Deputy PM and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva highlighted the importance of the Almaty Superski project for the development of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, taking into account modern requirements for safety, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure quality, El.kz reports citing the press service of the Kazakh government.
Aida Balayeva stressed that tourism is becoming one of the strategically important sectors of the economy, influencing employment, the development of SMEs, investment, service quality, and the country’s international image. In 2024, Kazakhstan welcomed 15.3 million visitors, while the number of domestic tourists reached 10.5 mln people. These figures demonstrate that tourism is becoming a real driver of economic growth and one of the tools for promoting the country globally.
Nature, eco and mountain tourism have attracted particular interest in recent years. In 2024 alone, Kazakhstan’s national parks were visited by 2.8 million people, which is 18% more compared to 2023.
At the same time, the growing tourist flow without modern and timely infrastructure leads to uncontrolled tourism, increases pressure on nature, and creates risks to people’s safety. Tourism is a comprehensive sector where the economy, culture, security, and business intersect. The development of ski tourism requires a new approach and a more modern vision for the Almaty mountain cluster.
In this regard, the Almaty Superski project should be viewed as part of a large-scale initiative for the development of Almaty and Kazakhstan’s tourism industry as a whole.
“Speaking about the development of ski tourism, the President emphasized the need for a new vision for the Almaty mountain cluster. It is in this context that the Almaty Superski project should be considered. This is not merely a matter of building separate infrastructure. It is a discussion about the future of Almaty, the development of Kazakhstan’s entire tourism industry, access to the mountains for citizens, people’s safety, and a responsible attitude toward the unique nature of the Zailiyskiy Alatau,” the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information emphasized.
The significance of the Almaty Superski project goes beyond one city and will help strengthen Kazakhstan’s international image as a modern, open, and competitive tourist destination.
“Today, development and environmental protection cannot be opposed to one another. A responsible state must protect nature, create infrastructure, ensure people’s safety, and open new opportunities for citizens. Almaty Superski should become an example of how Kazakhstan can responsibly, safely, and carefully unlock the potential of its unique natural resources for the benefit of society, the country, and future generations,” Minister of Culture and Information noted.
Aida Balayeva stated that modern infrastructure should reduce pressure on nature through regulations, limits, well-designed routes, environmental monitoring, and a culture of responsible behavior.
She separately emphasized that the Kok-Zhailau lands are not being removed from the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park and will retain their status as a specially protected natural area. The project also does not include the construction of private cottages or villas. Its implementation will only be permitted under strict compliance with environmental requirements, scientific supervision, public oversight, and personal responsibility of contractors.
In addition, Almaty Superski could expand opportunities for mountain access for various groups of citizens, including families with children, elderly people, and visitors with limited mobility. This requires cable cars, safe routes, visitor centers, observation decks, and basic sanitary infrastructure. According to Aida Balayeva, the project should function as public infrastructure rather than a closed resort. A connected system Medeu, Shymbulak, Kok-Zhailau, and Kumbel would also help distribute tourist flows and reduce pressure on Shymbulak.
“It is important for us to hear all opinions from residents, environmentalists, experts, and representatives of civil society. However, the discussion must be based on facts, scientific expertise, and an understanding of the long-term interests of Almaty and the entire country,” the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information stressed.
The development of the Almaty mountain cluster is only possible with full compliance with the law, preservation of the area’s environmental protection status, transparency in decision-making, and adherence to environmental requirements. The Almaty Superski project should be implemented as regulated infrastructure with clear rules, oversight, and consideration of public interests.
