The 'Kazakhstan Tourism Roadshow,' co-hosted by the Kazakhstan Tourism Board and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Korea, was successfully held on June 4th at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul. This roadshow was organized to actively promote Kazakhstan's attractive tourism resources and high growth potential in Korea, and to deepen tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Approximately 150 representatives from major Korean travel agencies and airlines, government organizations, tourism experts, and media from both countries attended the event, showing keen interest in Kazakhstan tourism. From the Kazakh side, 10 organizations and companies, including the Tourism Board, Almaty City Tourism Authority, national airlines Air Astana and Scat Airlines, and the popular winter sports resort Shymbulak, participated, presenting a diverse range of tourism products and cooperation plans.
Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Korea, emphasized Kazakhstan's robust economic growth and record-high foreign direct investment inflow in his welcoming speech, highlighting the country's positive socio-economic development trends. Ambassador Arystanov specifically noted that the tourism industry is rapidly growing with the full support of the national leadership, and that the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry has significant potential. He cited the successful 'Astana International Forum' held in May, which was attended by Ban Ki-moon, the 8th UN Secretary-General, to highlight Kazakhstan's international standing and MICE hosting capabilities.
Kazakhstan continues to emerge as an attractive destination for Korean tourists. In 2024, the number of Korean visitors to Kazakhstan reached 40,180, an increase of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Notably, the number of Korean tourists utilizing accommodation facilities also increased by 12% to 26,861, indicating a substantial expansion in actual tourism demand. This increase in tourists is largely attributed to the visa-free agreement between the two countries, and the increase in direct flights between major cities like Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent to 17 times a week has also contributed to improved accessibility. Furthermore, active promotional activities conducted within Korea are also evaluated as having been effective.
Located in the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan boasts a unique charm where Eastern and Western cultures coexist. It offers diverse natural landscapes, including vast steppes, the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains, lush forests, and mysterious lakes, providing an environment for various activities such as trekking, horseback riding, and skiing. Moreover, the harmonious blend of Silk Road historical heritage and modern cities offers visitors a special experience. Almaty, in particular, is known as the 'Paris of Central Asia' for its beautiful natural scenery and sophisticated urban culture, making it a highly popular destination for tourists.
Meanwhile, the Almaty City Tourism Authority and Kazakh travel agencies also participated in the '2025 Seoul International Tourism Fair (SITF 2025)' held at COEX during the same period, operating a separate national pavilion. There, Kazakhstan actively promoted its diverse tourism products and cultural content to the Korean public and travel industry professionals. Through this roadshow and exhibition participation, Kazakhstan is expected to further strengthen its position in the Korean market and continue its efforts to attract Korean tourists in the post-pandemic recovery of the tourism market.
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