Kazakhstan Showcases Tourism Potential to Belgian Market
Kazakhstan is actively courting Belgian travelers and tour operators. On February 27, 2026, it hosted a special event in Brussels. More than 20 Belgian travel companies attended the presentation. The goal was to establish direct business contacts and encourage tour operators to include Kazakhstan in their catalogues.
A Practical Initiative for Partnerships
Ambassador Roman Vassilenko opened the event at the Embassy. He stressed the practical nature of this initiative. “We are interested in seeing Kazakhstan become a regular destination in the catalogues of Belgian tour operators,” he said. The focus is on building sustainable partnerships and ensuring a long-term presence in the Benelux market. He added, “Kazakhstan is ready. Our partners are ready. We look forward to welcoming Belgian travellers.”
The presentation received support from key organizations. Kazakh Tourism, the national company, backed the initiative. The Brussels office of Turkish Airlines, represented by Amina Kokten, also participated. Kazakhstan’s Tourism Ambassador in Belgium, Derya Soysal, contributed as well.
Growing Interest from Belgium
Tourism figures show promising momentum. In the first nine months of 2025, Kazakhstan welcomed 15.7 million foreign visitors. Around 6,200 Belgian citizens visited in 2025. This marks a 15% increase compared to 2024. While most visitors still come from Asia, European interest is steadily rising.
Belgian citizens enjoy visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days. This facilitates short leisure trips and strengthens tourism flows. Talgat Gazizov, Chairman of Kazakh Tourism, noted the steady interest from Europe. “Our task is to ensure a high-quality product and professional support for our partners,” he stated.
Airline Connectivity via Istanbul
Turkish Airlines plays a crucial connecting role. The carrier operates regular flights via Istanbul to major Kazakh cities. These include Astana, Almaty, Turkistan, and Aktau. This enables flexible itineraries across the country.
Zhibek Kamshibayeva, Sales Manager for Turkish Airlines in Kazakhstan, shared insights. “People in Belgium often do not realise what Kazakhstan has to offer,” she said. She highlighted the three tourism capitals: Astana with its futuristic architecture, Almaty rich in history and surrounded by mountains, and Turkistan renowned for its spiritual heritage.
Five Reasons to Visit Kazakhstan
The event highlighted five key attractions for European travellers.
The Great Silk Road
Kazakhstan formed a vital part of the historic Silk Road. Caravanserais and ancient towns remain as reminders of cultural exchange. Heritage tourists will find this particularly appealing.
Tamgaly-Tas
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features rock carvings dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore ancient art that provides insight into Central Asian spirituality and daily life.
Singing Dunes
Located in Altyn-Emel National Park, these dunes produce a distinctive humming sound when sand shifts. The surreal desert landscape attracts photographers and adventure travellers.
Saiga Deer and Wildlife
Kazakhstan’s steppes are home to the rare Saiga deer. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe these unique animals in their natural habitat, highlighting the country’s ecological diversity.
Baikonur Cosmodrome
Space enthusiasts can visit one of the world’s oldest and largest space launch sites. It showcases Kazakhstan’s important role in space exploration.
Aral Sea
The Aral Sea tells a dramatic environmental story. Once one of the largest lakes, it has largely disappeared due to human activity. It offers a reflective experience about nature and conservation.
Building Partnerships for the Future
The programme concluded with B2B meetings between Belgian and Kazakh tour operators. Discussions focused on ecotourism, cultural and educational travel, adventure tourism, and bespoke premium small group itineraries. International media exposure is also raising Kazakhstan’s profile. The latest season of Pékin Express: The Ice Route was filmed in several regions. It currently attracts prime time audiences of more than three million viewers.
With strengthened airline connectivity, growing Belgian interest, and a strategic push from authorities, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as an accessible and diverse destination for the Belgian travel market.
