Kazakhstan is rising in popularity with Kiwi travellers, and key tour operators say there’s potential for growth as the country ramps up its tourism efforts.
Last month, Air Astana, Kazakh Tourism and the five regions of Kazakhstan signed a deal to work together to strengthen Kazakhstan’s international profile including digital campaigns, participation in major international exhibitions and roadshows, famils and more. The goal, says Air Astana ceo Ibrahim Canliel, is to make Kazakhstan more accessible to international travellers and raise awareness of its cultural heritage and variety of attractions.
Intrepid gm New Zealand Simon McKearney says its 2027 Kazakhstan bookings are up 8% year-on-year.
“Premium trips are seeing particularly strong interest, making up much of that growth,” he adds.
“Around 65% of Kiwi travellers booked on Kazakhstan trips are women, with couples aged 61–70 the largest demographic, he adds.”
. . . Fastest Growing
G Adventures says Kazakhstan, alongside Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, are some of its fastest-growing destinations for Aussie and Kiwi travellers.
G’s md ANZ Sean Martin notes its bookings to the region are up 211% year-on-year, with ‘absolutely’ potential for more growth.
Martin says the majority of Kiwi travellers opt to visit the ‘five stans’ in one trip. “They offer the perfect backdrop for active exploration with stunning, uncrowded landscapes, rich history along the ancient Silk Road and opportunities to truly experience these destinations like locals do with homestays and yurts scattered throughout.” McKearney says Intrepid too has noted strong demand for combo Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan trips. “Combining the two gives travellers a great mix of Silk Road history, local culture and spectacular landscapes, from Charyn Canyon and Lake Issyk Kul to traditional yurt camps and local artisan workshops.”
. . . Expansion
G Adventures has added two new stans trips in its National Geographic Signature collection.
Intrepid has opened an office in neighbouring Uzbekistan. See more on Kazakhstan with G Adventures HERE and Intrepid HERE.
