Visitor flow from five arab countries increases by 62%
Kazakhstan is actively strengthening its presence in the Middle Eastern tourism market. Around 30 representatives of the country's tourism industry are showcasing Kazakhstan at the international exhibition Arabian Travel Market, which kicked off today in Dubai.
The Kazakhstani pavilion places special emphasis on tourism offerings related to Almaty, Astana, and Baikonur. On a 73.5 sq. m. exhibition space, a wide range of opportunities is presented to international visitors and residents of the Gulf countries — from cultural and gastronomic routes to scientific and educational tours. The exhibition enables Kazakhstani companies to present their tourism products and expand business connections with foreign tour operators, representatives of the tourism industry, and airline partners.
«We are seeing the results of our efforts in the Middle Eastern direction. According to the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2024, the number of visitors from five Arab countries increased by 62%. The flow of guests from Oman grew by 80%, exceeding 15,000 people. From the UAE, 14,700 people visited last year — a 40% increase compared to 2023. More than 9,000 guests from Saudi Arabia visited Kazakhstan, marking a 47% growth. The number of travelers from Qatar increased by 1.5 times, while the number from Bahrain nearly quadrupled compared to 2022. According to Google Analytics data, the UAE ranks in the top 10 countries for search queries such as ‘Kazakhstan accommodation’ and ‘Flights to Kazakhstan’ over the past 90 days. The introduction of a 30-day visa-free regime for UAE residents who are citizens of other countries — currently under consideration — will undoubtedly contribute to further growth in tourist traffic»,- emphasized Daniyar Serzhanuly, deputy chairman of the Board of Kazakh Tourism.
A visa-free regime for UAE citizens, direct flights between major cities of both countries, and participation in strategic international platforms all help strengthen Kazakhstan’s image as an attractive travel destination.
It is worth noting that in 2023, Kazakhstan was recognized as a trending destination for Middle Eastern travelers by TravelScapes. This year, Kazakhstan has become one of the popular destinations for tourists from Arab countries during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Background: The Arabian Travel Market exhibition is one of the most important events in the global tourism industry. The 32nd edition of the exhibition is themed «Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship». This year, more than 2,800 companies from around the world are presenting their tourism products. The event is expected to attract 55,000 visitors from 161 countries. The exhibition will run until May 1.
