Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural and economic epicenter, is rapidly evolving into one of Central Asia’s most influential destinations for tourism, aviation, and cultural experiences. With a slate of major upgrades, international events, and global partnerships on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the city.
At the heart of these developments is the launch of a new direct air route between Almaty and Minsk, Belarus. Scheduled to begin in August 2025, the service by Scat Airlines will operate twice weekly, enhancing both leisure and business travel between Kazakhstan and Eastern Europe. This expansion supports Almaty’s ongoing effort to increase direct connectivity to secondary markets, which is vital for business partnerships and tourism growth.
Aviation Excellence and ICAO Endorsement
Further solidifying Almaty’s role as a regional aviation hub, Salvatore Sciaccitano, President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), recently visited Almaty International Airport to assess its newly completed terminal facilities. His visit reinforced international recognition of the airport’s safety and operational excellence, aligning with global standards.
The new terminal is part of a long-term plan to support Almaty’s growing passenger volume and international travel demand. However, not all aviation news has been positive. Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has announced it will suspend its Almaty–UAE service from September 2025. While this leaves a gap in budget-friendly Gulf connections, it presents opportunities for domestic carriers to capture this growing market by offering affordable alternatives.
Rising Long-Haul Tourism and Global Visibility
Post-pandemic travel patterns show long-haul tourism rebounding faster than expected. According to global travel data platforms like Airbnb and Euromonitor, Kazakhstan—and Almaty in particular—is seeing increased interest from travelers in the United States, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. This trend aligns with a broader rise in interest for culturally rich, underexplored destinations in Central Asia.
To make travel more accessible and sustainable, the Almaty Tourism Bureau and Aviasales have published a new budget tourism guide. The guide outlines cost-saving tips for eco-conscious travelers and features free attractions like the city’s scenic Kok-Tobe Hill, the Central State Museum, and the historic Green Bazaar. This initiative supports Almaty’s positioning as an inclusive destination open to all traveler types—from solo backpackers to high-end cultural tourists.
Cultural Landmarks and International Recognition
Cultural tourism is also booming. The Almaty Art Museum, a modern architectural marvel that opened in 2023, has just unveiled a 12-meter sculpture by world-renowned Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. This striking installation further cements Almaty’s emerging reputation as Central Asia’s contemporary art capital.
Adding to its dynamic cultural offerings, Almaty is currently hosting the global “Bar Shift” event, featuring top bartenders from New York, London, and Tokyo. These pop-up collaborations bring a cosmopolitan flair to the city’s growing nightlife scene, drawing in international tourists and hospitality professionals alike.
Moreover, Forbes Italia recently listed Kazakhstan in its top 10 street food destinations for 2025, highlighting Almaty’s blend of Soviet, nomadic, and modern culinary traditions. From samsas and lagman noodles to contemporary fusion bites, Almaty’s food scene is drawing global foodies eager for authentic and innovative flavors.
Sports and Entertainment Boosts
One of the most anticipated events of the year will take place on September 19, 2025, when the Backstreet Boys perform at Almaty’s Central Stadium. This marks the stadium’s debut as a large-scale international concert venue and is expected to attract thousands of fans from across Central Asia and beyond.
On the sports front, Almaty is set to host the ATP 250 Almaty Open, taking over from Astana’s previous tennis tournament. The event will bring tennis stars like Stefanos Tsitsipas to the city, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s commitment to becoming a destination for world-class sports tourism.
Sustainable Growth and Future Potential
While tourism and infrastructure are expanding rapidly, Almaty’s leadership remains committed to sustainability and accessibility. The upcoming Trenton Park-and-Ride and improved Island Explorer services are expected to alleviate road congestion, providing easier access to urban and natural attractions.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, tourism in Almaty increased by over 15% year-on-year in 2024, and the forecast for 2025 is even higher. Almaty is on track to welcome more than 1.5 million foreign tourists next year, with most arrivals coming from Russia, China, the EU, and the Middle East.
Conclusion: Almaty’s Ascent on the World Travel Stage
From new international air routes and upgraded airport infrastructure to immersive cultural experiences and sustainable tourism guides, Almaty is transforming into a Central Asian capital of travel. As the city welcomes large concerts, global sports events, and culinary acclaim, its reputation as a forward-looking, traveler-friendly destination is rapidly solidifying.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or connectivity, Almaty is proving it has something for everyone—and 2025 may just be the year the rest of the world fully discovers it.
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