Kazakhstan Demonstrates Culinary Heritage to Chinese Journalists
In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is transforming its tourism landscape, particularly in the realm of gastronomic tourism. The country's unique blend of traditional Kazakh cuisine and modern presentations is attracting a surge of international tourists, with a significant increase in Chinese visitors.
According to recent data, in 2024, the number of visitors from China to Kazakhstan skyrocketed by 78 percent, reaching an impressive 655,000 [1]. This surge is not merely a coincidence; Kazakhstan is actively developing its tourism infrastructure and experiences to cater to a broader audience. The ultimate goal? To generate €10 billion by 2029 and attract 15 million annual visitors [5].
One notable example of this transformation can be found near Katon Karagay National Park, where a restaurant offers traditional dishes like beshparmak, but with a modern twist. Traditional ingredients like kurt (dehydrated yogurt) are transformed into mousse, making the dishes more appealing and accessible to foreign tourists [1].
The global culinary tourism market is also experiencing a boom, with the market expected to soar from USD 1.81 billion in 2024 to USD 7.91 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 17.82% [2]. Kazakhstan's gastronomic tourism trends align with this global movement by emphasizing authentic local flavours presented innovatively, which can strongly appeal to Chinese tourists interested in exotic cultural experiences.
Kazakhstan's gastronomic tourism efforts are not going unnoticed. Kairat Sadvakassov, the chairman of Kazakh Tourism, has stated that gastronomy tourism is one of the most promising sectors for attracting global travelers [4]. In a bid to further promote Kazakh cuisine and attract Chinese tourists interested in gastronomic tourism, a tour is underway to evaluate dishes, service, and ambiance at national restaurants and bustling markets across Kazakhstan [3].
Recently, Kazakhstan was recognised as the Most Perspective New Destination 2025 by Tongcheng Travel, a leading online travel agency in China [4]. This recognition underscores the growing interest in Kazakhstan as a destination for gastronomic tourism among Chinese tourists.
Although explicit statistics on Chinese gastronomic tourists are not specified in the latest data, the sector's growth and infrastructure improvements strongly support increasing Chinese participation. As Kazakhstan continues to modernize its gastronomy offerings and enhance its tourism infrastructure, the Chinese tourist segment is expected to grow, driven by increased regional connectivity and targeted tourism promotion.
References:
- Tourism Review
- Allied Market Research
- China Daily
- Kazakhstan 2050
- Investment Magazine
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