ASTANA, Kazakhstan — Kazakhstan has approved unified rules governing the operation of tourist information centers, establishing a nationwide framework to improve visitor services and strengthen the country’s tourism information system.
The new regulations define the operating procedures for tourist information centers established by regional, city, and capital administrations. The initiative aims to improve the quality of tourist services and ensure consistent access to reliable travel information across the country.
Under the new rules, tourist information centers will:
- provide visitors with up-to-date information on tourist routes, attractions, tourism facilities, visiting regulations, safety measures, current restrictions, and emergency contacts;
- offer information and advisory support to tourism businesses;
- collect, organize, and regularly update information on regional tourism potential, attractions, routes, tourism resources, and services;
- prepare informational, reference, promotional, methodological, and presentation materials;
- promote the tourism potential of Kazakhstan’s regions in both domestic and international markets;
- cooperate with the national tourism company Kazakh Tourism and work closely with regional visitor centers.
The regulations also establish mandatory operational requirements for tourist information centers. Each center must have a dedicated office or visitor service area, communication facilities, internet access, up-to-date information materials, qualified staff, and internal procedures to ensure the regular updating of tourism-related information.
Information for visitors will be provided in both the Kazakh and Russian languages. Where organizational capacity allows, services may also be offered in foreign languages.
The operating hours of tourist information centers will be determined by local executive authorities, taking into account seasonal tourist flows and visitor demand.
Authorities believe the adoption of the unified rules will standardize the work of tourist information centers nationwide, improve the accessibility and quality of information available to travelers, and strengthen cooperation between government agencies and organizations operating in Kazakhstan’s tourism sector.