Kazakhstan’s tourism sector could gain new digital, environmental and connectivity opportunities through proposals presented by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
Tokayev proposed establishing a BRICS Plus Partnership for Artificial Intelligence, bringing national AI centres, research institutions and specialists into a collaborative network. He also advanced Kazakhstan’s call for a United Nations-backed International Water Organization.
Cooperation on transport, logistics and supply chains formed another important part of the wider BRICS discussions. Together, these areas could influence how Kazakhstan develops smart destinations, protects natural attractions and connects with international visitor markets.
The initiatives are not dedicated tourism programmes. However, their technology, sustainability and transport goals could support Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a stronger Central Asian destination.
Kazakhstan has participated as a BRICS partner country since January 1, 2025. This status gives it access to wider discussions involving emerging economies and major outbound travel markets.
Artificial Intelligence Could Improve Visitor Journeys
A BRICS Plus AI partnership could connect Kazakhstan’s national technology ecosystem with research and innovation networks across participating countries.
Tourism authorities could eventually use this knowledge to analyse visitor demand, improve destination marketing and identify travel trends. AI-powered platforms could also provide personalised itineraries and multilingual assistance.
Such services would be valuable in a geographically vast country where attractions are spread across distant regions. International travellers may need support with transport, accommodation, weather conditions and local services when planning multi-destination itineraries.
Digital tools could connect visitors with Almaty’s mountains, Astana’s architecture, Turkistan’s heritage and the landscapes of Charyn Canyon. They could also promote the Kolsai Lakes and Mangystau to travellers who may know little about Kazakhstan beyond its largest cities.
However, successful smart tourism requires accurate information, dependable connectivity and clear data-protection standards. Cooperation should therefore support public infrastructure as well as consumer-facing applications.
Remote Destinations Could Gain Visibility
Artificial intelligence could give smaller tourism businesses and rural communities stronger access to international markets.
Digital translation, automated visitor support and personalised recommendations can help travellers discover guesthouses, guides and cultural experiences beyond established tourism centres. This could distribute spending across more communities.
Adventure operators may also benefit from mapping tools, weather analysis and improved safety communications. These applications could make mountain, canyon and desert journeys easier to plan without removing the need for qualified local guides.
For hotels, AI can support guest communication, demand forecasting and recommendations. Cultural institutions could use digital interpretation to present Silk Road history and nomadic traditions in multiple languages.
The result could be a more connected tourism system combining modern technology with Kazakhstan’s distinctive heritage.
Water Cooperation Supports Nature Tourism
Tokayev has promoted an International Water Organization as a specialised global body that could coordinate currently fragmented work on water governance.
Responsible water management is particularly relevant to Kazakhstan. Lakes, rivers, wetlands and Caspian coastal areas support local communities, biodiversity and tourism.
Lake Balkhash, mountain lakes near Almaty and the Caspian shoreline all depend on healthy ecosystems. Poor water management could weaken their long-term tourism value, while coordinated protection may support outdoor recreation and nature-based accommodation.
The proposed organisation has not yet become an operational tourism mechanism. Nevertheless, stronger international water cooperation could inform conservation, resort planning and climate resilience.
Visitors increasingly consider environmental responsibility when choosing outdoor destinations. Protecting water resources could therefore help Kazakhstan build credibility among eco-conscious travellers.
Logistics Cooperation Could Expand Visitor Access
Transport connectivity remains one of the most important requirements for Kazakhstan’s tourism growth.
The country occupies a strategic position between Europe and Asia. Stronger logistics corridors, air routes and railway links could make it easier to include Kazakhstan in regional itineraries.
BRICS cooperation may strengthen economic and transport relationships with markets including China, India and Russia. Better connectivity could also support visitor flows from the Gulf and other parts of Asia.
The tourism benefit would depend on practical outcomes such as convenient schedules, efficient border procedures and reliable links between gateways and attractions.
Improved transport could support Silk Road journeys covering several Central Asian countries. It may also encourage travellers to combine city stays with nature, adventure and cultural experiences inside Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan Builds A Distinctive Tourism Identity
Technology and connectivity can expand tourism only when they support compelling destinations.
Kazakhstan offers opportunities across heritage tourism, trekking, winter sports, wellness, cultural discovery and premium nature travel. Its size and varied landscapes provide an advantage for travellers seeking less crowded experiences.
BRICS visibility may also attract investment in hotels, visitor facilities, transport and digital services. However, development must protect natural environments and ensure that local communities share the economic benefits.
Tokayev’s proposals create a framework through which artificial intelligence, water cooperation and resilient transport networks could support tourism over time.
Kazakhstan now has an opportunity to connect these international discussions with practical destination policy. If implemented carefully, smarter services, protected ecosystems and stronger access could position the country as one of Central Asia’s most competitive and sustainable travel markets.
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