+7 (777) 001 44 99
Қазақша
Русский
English
Қазақша
Русский
English
Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan plans to attract foreign tourists by offering free SIM cards and chocolate upon arrival, Minister Erbol Myrzabassynov announced at a government meeting in Astana.
One of the proposed initiatives includes distributing free SIM cards to foreign tourists immediately upon their arrival in the country. According to the minister, this will help visitors connect to mobile networks and the internet right away, which is crucial in today's digital world.
"Another proposal is to provide tourists with a free SIM card upon arrival. This will allow them to access the internet and stay connected from the moment they arrive," Myrzabassynov noted.
The minister also highlighted a successful initiative in Almaty, where tourists are given locally produced chocolate. According to him, such small yet pleasant gestures emphasize the country's hospitality.
"In Almaty, a great initiative has been launched - tourists are given Kazakhstan chocolate. Similar actions symbolize the hospitality of the country. In Georgia, it might be wine: for us, it's chocolate," he added.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that a similar initiative with SIM cards is already being implemented at Almaty Airport. At the time of publication, a comment from the airport’s press service was not available.
In his speech, the minister also mentioned that in 2024, 15.3 million foreign visitors came to Kazakhstan, with 10.4 million staying for more than one day. Additionally, 10.5 million domestic tourists were recorded in 2024.
He emphasized that the country has a visa-free regime for citizens of 87 countries, while citizens of 107 countries can apply for electronic visas, making entry to Kazakhstan easier.
Among other significant initiatives, Myrzabassynov announced the implementation of a QR code system at all international airports in the country. This service aims to provide tourists with real-time information about essential services: eSIM activation, official taxi bookings, hotel reservations, registration details, and information about major regional attractions.
"The new system is designed to prevent potential cases of tourist fraud in areas such as taxis, communication services, currency exchange, and other services that visitors may encounter during their stay in Kazakhstan," the minister emphasized.
