The international tourism forum Kazakhstan Travel Forum SAYAKHAT 2026 was held in Astana. The three-day event, themed “Risk-Free Tourism,” brought together representatives of government agencies, the tourism industry, airlines and the hospitality sector to discuss the safe development of tourism, the protection of travellers’ rights and stronger international cooperation.

The forum welcomed tourism professionals and international partners alongside representatives of government agencies, airlines and the hotel industry. On September 17, participants took part in a familiarisation programme showcasing the capital’s tourism infrastructure, including a sightseeing tour of Astana and an information tour of the city’s hotels. The forum’s main business programme took place at the EXPO International Exhibition Centre.

The programme featured panel discussions and expert sessions, B2B meetings, presentations of tourism products, an international exhibition and agreement-signing ceremonies. Exhibitors included major Kazakhstani tour operators, travel agencies from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and other countries, airlines, representatives of national tourism authorities, international hospitality companies, industry associations and destination management companies (DMCs).

During four panel sessions, industry experts exchanged views on establishing mutual guarantees in tourism services, developing cross-border cooperation, improving collaboration between tour operators and travel agencies, and building travellers’ trust through responsible tourism. Discussions also covered preventing and addressing unfair practices in the industry, experience-driven urban planning and event tourism.

Several agreements and memoranda were signed during the forum, and new tourism products and international travel destinations were presented. The winners of the Best Tourism Village 2026 competition were also recognised.

According to Kymbat Maratova, PR Specialist at Astana RedBus Tour, more than two million tourists have used the company’s services over the two years since 2024. The company organises sightseeing tours of Astana and trips to Burabay.

“We operate throughout the year, although the three summer months are our busiest period. Tourists from different regions of Kazakhstan also visit us in winter and spring. The most popular attractions in Astana include the National Museum, the Baiterek Monument and the older part of the city on the right bank of the river. Many visitors also want to explore Republic Avenue. On average, we organise excursions for more than 100,000 tourists a year.

“This year, we launched a new project called ‘Astana by Night’. The tour starts at 8:00 p.m. and has proved very popular, as residents of the capital can join after work.

“Our audio guide provides information in eight languages. We have updated it to reflect the closure of certain attractions. We operate five bus tours daily between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

“Tickets cost KZT 6,000 for adults and KZT 3,000 for pensioners, large families, children and people with Group II or III disabilities. Tours are free for journalists, people over the age of 75, people with Group I disabilities and those accompanying them,” she said.

In 2025, the number of tourists visiting Astana increased by 7% compared with 2024, reaching 1,604,825. This included 380,301 international visitors and 1,224,524 domestic tourists. Russia, China, Türkiye, Germany and the United States were the five leading countries of origin for international visitors to the capital.

Astana has 317 hotels and other accommodation facilities, with a combined capacity to accommodate more than 18,000 guests at a time.

Rauan Akhmetov, a representative of Astana Tourism LLP, spoke about the information services available to visitors.

“We work to develop tourism in Astana and have several departments dedicated to this area. Information about the capital’s tourist attractions is available on our social media pages. We have also opened two tourist information kiosks: one at the airport and another near the Baiterek Monument.

“Visitors can obtain free brochures and tourist maps in Kazakh, Russian, English and Chinese. These provide information about the city’s attractions, hotels, public transport routes and other useful services.

“Since the beginning of the year, we have assisted more than 10,000 tourists, over 70% of whom were international visitors. Many came from Russia, Germany and China. Overall, we serve around 20,000 tourists annually.

“International visitors are particularly interested in the Grand Mosque, the Baiterek Monument, the National Museum and the museum at Nurly Zhol railway station,” Akhmetov said.

On September 19, the forum continued in Astana’s Central Park with a citywide celebration under the theme “Tourism Is Everyone’s Business.” Residents and visitors enjoyed a running event, a gastronomic festival, sports and family activities, and a cultural programme.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/astana-uir/press/news/details/1295834?lang=ru