Mangystau International Tourism Forum Kicks Off in Kazakhstan's Aktau, Showcasing Regional Potential

The Mangystau International Tourism Forum has officially opened in Kazakhstan's Aktau city, bringing together experts from OECD countries as well as Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to highlight the region’s tourism potential.

During the event, Mangystau Governor Nurdaulet Kilybay underscored the importance of ongoing infrastructure development as a catalyst for expanding tourism, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

He emphasized that Mangystau is not only an oil and gas region but also home to unique natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Kilybay highlighted the region’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for tourism while preserving the traditions of the Kazakh steppe and national customs.

The recently approved Mangystau Development Plan for 2025-2029 includes 100 major events and projects with total investments approaching 401 billion tenge. Since 2024, the region has attracted over 4.1 trillion tenge in investments. In the same year, Mangystau welcomed more than 460,000 tourists, including 43,000 international visitors.

Looking forward, Governor Kilybay announced plans to initiate 133 new projects worth around 400 billion tenge, aimed at further boosting the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Almaty’s hotels reported tourism revenues of 50.1 billion tenge in the first half of 2025, reflecting Kazakhstan’s growing appeal as a travel destination.