In recent years, Kazakhstan has emerged as a favored destination among Chinese tourists, driven by favorable visa policies, convenient travel arrangements, and proactive tourism promotion efforts by domestic travel agencies, China Daily reported.
Since November, when China and Kazakhstan implemented a visa-free policy for mutual travelers, Kazakhstan has witnessed a surge in popularity among Chinese tourists. According to Liang Changhong, general manager of China CYTS Tours Holding Co's operations in Xinjiang, this policy has boosted tourism between the two countries.
Chinese and Kazakh nationals can now stay in each other's countries for up to 30 days per visit and up to 90 days within a 180-day period, facilitating easier travel for leisure, business, and other purposes.
CYTS Tours recently organized a self-drive tour from Xinjiang to Central Asian countries in mid-June, which quickly garnered over 40 participants nationwide. This 16-day journey commenced from the historic Horgos land port on the ancient Silk Road, passing through Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, offering travelers a rich cultural experience in Central Asia.
"Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asian region are currently experiencing peak tourism seasons, expected to extend through the summer," noted Liang, highlighting the growing interest and demand among Chinese travelers.
Li Mengran, marketing manager at Utour, a Beijing-based travel agency, echoed these sentiments, attributing the rising interest in Central Asia to the recovery of China's outbound travel market in 2023 and enhanced visibility following the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. "Our Central Asia tours from June to September have seen robust bookings, with hundreds of tourists exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of the five Central Asian countries," Li mentioned.
The launch of Kazakhstan Tourism Year in Beijing further bolstered interest, introducing Chinese travelers to Kazakhstan's allure through tailored experiences and premium accommodations.
"Our 23-day tours to the region have received positive feedback, emphasizing local cultural performances and unique hospitality," Li added, underscoring the comprehensive appeal of Central Asian destinations.
As bilateral travel continues to strengthen, direct flight connections between China and Central Asia have expanded since 2023, complementing existing routes from major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Urumqi, and Hangzhou to key destinations like Almaty and Astana.
Zhang Jun, an officer at the Horgos border checkpoint, noted the increasing flow of outbound travelers choosing Kazakhstan, citing the purchase of Chinese goods by foreign travelers passing through the checkpoint as a testament to cultural exchange and growing tourism ties.
In 2023, Chinese tourist arrivals in Kazakhstan surged tenfold to 367,000, a trend expected to continue with projections nearing 500,000 this year, according to Kairat Sadvakassov, chairman of Kazakh Tourism National Co.
"Kazakhstan's appeal lies not only in its friendly visa policies but also its strategic role in the Belt and Road Initiative," Sadvakassov emphasized, promoting diverse tourism opportunities from space tourism to culinary experiences throughout the year.
Looking ahead, Kazakhstan plans to enhance cross-border tourism initiatives, including an off-road expedition from Urumqi through Kazakhstan's southeastern regions to Astana, aiming to further enrich the travel experience for Chinese visitors.
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