Kairat Sadvakasov steps down as Chairman of the Management Board of NC «Kazakh Tourism» JSC
Following a meeting of the Board of Directors of NC «Kazakh Tourism» JSC, Kairat Sadvakasov has stepped down from his position as Chairman of the Management Board. Daniel Serzhanuly, who has served as Deputy Chairman of the Management Board since January 2024, has been appointed as Acting Head of the national company.
Kairat Sadvakasov was among the founding figures of the national company. During various stages of its development, he served as Deputy Chairman overseeing key areas such as marketing, digitalization, investment, and regional development. During his tenure as Chairman, he significantly strengthened Kazakhstan’s international positioning as an emerging tourism destination.
In 2024, Kazakhstan welcomed a record number of international visitors — 15.3 million. The country was featured in prestigious travel rankings by The New York Times, Wanderlust, Condé Nast Traveler, and Lonely Planet as one of the top places to visit. Surpassing previously set goals, Kazakhstan also ranked 52nd in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index.
Special focus was placed on the Chinese market. The Year of Kazakh Tourism in China was successfully conducted, resulting in a twofold increase in tourist arrivals from China — reaching 657,000 visitors.
Among the key initiatives was the preparation of a number of legislative changes concerning agritourism and hotel classification, which are currently under discussion in the Parliament.
From a regional perspective, Development Plans were prepared for priority destinations identified by the Head of State. Additionally, a vision for the development of space tourism at the Baikonur complex and for ecotourism in East Kazakhstan’s natural gem — the Katon-Karagai district — has been introduced.
Kairat Sadvakasov will continue his professional journey in the tourism sector within the private sphere.
