Kazakh PM orders to revamp national park infrastructure and ecotourism under Taza Qazaqstan initiative
Measures to promote eco-tourism were reviewed at a meeting of the Monitoring Center for the Taza Qazaqstan initiative on Wednesday, Qazinform News Agency reports via the press service of the Kazakh Government.
Kazakhstan has a vast network of 30.9 million hectares of specially protected natural areas. National parks currently offer 179 tourist routes and 42 trails. The annual visitor numbers rose from 2.4 million in 2023 to 3.7 million in 2025.
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nysanbayev, has announced ongoing eco-tourism infrastructure improvements across key national parks, backed by 16 billion tenge in investments. Upgrades are underway in Ile-Alatau, Altyn-Emel, and Charyn, where the Clean Tourism initiative is installing waste management systems, informational displays, and eco-friendly benches, alongside providing biodegradable bags to visitors.
In addition, national parks are digitizing the visitor experience by integrating online banking payments and website QR codes. Furthermore, five parks have self-funded the automation of nine checkpoints, enhancing convenience for tourists while improving revenue transparency and visitor tracking.
Prime Minister Bektenov has stressed the importance of systematically upgrading infrastructure and ensuring environmental safety to advance eco-tourism. As a rapidly expanding sector, which is projected to exceed 660 billion US dollars globally by 2034, Kazakhstan is looking to capitalize on its high potential, leveraging unique natural sites like the Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, and the Ile-Alatau and Altyn-Emel national parks.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has been ordered to tighten environmental protections and waste management in protected zones. Additionally, tourist revenues must be directed toward infrastructure development, including the upgrading of ecological trails, gazebos, and other visitor amenities in nature reserves.
It was highlighted that the head of government criticized the slow pace of arranging the necessary infrastructure on the territory of national natural parks.
Previously, Qazinform reported Kazakh PM Bektenov sets tasks to promote environmental awareness among the population.
