The popular British magazine Wanderlust has
included the Katon-Karagai district in the East Kazakhstan region in its Travel
Green List 2024. The domestic destination has joined attractions such as
educational cultural centers in Japan and a railway-turned-wildlife sanctuary
in Singapore. Additionally, this year, the Katon-Karagai district has entered
the Green Destinations Top 100 Story list, securing third place in the Thriving
Communities category at an international competition. Tourists are drawn to eastern
Kazakhstan for its pristine nature, waterfalls, radon springs, and panto
therapy centers.
«The Katon-Karagai district with its unique nature and beautiful
forests is a mesmerizing tourist destination. As a photographer, I am most
attracted to these areas with beautiful untouched nature. These are stunning landscapes,» said photo
artist Yevgeniy Domashnev.
Furthermore, the magazine praised the
Sustainable Rural Development Fund, launched in 2019 to enhance the quality of
life in three remote areas of eastern Kazakhstan, including Katon-Karagai. The
author highlighted initiatives such as establishing a hospitality school,
supporting tour routes, and funding tourist information centers. These projects
have contributed to the region’s tourism development.
«Our company, the Sustainable Rural Development Fund, is especially
noted for its efforts, thanks to which the ecosystem in the Katon-Karagai
district is significantly improving. Hospitality schools are being established,
and specific efforts are being made to develop tourist trails. We are happy
that certain regions and destinations in Kazakhstan are making it into the top
rankings of global magazines,» noted Kazakh Tourism official representative
Alisher Tursyn.
Last year, Kazakhstan welcomed over nine
million foreign tourists, doubling the figure from 2022. Additionally, 10
million Kazakh citizens chose to travel within their homeland.
