Issues related to the development of the tourism industry, improvement of infrastructure and enhancement of the international tourism potential of the Mangystau Region were discussed today on the “Expert Opinion” program on the Mangystau TV channel.

The program featured Gulsim Zharyieva, a representative of the Mangystau Regional Tourism Department; Erzhan Nagmanov, Director of Mangystau Tour 999 LLP and an inbound and domestic tourism operator; and Asiya Lukmanova, an inbound and domestic tourism operator at Asia Service IE.

According to industry representatives, tourists are primarily attracted to the Mangystau Region by Bozzhyra, Sherkala, Tuzbair and other natural attractions, the Caspian Sea, desert landscapes, as well as the region’s historical and cultural heritage. The uniqueness of its natural sites is helping Mangystau become a popular tourist destination not only in Kazakhstan but also internationally.

The growth in tourist numbers is also supported by improved transport accessibility. Currently, flights are operated from Aktau International Airport to 10 domestic and 15 international destinations. In 2025–2026, new routes to Urumqi, Gorgan and Batumi were launched. In addition, the development of rail and road connections, the reconstruction of railway stations, the construction of a new bus station and improvements to roads leading to tourist sites are underway.

The tourism industry is also showing positive economic growth. According to data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2025, the volume of services provided by accommodation facilities amounted to 20.6 billion tenge, an 11% increase compared with 2024.

At the same time, experts identified several issues affecting the development of tourism. These include the condition of roads leading to tourist sites, the quality of infrastructure and services, a shortage of qualified personnel, as well as the need to regulate anthropogenic pressure on natural areas.

One of the key projects in this area is the development of the Kenderli resort area and the construction of a new airport. The current completion level of the airport stands at 35%.

Projects aimed at developing tourism infrastructure are also being implemented. In 2024–2025, more than 6.5 billion tenge in investment was attracted to the industry, and seven projects were implemented. In 2026, three more projects with a total value of 510 million tenge are being implemented, creating 40 permanent jobs.

According to experts, the main task for Mangystau is not only to increase the number of tourists, but also to create high-quality services and comfortable infrastructure while preserving natural and historical sites. It is also important to make the region an attractive tourist destination throughout the year, rather than only during the tourist season.

To increase Mangystau’s international visibility, press tours are organized for foreign media, bloggers and tour operators, along with international events and various media projects. Filming of international projects, including Netflix productions, also contributes to promoting the region’s tourism potential to a wider audience.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mangystau-tourism/press/news/details/1271857?lang=ru