Tokayev calls for Almaty to operate 24/7 to boost tourism

Almaty must operate 24/7 for the benefit of its guests / Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Serikzhan Kovlanbayev

Everyone knows that New York never sleeps. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wants Almaty — the country’s largest city — to follow the same model. In an interview with the Turkistan newspaper, he said he had instructed Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy to transform the city into one that «never sleeps.»

«I instructed the mayor to turn Almaty into a city that, like New York, Moscow and Paris ‘never sleeps’, operating around the clock for the benefit of its guests. There is still much work to be done, including improvements to infrastructure, landscaping and lighting,» Tokayev said.

The president recalled that CNN Travel named Almaty the «new style capital» of Central Asia in 2025. However, he noted that doubts about whether Kazakhstan’s resorts are ready to handle an influx of foreign visitors are justified. There is a «long and thorny road» ahead as the country seeks to boost tourism, he emphasized.

According to Tokayev, ecotourism could have been a significant advantage for Kazakhstan given its rich natural potential. However, incompetence and indifference among those responsible for developing this sector have led to weak results. Instead of real progress, he said, they limited their efforts to presentations with no tangible outcomes.

«Tourism is often undermined by people who call themselves ‘eco-activists.’ They are ready to protest against any project under the pretext of protecting pristine nature. In reality, many of them are not concerned about nature itself but seek publicity and hype to gain public recognition. Sometimes they are supported by entrepreneurs who are already in the market and want to avoid competition,» Tokayev said.

He also stressed that the Shymbulak mountain ski resort requires a major overhaul, describing it as both physically and morally outdated and in need of a new development vision.

«A Kazakhstani development company is taking on the project. It is currently at the preparatory and presentation stage, with support from the government and the Almaty city administration. Meanwhile, neighboring countries have already moved ahead with the construction of modern ski infrastructure,» the president added.

Tokayev emphasized that the Almaty mountain cluster must cater to both affluent and middle-income visitors, making diversification of tourism infrastructure essential.

Kazakhstan also plans to implement the Almaty Superski project — a modern ski resort spanning Kumbel Peak and the Kok-Zhailau area. The state-owned holding company Baiterek has been appointed to oversee the project, with financing to be provided by its subsidiary, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan.