Burabay resort announces major changes for 2026
EL.KZ Информационно-познавательный портал
According to the results of 2025, main Kazakhstani resort Burabay set a record for visitor numbers. Tourist flows continue to grow by an average of 10–15 percent annually. As Sergey Bykov, Director of the SNNP “Burabay” notes this trend both confirms the resort’s attractiveness and increases pressure on nature, El.kz reports.
“Our key task now is to ensure that popularity does not destroy Burabay’s natural foundation,” the park director emphasized.
Therefore all decisions made in 2025 were based on scientific research and aimed at systematic management, strengthened control, and infrastructure modernization.
Results of 2025 and a foundation for future
Last year is described as fundamentally important for the park. According to Sergey Bykov, full execution of the budget and development plans was achieved. New observation decks appeared in the Borovskoye Forestry area, opening new attractions for tourists while reducing recreational pressure on the most vulnerable zones.
Digitalization as basis of management
Managing such a territory without digital solutions is no longer possible, the park director emphasizes. In 2025, automated monitoring stations were installed on Lake Shchuchye, improving data accuracy and safety levels.
“This made it possible to reduce response time and increase the detection of violations by 15 percent,” Sergey Bykov noted.
In 2026, the park plans to launch an interactive digital map, expand the video surveillance system, and introduce automated management of infrastructure facilities.
Tourist behavior culture
One of the most critical issues for Burabay is waste. In 2025, about 4,900 cubic meters of garbage were removed from the resort area, with 3,100 cubic meters collected by the national park itself. On average, each visitor accounts for 2.2 kilograms of waste.
“The waste problem is not only about cleaning—it’s about behavioral culture,” the director stressed.
The park is focusing on the development of ecotourism and fostering a responsible attitude toward nature through educational and informative formats.
Balancing tourism and nature
At SNNP “Burabay”, tourism development and nature conservation are not viewed as opposing goals. According to Sergey Bykov, the key task is to channel tourist interest into a controlled framework.
“Tourism development should work for nature conservation, not the other way around,” he said, citing the gamified eco-trail “Bolektau,” new routes, and observation decks as examples.
Key decisions for 2026
The 2026 strategy is built around comprehensive preservation and restoration of ecosystems. One of the central measures will be the phased restriction of vehicle access, with the creation of park-and-ride parking areas and the redistribution of tourist flows to alternative locations .
“The phased restriction of vehicle access is not a ban, but a global standard for managing specially protected natural areas,” Sergey Bykov emphasized.
In 2026, Lake Borovoye is set to be stocked with grass carp larvae as part of biological water purification. Scientific thinning will also be carried out at 40 test sites, and tourist trails will be equipped with wooden boardwalks to protect soil and tree root systems.
Burabay’s long term mission
In the long term, the national park aims to become a model natural site of global significance. According to Sergey Bykov, the implementation of 2026 measures should lead to reduced anthropogenic pressure and stabilization of forest and water ecosystems.
“We want Burabay to be preserved not only as a resort, but as a living, sustainable ecosystem that future generations can be proud of,” Sergey Bykov emphasized.
Government Plans and Investment
Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabossynov previously noted that implementation of the Comprehensive Plan would attract over 22 bln tenge in private investment, increase inbound tourism, and boost employment in the sector. The document includes 118 measures covering infrastructure development, digitalization, and environmental initiatives.
Official data show that nearly a mln of tourists visited Burabay last year, with about 350,000 using accommodation facilities - 14 percent more than in 2022. This dynamic, according to the relevant authorities, confirms sustained growth in interest in the resort and the effectiveness of support measures already implemented.
Yerbol Myrzabossynov emphasized that Burabay maintains its status as one of the country’s most attractive tourist destinations thanks to its combination of natural and cultural potential.
“The state is systematically working on the region’s development. Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan will increase the number of inbound tourists, raise employment in the sector, and attract more than 22 billion tenge in private investment,” the minister noted.
Comprehensive plan as basis for long term development
The expected results of the Comprehensive Plan reflect the scale of the objectives. By 2029, inbound tourism is projected to nearly triple - from 35,000 to 94,000 people. As early as 2026, this figure is expected to exceed 53,000. At the same time, employment in tourism is projected to grow from 22,000 to 32,500 people, while private investment is expected to increase from 12.2 to 22.7 bln tenge.
The Comprehensive Plan contains a large-scale modernization of tourist and service infrastructure. Entry into the Shchuchinsk–Borovoye resort area is to be strengthened through the construction of a multi-level parking facility with a visitor center, dining outlets, tour operator offices, a service station, and rest areas for drivers. The project is planned to be implemented using non-budgetary funds by 2027.
By 2026, the creation of ski bases for walking and recreational skiing is planned, including equipment rental, food facilities, and souvenir shops. These projects are aimed at developing year-round tourism and reducing the resort’s seasonal dependence. During the same period, rebranding and modernization of the Burabay Land tourist and entertainment complex are planned, introducing a “winter plus summer” format and expanding the range of activities.
Special attention in the Comprehensive Plan is given to wellness and family tourism. Key projects include the reconstruction of the Okzhetpes health and wellness complex and the construction of a new wellness center in the Akbura resort area using funds from the national budget. At the same time, the development of active and educational recreation is planned, including the construction of cycling centers within the Burabay, the creation of modern visitor centers, and roadside service facilities along the Astana–Burabay highway.
Among the largest initiatives are the construction of a 1,000-seat congress center in the village of Burabay, the reconstruction of the dendrological park in the city of Shchuchinsk, the creation of a year-round water park in the village of Katarkol, and the expansion of the open-air archaeological and ethnographic museum “Botai Burabay.” In both summer and winter seasons, the resort also plans to enhance sports and entertainment infrastructure, including a stadium, ice rinks on Lakes Borovoye and Bolshoye Chebachye, and tourist routes with elements of active recreation.
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