included the Chinese companies Bada Road and Bridge, ZIJIN MINING GROUP NORTHWEST Co., Ltd., Xinjiang Chixing Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Tarbagatai Munai LLP, Longjian, Altai Xinji International Trade LLC, YEMA Group Co., Ltd., Tricar Motors LLP, Xin Xin Construction and Development Company of China LLP, DongFeng Kazakhstan LLP, China Huaneng Group Hong Kong Co., Ltd., Kunlun Energy Ltd., JUNXIN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LLP, KAZ Minerals Management LLP, B&A Contractors LLP, Baimi Auto Technology LLP, Zongfeng Environmental Technologies, Dengbo Success Minerals Ltd., Falilei and China CAMA Engineering Co. Ltd.; the Korean company YPP Corporation; the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Almaty; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Kazakhstan; a delegation from Tacheng District of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China; a delegation from Mogilev Region of the Republic of Belarus; and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the Republic of Kazakhstan. An individual programme was prepared in advance for each delegation, taking into account the purpose of the visit, the participants' requests and the specific characteristics of each delegation. Meetings were organised with the Akim of East Kazakhstan Region and the Deputy Akim responsible for the relevant areas. The discussions focused on prospects for bilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint projects in the fields of the economy, education, culture, tourism and investment. Guests were also introduced to the region's economic and industrial potential, social infrastructure facilities and historical and cultural attractions. Particular attention was paid to developing interregional and international cooperation and strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. Overseas and interregional visits by the delegation of East Kazakhstan Region 1. July 24–25, 2026 – Omsk, Russian Federation A delegation from East Kazakhstan Region led by Akim N.A. Saktaganov participated in the 22nd Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan, entitled “Building a Global Logistics Ecosystem: New Horizons for Russian-Kazakhstani Cooperation.” During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of Orenburg Region of the Russian Federation. 2. July 23–24, 2026 – Aktau Deputy Akim of East Kazakhstan Region E.Zh. Nurgaliyev participated in the first meeting of the Council of Heads of Regions between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the visit, a memorandum was signed between the Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Khokimiyat of Namangan Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan on establishing international and foreign economic relations in trade and economic, scientific and technical, socio-cultural and humanitarian fields. 3. September 25, 2026 – Almaty Akim of East Kazakhstan Region N.A. Saktaganov participated in the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum. The following documents were signed during the forum: ·An Agreement of Intent on Mutual Cooperation with East Motors Corporation for the implementation of a project to establish a high-tech automotive manufacturing complex producing automotive components and passenger cars, with a total project value of KZT 110 billion. ·A Memorandum of Intent between the Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region and Beijing Tizhi Trading Co. Ltd. to establish a modern facility in the region for processing solid municipal waste and sludge, with a capacity of 500–700 tonnes per day and a total project value of KZT 35.8 billion. 4. September 26–27, 2026 – Pavlodar A delegation from East Kazakhstan Region led by Akim N.A. Saktaganov participated in the international forum “The Irtysh: A River of Friendship – A River of Development.” Visits by foreign delegations to East Kazakhstan Region 1. August 25–27, 2026 – Delegation from Mogilev Region, Republic of Belarus A delegation from Mogilev Region of the Republic of Belarus, led by A.M. Isachenko, Chairman of the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee, visited Ust-Kamenogorsk. On August 26, 2026, a meeting was held between Akim of East Kazakhstan Region N.A. Saktaganov and representatives of the business communities of East Kazakhstan and Mogilev regions. Presentations were delivered on the economic, investment, tourism and cultural potential of both regions. The following documents were signed following the meeting: ·A Memorandum on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation between the Mogilev Regional Executive Committee and the Akimat of East Kazakhstan Region; ·An Action Plan for 2026–2028; ·A Roadmap for implementing the agreement between the Bobruisk City Executive Committee and the Akimat of Ust-Kamenogorsk; ·A Cooperation Agreement between the East Kazakhstan Region branch of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and the Mogilev branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; ·A Cooperation Agreement between SPK Ertis JSC of East Kazakhstan Region and the Mogilev Free Economic Zone; ·A Memorandum of Cooperation between Mogilevliftmash OJSC, SPK Ertis JSC and Liftek LLP. A bilateral business meeting was subsequently held with the participation of the Chairman of the East Kazakhstan Region branch of the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. The participants discussed promising areas of trade and economic cooperation and held B2B negotiations involving more than 30 Kazakhstani companies. Following the business meeting, letters of intent were signed between Bobruisk Meat Processing Plant OJSC and Ust-Kamenogorsk Meat and Canning Plant–Ulan LLP for the supply of meat products, and between Mogilevliftmash OJSC and Liftek LLP for the supply of elevator equipment. On August 27, participating enterprises followed individual programmes that included visits to relevant industrial facilities in East Kazakhstan Region. 2. September 25–26, 2026 – Third Meeting of the Economic Council of the Greater Altai Regions The third meeting of the Economic Council of the Greater Altai Regions was held in Ust-Kamenogorsk under the theme “Developing Economic Cooperation between the Greater Altai Regions: From Dialogue to the Implementation of Joint Projects.” The event brought together representatives of East Kazakhstan Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Altai Krai of the Russian Federation, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, and the Bayan-Ölgii and Khovd aimags of Mongolia. The meeting aimed to strengthen interregional ties, expand trade, economic and investment cooperation, develop cross-border tourism and logistics, and discuss prospects for implementing joint projects. Holding the meeting in East Kazakhstan was particularly significant in the context of the region's chairmanship of the International Coordinating Council “Our Common Home – Altai” in 2026–2027. During the meeting, participants discussed prospects for trade, economic and investment cooperation, the development of industrial collaboration, agricultural and food product supplies, technology exchange and the expansion of business contacts. Particular attention was paid to developing cross-border tourism, creating joint tourist routes, improving transport accessibility and promoting the tourism potential of the Greater Altai at the international level. The meeting provided a platform for open dialogue between the regions and the business community, aimed at identifying new cooperation opportunities, establishing direct contacts and advancing promising initiatives. The participation of representatives from various economic sectors made it possible to discuss practical cooperation issues and identify priorities for further joint efforts. Following the meeting, a protocol resolution summarising the results of the third meeting of the Economic Council of the Greater Altai Regions was signed. The international meetings, negotiations and overseas visits conducted during the third quarter of 2026 made an important contribution to strengthening East Kazakhstan Region's international relations, expanding its foreign economic cooperation, and developing humanitarian and interregional ties.
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Reference Information on Tourism Development in East Kazakhstan Region for Q2 2026
According to official statistical data, as of the end of Q2 2026(January–June), the tourism industry of East Kazakhstan Region demonstrates stable growth. The region ranked second in the Republic in terms of the number of accommodation facilities, with a total of 447 facilities, representing an increase of 64 facilities or 16.7% compared to the same period of 2025(383 facilities in Q2 2025). The region also ranked second in the Republic in terms of the one-time capacity of accommodation facilities, reaching 22,298 beds, which is 1,228 beds or 5.8% more than in the same period of 2025(21,070 beds in Q2 2025). The total number of tourists amounted to 195,600, which is 18,915 tourists or 8.8% lower compared to the same period of 2025(214,500 tourists in Q2 2025). The number of domestic tourists amounted to 188,900, decreasing by 17,641 tourists or 8.8% compared to the same period of 2025(206,500 tourists in Q2 2025). The number of international tourists amounted to 6,696, representing a decrease of 1,274 tourists or 16% compared to the same period of 2025(7,970 tourists in Q2 2025). Positive dynamics were also recorded in financial indicators. The volume of tourism services provided increased to KZT 5.2 billion, which is KZT 1 billion or 23.8% higher than in the same period of 2025(KZT 4.2 billion in Q2 2025). Investment in fixed assets in the tourism sector amounted to KZT 21.6 billion in 2025, representing a 45% increase. In the first half of 2026, the figure amounted to KZT 9.5 billion. In accordance with the region’s economic development strategy through 2029, the development of tourist destinations is focused on four key tourism clusters: 1.Katon-Karagay and Ulken Naryn:health and wellness tourism and ecotourism(wellness hotels, pantotherapy, apitherapy). 2.Glubokoye District, Altai and Ridder:active recreation and mountain tourism, including skiing. 3.Markakol and Zaysan:natural heritage and ecotourism. 4.“City–Mountains–Lakes”(Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ulan and Glubokoye districts):a year-round destination focused on weekend tourism. By 2028, the launch of major tourism facilities is planned, including the Hilton Garden Inn in Ust-Kamenogorsk and the Wellness Resort health and wellness complex in Katon-Karagay District. As part of the implementation of the Head of State’s instructions on improving the readiness of tourist areas, the regional akimat approved the East Kazakhstan Tourism Development Map(Resolution No. 273 dated October 30, 2025). The document identifies 23 priority areas for infrastructure development, including 13 designated mass recreation areas, covering the shores of the Bukhtarma Reservoir, the Sibinsky Lakes and other locations. In 2025, 160 km of roads leading to tourist destinations underwent medium-scale repairs. Construction of the mountain road to the Rakhmanovskie Springs is nearing completion, as is the construction of the bypass road around the Osenovsky Pass, including Kazakhstan’s highest bridge. The repair of 215 km of roads leading to Ulken Naryn, the Bukhtarma Reservoir, the Sibinsky Lakes and Lake Markakol is ongoing. Following modernization, five railway stations have been reopened. In terms of sanitary and hygiene infrastructure, the region currently has 42 sanitary and hygiene facilities, including 10 facilities installed this year at key tourist destinations and along major tourist routes. Waste collection and disposal have been organized in popular tourist areas. In particular, last year in Novaya Bukhtarma settlement, Altai District, 45 waste containers at 8 solid waste collection sites were repaired, and 50 new containers were purchased. Work is continuing to provide tourist areas with mobile communications and internet access. Of the 33 locations included in the Tourism Development Map, 30 are covered by 3G/4G mobile internet. The use of Starlink and OneWeb satellite terminals is being explored to provide connectivity to remote areas. Phased connectivity is planned to be completed by the end of the current year.
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INFORMATION on Tourism Development in the East Kazakhstan Region
According to the official statistics, the tourism sector of the East Kazakhstan Region demonstrated steady growth in the first quarter of 2026 (January–March). The region ranked first in the Republic of Kazakhstan in terms of the number of accommodation facilities, reaching 429 establishments (+58), and second in terms of one-time accommodation capacity, which amounted to 21,901 bed spaces (+5%). The total tourist flow reached 83 thousand visitors, including 80 thousand domestic tourists and 3 thousand international tourists. Positive dynamics were also recorded in financial indicators. The volume of tourism services provided increased to KZT 2.3 billion (+20.6%), while investments in fixed capital reached KZT 5.5 billion (+42.6%), including KZT 2.3 billion (+21.7%) invested in accommodation services. In accordance with the Region’s Economic Development Strategy through 2029, tourism development is focused on four key tourism clusters: Katon-Karagay and Ulken Naryn – wellness and ecotourism (wellness hotels, pantotherapy, apitherapy). Glubokoye District, Altai and Ridder – active recreation and ski tourism. Markakol and Zaysan – natural heritage and ecotourism. "City – Mountains – Lakes" Cluster (Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ulan and Glubokoye districts) – a year-round destination for weekend tourism. In 2025, several major tourism projects were successfully completed, including the construction of the Dostyk Hotel with a restaurant in Altai and the reconstruction of the Beibarys Hotel in Ust-Kamenogorsk. In 2026, the expansion of the Zarechye Eco-Hotel and the Primorsk recreation center is expected. In addition, the commissioning of several major tourism facilities is planned by 2028, including the Hilton Garden Inn in Ust-Kamenogorsk and the Wellness Resort health and wellness complex in Katon-Karagay District. As part of implementing the instructions of the Head of State to improve the readiness of tourism destinations, the Akimat of the East Kazakhstan Region approved the Tourism Map of the East Kazakhstan Region (Resolution No. 273 dated 30 October 2025). The document identifies 23 priority areas for infrastructure development, including 13 major recreation areas such as the Bukhtarma Reservoir shoreline, the Sibinskiye Lakes and other tourism destinations. Improvement works continue at the Arbat recreational area and the public beach on the Bukhtarma Reservoir in Altai District. Measures are being developed to enhance safety, including the installation of CCTV cameras, lifeguard towers and rescue stations. In Samar District, design and estimate documentation is being prepared for the construction of the Arbat recreational area, while power transmission lines are being built to provide electricity to tourism facilities. The number of rescue personnel is planned to increase from 2 to 7. In Ust-Kamenogorsk, improvement works are underway at the Samal and KNM beaches. The project includes the installation of the necessary infrastructure, additional gazebos, 20 CCTV cameras, renovation of sanitary facilities and replacement of beach equipment. At other municipal beaches across the region, additional shower cabins, sun loungers and safety equipment are also being planned. To improve transport accessibility, 65.4 km of roads leading to tourism destinations were repaired in 2025. In 2026, an additional 114 km of roads are scheduled for major repairs. A total of 34 sanitary and hygiene facilities currently operate along roads leading to tourism destinations, with an additional 9 facilities planned for centralized installation this year. Municipal solid waste collection and disposal services have been organized in the region's major tourism destinations. For example, in the settlement of Novaya Bukhtarma (Altai District), 45 waste containers at eight collection sites were repaired last year, and an additional 50 containers were purchased. Efforts to improve mobile communications and Internet access in tourism destinations are ongoing. Of the 33 locations included in the Tourism Map, 30 are already covered by 3G/4G mobile Internet. For remote areas, the deployment of Starlink and OneWeb satellite terminals is being considered. Their phased installation is planned to be completed by the end of the current year.
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Report of the External Relations Department for the Second Quarter of 2026
During the second quarter of 2026, the East Kazakhstan Region welcomed representatives of 23 foreign companies and delegations. These included the Chinese companies Xinjiang Jiahefeng Agricultural Supplies Co., Ltd., Sanbao, Wanjiang, Huiju, Chenzhou Xun Hui Kuangye, Hunan Junyang Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Construction Engineering Co., Ltd., Runjian Co., Ltd., Walle Reclamation, representatives of Mobile Telecom Service LLP, the Director of the Corporate Sales Department for the CIS countries, representatives of LIDER FOOD IMPORT LLC, representatives of the Asian Development Bank and KPMG, representatives of ORICA, Asia Cailin Technology LLP, Jinhong SANY Machinery, a representative of the East Kazakhstan company Success Minerals Ltd., representatives of the R.E. Alekseev Central Design Bureau for Hydrofoil Craft, representatives of Xinjiang Sanbao Trading and Industrial Corporation LLP and Wuhan Tianyuan Corporation Co., Ltd., President of the MVI TOP Medical Center Natalia Hedvat, as well as Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors of France, Georgia, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Mongolia. For each delegation, an individual programme of stay was carefully developed in advance, taking into account the purpose of the visit, the delegation's requests, and specific interests. During these visits, meetings were organized with the Akim of the East Kazakhstan Region or the relevant Deputy Akim, where prospects for bilateral cooperation and the implementation of joint projects in the fields of economy, education, culture, tourism, and investment were discussed. In addition, the guests were introduced to the economic and industrial potential of the region, social infrastructure facilities, as well as historical and cultural attractions. Particular attention was paid to the development of interregional and international cooperation and the strengthening of cultural and humanitarian ties. Official visits of delegations from the East Kazakhstan Region to the People's Republic of China (Shanghai, Altay, and Wuhan) were also organized. From 26 to 28 May 2026, the delegation of the East Kazakhstan Region, together with the leading tour operators Buqtarma, Aventura, and DriveDjeepKz, participated in the ITB China 2026 International B2B Tourism Exhibition in Shanghai. During the exhibition, the region showcased its unique natural attractions, opportunities for adventure, eco-, and event tourism, as well as new tourism routes across the Kazakh Altai. From 9 to 10 June 2026, the delegation of the East Kazakhstan Region participated in the International Subregional Conference "Our Common Home – Altai", held in Altay City of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. During the conference, the East Kazakhstan Region presented its investment potential in key sectors of the economy, including industry, agriculture, tourism, transport and logistics, energy, and forestry. Participants were introduced to promising investment projects, the region's competitive advantages, and opportunities for expanding international cooperation. In addition, B2B meetings with representatives of Chinese companies were organized within the framework of the conference. During these negotiations, opportunities for attracting investment into various sectors of the East Kazakhstan Region's economy were discussed, including manufacturing, agricultural processing, tourism, logistics, energy, and the timber processing industry. On 29 June 2026, a meeting was organized between Deputy Akim of the East Kazakhstan Region B.K. Bayakhmetov and representatives of Wuhan Tianyuan Corporation Co., Ltd. and Xinjiang Sanbao Trading and Industrial Corporation LLP. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on the implementation of a project for the construction of a municipal solid waste incineration plant with electricity generation in the East Kazakhstan Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meetings and official visits carried out during the reporting period have become an important step towards strengthening the international relations of the East Kazakhstan Region and expanding its foreign economic and humanitarian cooperation.
