Kazakhstan is shaping a future where sustainability and technology move hand in hand. The efforts are driven by its ambitious national programme Digital Kazakhstan, which aims to diversify the economy, expand digital access to every region, and encourage long-term growth. These policies are already paying off. The country ranked 24th in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, leading Central Asia in digital service delivery.
Tourism is a significant part of this transformation, especially ecotourism in Kazakhstan. In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan welcomed over 7.5 million international visitors, 600,000 more than last year. The country aims to grow tourism into a EUR 10 billion industry and attract 15 million visitors a year by 2029 through new development initiatives.
Supported by next-generation digital tools, ecotourism in Kazakhstan is laying the groundwork for a strong, sustainable industry that will attract visitors while protecting the environment
Why Ecotourism in Kazakhstan Matters Globally
Kazakhstan is becoming an important place for ecotourism. The country has wide open steppes, high mountains, deserts, and clear lakes. Rare animals like the snow leopard and saiga antelope live here, making it special for wildlife lovers. Eco-lodges, nature parks, and community projects show its growing focus on ecotourism in Kazakhstan.
Nomadic traditions and cultural history add more value to the experience. Visitors can hike in the Tien Shan mountains or watch birds in Korgalzhyn Reserve. Kazakhstan offers a chance to enjoy nature while helping local people and protecting the environment. It is a balance of nature, culture, and sustainability.
Kazakhstan’s Regional and Global Positioning
While neighbouring countries also promote natural attractions, Kazakhstan’s scale of investment, infrastructure upgrades, and strong digital agenda set it apart. Compared to global hubs such as Costa Rica or Iceland, Kazakhstan offers vast, underexplored landscapes and cultural richness. By combining natural assets with advanced technology, Kazakhstan positions itself not only as a regional leader but also as a rising global player in sustainable travel.
Current Progress and International Support
The Kazakh government is working with global partners to strengthen ecotourism in Kazakhstan. In September 2024, Kazakhstan signed a memorandum with the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This partnership opens access to research, international expertise, and industry data to help Kazakhstan align with global tourism trends.
The focus areas include improving infrastructure around resorts such as Burabay, expanding youth and sports tourism, and building a strong base for ecotourism. In the first five months of 2025, Kazakhstan received more than 300 billion tenge (about 577 million US dollars) in tourism investment, a major share of which is directed towards developing national parks and nature reserves. Moreover, the tourism sector in the country already supports nearly half a million jobs.
Other initiatives add further strength to the ecotourism sector. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is also working with Kazakhstan to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. Tourism sits alongside logistics, IT, and horticulture as a key sector of focus.
The Role of Satellite Connectivity for Ecotourism
Kazakhstan’s ecotourism sector depends on reliable internet. While cities expand their digital networks, many remote rural areas still lack mobile or fibre coverage. This creates barriers to bookings, payments, and visitor communication. New-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, such as Starlink, solve this by delivering high-speed internet to places unreachable by traditional infrastructure.
Enabling Essential Services
For ecotourism, digital infrastructure is more than a convenience. It powers e-booking for eco-tours and accommodation, enables online sales of local crafts, supports point-of-sale transactions, and streamlines digital ID checks. It also fuels storytelling and social media sharing that amplify Kazakhstan’s appeal. Without stable connectivity, these functions cannot grow, especially in rural sites.
Supporting Research and Education
Reliable connectivity strengthens the scientific side of ecotourism. National parks attract researchers studying biodiversity, climate, and conservation. With satellite internet, they can share data instantly and work with global institutions in real time. Students and conservationists benefit too, gaining opportunities for learning, collaboration, and innovation. By linking tourism, education, and research, Kazakhstan builds knowledge alongside income.
Safer and Smarter Tourism
Satellite connectivity also improves visitor safety and sustainability. Virtual tours, like the UNDP’s digital trails in Katon-Karagai, help reduce pressure on delicate ecosystems. Guides in remote parks stay connected at all times, ensuring safer experiences for visitors.
Protecting Nature and Communities
High-speed satellite internet helps agencies track wildlife, prevent illegal logging, and respond quickly to environmental threats. Local entrepreneurs, including yurt operators and guesthouse owners, gain access to cloud-based booking systems, connecting them to global markets. These tools transform ecotourism from a small activity into a strong economic driver.
Starlink Land Portfolio and Kazakhstan’s Remote Regions
The arrival of Starlink in Kazakhstan is proving especially valuable for ecotourism. The service was officially launched in the country on 13 August 2025.
Eco-lodges, visitor centres, and small villages near sites like Kolsai Lakes can now benefit from reliable connectivity to power ther digital operations. Use cases include real-time bookings, safe navigation, digital payments, and access to emergency services. At the same time, global marketing becomes possible, as small businesses can promote their services directly to an international audience.
IEC Telecom, a trusted satellite communications provider, delivers the Starlink Land portfolio in Kazakhstan. With terminals for stationary use and communications on-the-move, Starlink solutions by IEC Telecom can support a wide range of stakeholders in the eco-torism sector. From fixed internet for hospitality, to mobile solutions for bus tour operators, Starlink Land portfolio has a solution for a wide range of use cases.
