Almaty Leads Kazakhstan’s Hiking Ecotourism Boom: A New Era of Sustainable Travel

Almaty, the heart of Kazakhstan’s tourism sector, is now leading the country’s ecotourism growth, especially in hiking and trekking. Recent reports from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports highlight a 40% surge in ecotourism over just two years, with nearly 2.8 million visitors in 2024. This surge signals a new era for sustainable tourism in Kazakhstan, where Almaty’s beautiful landscapes, mountain ranges, and outdoor adventures are setting the stage for increased global attention.

Almaty, along with its stunning surrounding regions, is positioning itself as the prime destination for nature lovers and eco-conscious travelers. The city’s rapid development and investment in sustainable tourism projects will support the continued growth of this sector, bringing prosperity to both local businesses and travelers alike.

Growing Popularity of Ecotourism in Almaty

The city of Almaty has long been known for its picturesque scenery, but now it’s gaining recognition as a hub for ecotourism, thanks to both government support and private investments. Over the past few years, tourism services in the city and the Almaty Region have seen significant growth. In the first half of 2024 alone, revenues reached 47.1 billion tenge (US$86.1 million), with projections of reaching 56.5 billion tenge (US$103 million) by 2025.

This growth is driven by efforts to promote hiking and trekking as key attractions. The breathtaking landscapes of the Almaty region, including its towering mountains, lush valleys, and expansive nature reserves, offer ideal terrain for both seasoned trekkers and beginners alike.

A Boost for Local Communities and Global Visitors

With hiking and ecotourism becoming more popular, Almaty’s economy is reaping the rewards. Local businesses—ranging from tour companies to hotels and cafes—are benefiting from the influx of tourists eager to experience the region’s natural beauty. The government’s commitment to infrastructure improvements, such as road upgrades and the development of modern hiking trails, will make it even easier for visitors to enjoy the area’s untouched landscapes.

Almaty’s role as a key ecotourism destination is not just good for travelers; it’s also great news for local communities. The demand for hiking tours and nature-based experiences is creating new jobs and driving investment in sustainable travel options. With these investments, Almaty is becoming a model for other regions looking to capitalize on the growing ecotourism market.

Global Trends: How Kazakhstan Can Follow in Their Footsteps

Almaty isn’t alone in seeing the benefits of ecotourism. Successful examples from around the world, like Turkey’s Lycian Way and Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, prove that sustainable tourism can offer both economic growth and environmental preservation. These trails attract thousands of visitors each year and offer a blueprint for Kazakhstan to follow.

The Lycian Way in Turkey, for example, draws about 30,000 foreign visitors annually. With proper infrastructure, it has become a thriving eco-tourism route that blends historical sites with natural beauty. Similarly, Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, which welcomes up to 100,000 hikers yearly, focuses on safety and sustainability, ensuring visitors have an enriching, low-impact experience.

With its incredible potential, Kazakhstan’s hiking routes could follow this global trend, attracting tourists eager to explore untouched nature and unique cultural sites while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Almaty’s New Tourism Projects: The Green Future

Almaty’s future in hiking ecotourism looks even brighter thanks to new initiatives backed by the government. One of the most exciting developments is the construction of Alatau City. The “city of the future” aims to become a key tourism hub, featuring a Green District with year-round family resorts, hiking facilities, and modern amenities that cater to both international tourists and locals.

Under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership, the city’s tourism infrastructure is growing rapidly. Tokayev emphasized the importance of developing mountain and ski tourism, and with projects like Alatau City, the region is quickly becoming a must-visit destination. This strategic focus on sustainable tourism could draw millions of new visitors to Almaty in the years ahead.

Economic and Employment Benefits of Ecotourism

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with other government agencies, is projecting strong growth in the ecotourism sector. The Comprehensive Tourism Development Plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster (2025–2029) envisions foreign tourist arrivals rising from 680,000 to 1.8 million over the next few years. This influx of visitors will be supported by investments reaching 196.3 billion tenge (US$358 million), further fueling economic development in the region.

Nationally, the Tourism Industry Development Concept (2023–2029) forecasts an annual tourism investment increase to 260 billion tenge (US$475 million) by 2029. These investments will help create up to 800,000 new jobs across Kazakhstan, making ecotourism a significant contributor to the country’s economy.

Kazakhstan’s Commitment to Sustainable Travel

As a country, Kazakhstan has officially embraced ecotourism principles, marking a historic step in the development of sustainable tourism. With government-backed projects and the steady rise of hiking tourism, the future is bright for both the local economy and the global travelers who seek authentic, eco-friendly experiences.

The adoption of ecotourism principles will likely inspire more travelers to visit Kazakhstan, drawn by the country’s natural beauty and its commitment to preserving the environment. As ecotourism grows, Kazakhstan’s hiking trails will continue to be a draw for those seeking adventure and sustainability.

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