Round table on tourism in Kazakhstan
A round table discussion at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Germany provided new momentum for German tourism in Kazakhstan.
A high-level round table on “Opportunities for tourism cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany” was held in the German capital at the end of September. The aim of the event was to deepen existing partnerships and open up new avenues for joint tourism initiatives.
Participants included Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association (DRV), Dagmar Schreiber, Kazakhstan expert and author of the well-known Kazakhstan travel guide, representatives of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW), the Association of Independent Travel Agencies (VUSR), leading German tour operators, the airlines Air Astana and SCAT Airlines, as well as representatives of the Kazakh Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the national tourism company Kazakh Tourism. We at INFOSHYMKENT were also there as Kazakhstan experts and contributed our own experiences from several years of tourist expeditions in Kazakhstan.
Strengthening the tourism bridge between the two countries
The discussion focused on the development of incoming tourism from Germany, the promotion of Kazakhstan’s tourism brand on the European market, and the implementation of joint projects in cultural, business, and eco-tourism. The participants agreed that both countries have great potential to benefit from each other and intensify mutual exchange.
In his opening speech, Nurlan Onzhanov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Germany, emphasized the importance of tourism cooperation for bilateral relations:
Tourism not only contributes to economic growth, but also builds bridges of trust, friendship, and cultural exchange between our peoples. We see Germany as a strategic partner with whom Kazakhstan is ready to open up new horizons of cooperation and develop unique offerings for tourists.
German delegation explores Kazakhstan
DRV President Norbert Fiebig reported on a recent fact-finding trip by a German delegation to Kazakhstan, during which the participants visited Astana, Almaty, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The delegation was particularly impressed by the modern infrastructure of the capital, the cultural richness of Almaty with its impressive mountain backdrop, and the visit to the legendary cosmodrome, including watching the launch of a supply spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).
During the trip, meetings were also held with Deputy Prime Minister Ermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Tourism and Sports Erbol Myrzabossynov, and the head of the Kazakh Tourism Society, Daniel Serzhanuly. An agreement was reached to hold a special Kazakhstan forum for German tourists in the fall of 2026.
Fiebig praised the organization and the open dialogue with the Kazakh side and emphasized that Kazakhstan has enormous potential for cultural and active tourism. The success of existing projects should form a solid basis for further expanding cooperation.
Impressions, experiences, and inspiration
We, INFOSHYMKENT, contributed our own travel experiences and observations from recent years to the event – both positive (infrastructure development) and critical aspects of tourism (lack of English skills among Kazakh tourism employees / destruction of the original natural environment due to rapid growth in tourism numbers) in Kazakhstan. In addition, we presented vivid book and image material that impressively showed the diversity and beauty of the Kazakh landscapes – from the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains to the endless steppes blooming with wild tulips and mysterious deep canyons. These visual impressions helped the German tourism representatives gain an even more vivid picture of Kazakhstan’s tourism potential.
Tourism representatives recognized that Kazakhstan has more to offer than just stories of German repatriates and the Baikonur Cosmodrome; it also has a rich history with fascinating travel destinations, such as the Khoja Ahmad Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkistan, the spectacular Aksu Canyon, and the picturesque steppe oasis around Lake Burabay.
However, despite all the enthusiasm for new tourism prospects, critical voices were also heard. Kazakhstan expert Dagmar Schreiber warned that the expansion of certain tourism infrastructures—especially new ski resorts in the Almaty area—must be carefully considered. Climate change is causing a global rise in temperatures, which is even more pronounced in Central Asia and thus also in Kazakhstan. This is leading to melting glaciers in the high mountains such as the Tianshan and Altai ranges, shorter winters, less snowfall and, as a result, even greater water shortages in arid Kazakhstan. This is putting increasing pressure not only on the sensitive ecosystems of Central Asia, but also on the country’s major cities. Interventions in nature, such as the construction of new ski lifts, should therefore be carefully considered.
Optimistic outlook
The event concluded with a lively exchange of views, during which concrete steps to strengthen business relations and market Kazakhstan on the German market were discussed. The participants emphasized the importance of regular meetings of this kind in order to deepen dialogue and develop joint strategies.
The event clearly showed that Kazakhstan and Germany see tourism not only as an economic factor, but also as a bridge of friendship and understanding. Both sides are optimistic about the coming years, with the aim of raising awareness of Kazakhstan among German travelers and establishing sustainable cooperation and grow.