Results of the Summer Tourist Season in the Karaganda Region
The summer tourist season in the Karaganda Region has concluded with an increase in tourist arrivals, continued infrastructure development and growing investment in tourism. The region is gradually expanding its opportunities for year-round travel and recreation
The Karaganda Region has summed up the results of the summer tourist season. Since the beginning of the year, more than 400,000 tourists have visited the region, with approximately half choosing the shores of Lake Balkhash for their holidays.
This year, 5.4 billion tenge was invested in the tourism sector, almost five times more than during the same period last year. Since the beginning of the year, 14 new tourism facilities have opened across the region.
Balkhash remains one of the region's main tourist destinations. Around 200,000 tourists visited the city and the lake's recreational areas during the summer season. Two new recreation areas opened this year, while four more facilities are expected to be launched by the end of the year. The total investment in recreation area development projects exceeds 4.7 billion tenge.
At the same time, efforts are underway to make Balkhash attractive not only during the summer months but throughout the year. The Winter Balkhash project is being considered as a way to develop tourism during the winter and shoulder seasons.
The Karkaraly District also remains a popular destination among visitors. Four tourist routes with a combined length of more than 70 kilometres are currently available in the national park, while two additional routes are under development.
Tourism development is also continuing in other parts of the region. Priozersk and five other districts have been identified as areas with further tourism potential. A total of 115 tourist routes have currently been approved across the region.
Improving supporting infrastructure remains an important part of tourism development. There are currently 106 roadside service facilities along republican highways. Rest areas and sanitary facilities have also been established along major tourist routes.
Work is also continuing to improve mobile connectivity. Existing communication stations have been upgraded and new stations have been installed in Balkhash, Torangalyk, Shubar-Tyubek and Karkaraly District. Further expansion of mobile coverage at popular recreation areas and along major tourist routes is planned for the next season.
Overall, the results of the summer season demonstrate the gradual transformation of tourism in the Karaganda Region from a predominantly summer-oriented sector into a year-round tourism destination. The development of new routes, infrastructure and investment projects is creating additional opportunities for visitors to explore the region throughout the year.
