On September 26, 2026, the large-scale TourEast ALTAI festival dedicated to World Tourism Day was successfully held at the Levoberezhny Complex (Ethnopark) in Ust-Kamenogorsk. World Tourism Day is an occasion that brings together people from different countries and cultures, opens new opportunities for cooperation, and promotes mutual understanding and respect.

As in the previous year, the festival retained its international character. Foreign guests from 17 countries took part in the celebrations, including participants of the international Coordination Council “Our Common Home – Altai” and the CDIO Asian Regional Meeting 2026 on engineering education.

As part of the programme, international guests visited the unique ethnovillage featuring traditional houses and cultural spaces representing the ethnic groups living in East Kazakhstan. Representatives of ethnic and cultural associations warmly welcomed the guests with national songs and traditional cuisine. Participants of the international Coordination Council “Our Common Home – Altai” also took part in a commemorative tree-planting ceremony.

At the large-scale tourism exhibition, tour operators and tourism businesses presented the rich potential of East Kazakhstan, its natural attractions, cultural heritage and modern opportunities for tourism development.

Tourism companies Voyazh, Altay-Pro.kz, Drivejeepkz and KatonKaragay Tour presented their products and services, along with Adventure VKO, which organizes helicopter tours across East Kazakhstan, BELALEX, which offers river cruises, and the MEDOVAYA MARKA brand.

The region’s hospitality infrastructure was represented by the Chyornaya Uba eco-settlement tourist base, Taezhny Domik in Vasilyevo, Zarechye Park Hotel, Hayat Hospitality Management, Altai Mountains Resort, Melada Resort and Forest Hills.

The natural wealth of the region was showcased by the West Altai and Markakol State Nature Reserves, as well as Katon-Karagay State National Nature Park. The exhibition also featured Artex, the East Kazakhstan Tourism Information Centre, the Tourism and Investment Centres of Samar and Ulken Naryn districts, as well as international partners — the Altai Krai Tourism Information Centre of the Russian Federation and representatives of Khovd Province, Mongolia.

East Kazakhstan Region ranks second in Kazakhstan by the number of accommodation facilities. The region currently has 447 accommodation facilities with a total capacity of around 22,000 beds. In 2025, accommodation facilities provided services worth KZT 10 billion, representing a 24% increase. In the first half of 2026, the volume reached KZT 5.2 billion.

Investment in fixed capital in the tourism sector amounted to KZT 21.6 billion in 2025, an increase of 45%. In the first half of 2026, investment amounted to KZT 9.5 billion.

Today, the region has 42 unique tourist routes, including 24 ecological routes.

Particular attention was paid to the festival’s business programme. Experts at the dialogue platform discussed key issues facing the industry, including international exchange of experience, improvement of legislation, the introduction of new platforms to improve the quality and efficiency of services, and government support measures for tourism businesses.

The discussions also focused on attracting investment into fixed capital and implementing projects such as ski resorts, five-star hotels, wellness hotels and pantotherapy centres.

The official awards ceremony became the highlight of the celebration. The organizers congratulated a large team of tour operators and representatives of tourism facilities whose coordinated efforts contribute to the continued development of tourism in the region.

Winners of the regional competition in specialized categories were announced, while certificates of appreciation were presented for significant contributions to tourism development.

Awards were presented both to current tourism businesses and to industry veterans who made a significant contribution to the development and establishment of tourism in East Kazakhstan.

Tourism in the region has a rich history. The first tourism organization, the Excursion Bureau, was established here in 1961. By 1988, the development of club tourism had reached such a scale that the Vostok tourism club in Ust-Kamenogorsk coordinated the work of 19 tourist clubs and 176 sections across the region, with a total of 32,000 people involved.

A variety of thematic areas were available for residents and visitors throughout the day. The “City of Crafts” offered traditional handicraft workshops, while the “Active Recreation” zone featured camping and orienteering lessons. Children could take part in the “Young Tourist” obstacle course, while the “Oasis of Harmony” hosted yoga sessions.

Guests also enjoyed a craft fair, tastings of East Kazakhstan’s branded products, tourist activities throughout the park and prize draws.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/tourism-vko/press/news/details/1299808?lang=ru