Tourism flow in Kazakhstan projected to hit 5 mln by 2029
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The Almaty Mountain Cluster, Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area and Mangistau tourist area will be expanded as part of comprehensive plans, Qazinform News Agency quotes acting head of the tourism industry committee Nurbol Baizhanov as saying.
The comprehensive development plans, providing measures for the development of tourism infrastructure, fulfillment of investment projects, tourism industry promotion and digitalization were approved, he told a briefing.
The plan includes the expansion of the Almaty Mountain Cluster’s existing ski resorts and integration into a single system, construction of 30 new cable cars and 161 km of ski trails to reduce current load and boost year-round tourist flow to 5 million visitors.
He stressed that the potential growth is to welcome 1.7 million foreign tourists by 2029, with significant impact on employment and regional development.
It is expected to redistribute tourist load from lakes Shchuchye and Borovoe in the Shchuchinsk-Burabay resort area by developing infrastructure on the lakes of Katarkol, Small and Big Chebachye, and Zhukey.
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Snow leopard cubs spotted in Almaty wildlife sanctuary
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Rare footage has been captured in the Almaty State Nature Reserve, where specialists recently installed several camera traps, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The video shows young snow leopard cubs playfully interacting in the reserve’s deep mountain gorges.
These rare images capture extraordinary moments that reveal the hidden world of wildlife. The cubs are seen playing together in a carefree manner, mimicking their mother’s movements and mastering the essential skills they will need for hunting. Through these interactions, they are gradually preparing for an independent life in the wild," the reserve statement reads.
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Rare animal populations increase in Zhambyl region
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Zhambyl region reports a stable increase in rare species numbers, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to the census, there were 69 arkhars (wild sheep) in 2025, which is 33% more against 584 recorded in 2024.
The population of Goitered gazelles (jayran) also rose last year to 1,014, 10% up from 2024.
Overall, nearly 300,000 wild animals inhabit the region, including 2,264 hoofed animals, 16,435 fur-bearing species, 68,450 birds, and 200,698 waterfowl.
Conservation and biotechnical measures, including winter feeding programs, resulted in the growth of rare animal populations. No cases of animal mortality were recorded during November-December 2025.
Ongoing monitoring with scientists from the Research Institute for Biological Safety Problems confirmed no infectious diseases in populations in Bayzak, Merke, and T. Ryskulov districts. More than 20 species listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book inhabit Zhambyl region.
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The Turan Ethno-Folk Ensemble Performed on the San Francisco Stage
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The city hosted a remarkable cultural event celebrating the richness of Kazakhstan’s national heritage. Through the powerful sounds of traditional instruments, the audience experienced the spiritual richness and artistic depth of Kazakh culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The event, organized by the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, brought together representatives of the Mayor’s Office, members of the cultural community, the diplomatic corps, and active members of the Kazakh diaspora. The evening opened with welcoming remarks by Consul General Nazira Nurbayeva and Mark Chandler, Director of International Affairs for the City of San Francisco.
The main goal of the cultural evening was to strengthen friendship and mutual cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States, while promoting the spiritual traditions of Kazakh culture.
The highlight of the evening was the internationally acclaimed Turan Ethno-Folk Ensemble. Recognized as a distinctive musical brand of the Turkic world, the ensemble warmly introduced American guests to the culture, rich history, and enduring spirit of the Kazakh people.
The ensemble’s tour across the United States was organized with the support of Hugh Hallman, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in the State of Arizona. This unforgettable evening, filled with music and emotion, left a lasting impression on all attendees. The ensemble’s concert tour continued in the State of Arizona.
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Heavy snow and snowstorms to sweep across Kazakhstan
On Sunday, a northwestern cyclone and associated atmospheric fronts will continue to affect most of Kazakhstan, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Kazhydromet National Weather Service.
Rain and snow are expected across the country. Forecasters also warn of snowstorms and black ice. There will be heavy snow in the northern and northwestern regions. Additionally, patchy fog and strong winds are expected nationwide.
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Population of snow leopards jumps four times in Ile-Alatau National Park
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The Ile-Alatau National Park said in a statement on Friday there were a mere 5-10 snow leopards on its territory in 1996, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The park revealed the population of snow leopards has jumped by four times to 39 as of now. It also reported a rise in numbers of the brown bear from 15-20 to 85, the stone marten from 100 to 493, and the golden eagle from 50 to 97.
The Ile-Alatau National Park said it houses two genetic reserves, maintains an archive of red-listed Sievers' apple tree, while carrying out efforts to protect its gene pool.
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Measles cases in Kazakhstan dropped 6.8 times in 2025, Healthcare Ministry
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Last year, measles incidence in Kazakhstan decreased 6.8 times compared to 2024, though the situation remains unstable, Qazinform News Agency quotes sanitary and epidemiological control committee chairwoman Sarkhat Beyssenova, as saying.
WHO recorded over 247,000 measles cases globally in 2025, driven by gaps in immunization coverage.
She stressed in Kazakhstan, despite the decline, cases began rising again from November 2025, continuing into January-February 2026.
Since the beginning of 2026, 3,343 cases have been registered countrywide, with 72% among children under 5 years old. 78% of cases were detected among those unvaccinated, of which 56% due to parental refusal, 14% due to medical exemptions and 30% because children had not yet reached vaccination age.
Last year, 323,700 children aged one year or 96.4%, and 348,300 children aged six years or 95% coverage were vaccinated against measles.
Catch-up immunization continues for children up to 18 years.
Additional immunization was introduced for infants aged 6-11 months due to rising cases.
New measures were introduced nationwide on February 18, 2026. The sanitary and epidemiological control committee chairwoman signed a decree on expanded immunization against measles, rubella, and mumps for children aged 6 months to 10 months 29 days, catch-up vaccination for unvaccinated children aged 2-5 years and 7-18 years and vaccination of healthcare workers under 30 without documented immunization.
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