Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and former capital, is entering a new era of transformation, leveraging its strategic location, cultural wealth, and aviation infrastructure to reposition itself as a top-tier destination for global travelers. With major developments in air connectivity, tourism offerings, cultural events, and international recognition set for 2025, Almaty is fast becoming the beating heart of Central Asia’s tourism and economic resurgence.
New Air Links: Almaty to Minsk Flight Launches in August 2025
A major milestone in Almaty’s international connectivity will take flight in August 2025, when SCAT Airlines introduces a direct Almaty–Minsk route. Operated twice weekly, the new connection will streamline travel between Kazakhstan and Belarus, promoting both tourism and bilateral business ties.
The initiative complements Almaty’s broader efforts to diversify and strengthen its international air links, targeting both underserved routes and growing demand from regional travelers. As stated by Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee, the country has made aviation development a priority within its national tourism strategy.
ICAO President Endorses Almaty Airport Modernization
Almaty’s growing aviation credibility was further affirmed by the July 2025 visit of ICAO President Salvatore Sciaccitano, who toured the city’s new airport terminal and operational facilities. His visit validated the airport’s compliance with international safety and service standards, positioning Almaty as the leading aviation hub in Central Asia.
Despite this momentum, the withdrawal of Wizz Air from its Kazakhstan–UAE routes in September 2025 introduces a challenge in the region’s low-cost connectivity to the Middle East. Nonetheless, this presents an opportunity for local carriers to step in and develop budget-friendly travel options, ensuring continued access to Gulf markets.
Long-Haul Tourism Trends and Eco-Friendly Travel
Kazakhstan’s tourism authorities are also responding to shifting global travel habits. According to data from platforms like Airbnb and Aviasales, long-haul travel from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France to Central and Southeast Asia is experiencing record growth. While Thailand and Vietnam have dominated post-pandemic travel booms, Almaty is now emerging as a new frontier for high-value, long-stay tourists seeking adventure, affordability, and authenticity.
To meet this demand, the Almaty Tourism Bureau, in partnership with Aviasales, launched a Budget Travel Guide to Almaty, offering cost-saving tips and eco-tourism suggestions. The guide highlights free attractions, from scenic hiking trails in the Ile-Alatau National Park to cultural stops like Panfilov Park and the Central State Museum.
This aligns with the city’s long-term ambition to champion sustainable, inclusive tourism, accommodating both backpackers and premium travelers alike.
Arts and Culture: A New Wave of Global Recognition
Almaty’s designation as the cultural capital of Central Asia is further bolstered by a surge in international events and artistic installations. Beginning July 14, the Almaty Bar Shift event gathered elite bartenders from around the world for a week of mixology showcases, hospitality networking, and nightlife celebrations—enhancing the city’s global entertainment credentials.
Meanwhile, the city’s burgeoning art scene reached new heights with the unveiling of a 12-meter sculpture by Jaume Plensa, a globally celebrated Spanish artist. The monumental work, installed at the new Almaty Museum of Modern Art, symbolizes the city’s cultural evolution, merging Kazakhstan’s nomadic past with contemporary global expression.
Culinary Tourism: Forbes Ranks Kazakhstan a Street Food Haven
Almaty is also tantalizing the tastebuds of international foodies. Forbes Italia recently ranked Kazakhstan among the world’s top 10 street food destinations, praising its fusion of traditional Kazakh, Soviet, and modern flavors. Local favorites like lagman, baursaki, and besbarmak are increasingly catching the attention of culinary travelers, with Almaty leading the charge as the nation’s gastronomic capital.
Global Entertainment Arrives: Backstreet Boys to Perform in September
In a major entertainment milestone, the Backstreet Boys will perform at Almaty’s Central Stadium on September 19, 2025. This concert marks the venue’s first large-scale international music event and is expected to draw thousands of visitors from across the region.
It reflects the city’s evolving reputation as a destination for global pop culture and music tourism, further diversifying Almaty’s tourism portfolio.
Sports Tourism Gathers Steam: Almaty Hosts ATP 250 Tennis Tournament
Almaty is also stepping onto the world sports stage. The city will host the ATP 250 Almaty Open, taking over from the Astana Open and attracting elite tennis players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas. This high-profile event signals Almaty’s growing status in international sports tourism, complementing its well-known mountain adventure and winter sports credentials.
Vision 2025: Almaty’s Role in Central Asia’s Tourism Future
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has made clear that Almaty is at the center of its Vision 2025 strategy for sustainable tourism development. Through increased air access, cultural diplomacy, international events, and community-based travel programs, Almaty is redefining what it means to be a modern, inclusive, and vibrant Central Asian metropolis.
As highlighted by the Kazakh Tourism National Company, Almaty is now seen not just as a gateway to the Tien Shan mountains, but as a standalone destination with global appeal.
Conclusion
With a bustling calendar of global events, major aviation investments, and growing recognition on the international travel stage, Almaty is transforming into a world-class city for culture, tourism, and connectivity. As 2025 unfolds, the city is poised to welcome a new era of growth—making now the perfect time to discover Central Asia’s most dynamic destination.
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