Kazakhstan to Host DRV Destination Forum 2026 in Astana as German Tourism Interest Surges

Kazakhstan is stepping onto the global tourism stage with renewed confidence as it prepares to host the prestigious DRV Destination Forum in Astana in August 2026. The decision, announced during the ITB Berlin travel fair, signals a new phase of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany’s travel industry and highlights the growing appeal of the Central Asian country among European travellers.

The event is expected to bring together German tour operators, travel agencies, tourism officials and industry experts to explore Kazakhstan’s travel potential. By hosting the forum, Kazakhstan hopes to strengthen partnerships with Germany’s powerful travel sector and position itself as an emerging destination for European tourists seeking new and authentic travel experiences.

ITB Berlin Agreement Marks Key Tourism Milestone

The agreement to host the forum was reached at ITB Berlin 2026, one of the world’s largest tourism trade fairs and a major gathering point for travel industry professionals. Kazakhstan has been participating in ITB Berlin since 2013, using the event as a platform to introduce its tourism potential to global travel companies.

This year’s participation was particularly significant. Kazakhstan presented an expanded national pavilion featuring 21 inbound tour operators, representatives from the hospitality industry, Kazakh cuisine restaurants and tourism officials from six regional administrations. The presence demonstrated the country’s growing ambition to attract international visitors and build stronger global tourism partnerships.

During meetings at the fair, officials from Kazakhstan and the German Travel Association (DRV) finalised the agreement to bring the Destination Forum to Astana. Tourism leaders from both sides described the move as a major step forward in strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation.

The German Travel Association’s Global Influence

The DRV, known formally as Deutscher Reiseverband, represents Germany’s powerful tourism industry. The organisation includes more than 4,000 travel companies, including tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and tourism service providers.

Importantly, DRV members account for roughly 90 percent of organised outbound travel by German citizens. This means the association plays a crucial role in determining which destinations appear in the travel catalogues of Germany’s leading tour operators.

For Kazakhstan, hosting the DRV Destination Forum provides a rare opportunity to present its tourism offerings directly to key decision-makers in the German travel market. Officials hope that the event will encourage tour operators to include Kazakhstan in their travel packages and promote the country more actively across Germany.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Yerbol Myrzabossynov, said the forum could significantly expand awareness of the destination among German travellers.

Rising Tourism Interest from Germany

Interest in Kazakhstan among German tourists has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to tourism officials, more than 95,000 German visitors travelled to Kazakhstan in 2025, representing an increase of around 3,000 compared with the previous year.

Germany has now become the largest European source market for tourism to Kazakhstan, significantly ahead of other European countries. This growth trend is encouraging for Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, which has been actively working to diversify its international visitor base.

Other European markets are also contributing to the country’s tourism sector. Statistics show that around 20,000 visitors from the United Kingdom travelled to Kazakhstan in 2024, while Italy recorded more than 13,000 travellers. France ranked just behind with over 12,000 visitors.

Although final figures for 2025 have not yet been released, tourism authorities expect the upward trend in European travel to continue.

Visa Policies Encourage International Visitors

Kazakhstan has introduced several policies designed to make travel easier for international visitors, particularly those from Europe.

Citizens from many countries, including Germany and other European nations, can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. This simplified travel process has helped reduce barriers for tourists interested in exploring the country.

For longer stays, Kazakhstan has introduced the Neo Nomad Visa, a new initiative aimed at attracting remote professionals and digital nomads. The visa allows foreign citizens to live in Kazakhstan for up to one year while working remotely and travelling throughout the country.

Tourism officials believe the programme could help position Kazakhstan as an appealing destination for long-term travellers who combine work with cultural exploration.

Kazakhstan’s Unique Tourism Appeal

At ITB Berlin, Kazakhstan promoted itself as a destination that offers both extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural traditions. As the ninth-largest country in the world, Kazakhstan spans vast territories with dramatically varied geography.

Travellers can experience sweeping steppe landscapes, rugged desert regions, alpine mountain ranges and crystal-clear lakes all within one country. This diversity of scenery makes Kazakhstan particularly attractive for adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts.

The country also has a deep historical and cultural heritage rooted in nomadic traditions and Silk Road history. Visitors can explore ancient caravan routes, historic cities and cultural landmarks that reflect centuries of Central Asian civilisation.

Tourism authorities believe this combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage gives Kazakhstan a distinctive identity within the global tourism market.

Astana Positioned as an International Tourism Hub

Astana, Kazakhstan’s modern capital, will host the DRV Destination Forum in 2026. The city has rapidly developed into a centre for international conferences, exhibitions and business events.

Astana offers modern infrastructure, including international hotels, large conference venues and expanding air connections linking the city to major global destinations. Hosting the forum aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to promote Astana as a hub for international tourism and business travel.

The event is expected to attract representatives from tour operators, travel agencies and tourism organisations across Germany, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase Kazakhstan’s tourism products directly to key industry leaders.

Forum Expected to Strengthen Tourism Partnerships

The DRV Destination Forum will feature destination presentations, industry discussions and business-to-business meetings between Kazakh tourism providers and German travel companies.

Tourism authorities expect these meetings to generate new partnerships and travel packages that could introduce Kazakhstan to a broader audience of European travellers.

If successful, the forum could lead to Kazakhstan tours appearing more frequently in German travel catalogues and online booking platforms.

Officials see this as a significant opportunity to increase tourism arrivals and build long-term cooperation between the two countries’ travel industries.

A New Chapter for Kazakhstan Tourism

Kazakhstan’s decision to host the DRV Destination Forum reflects the country’s growing ambition within the global tourism market. By engaging directly with Germany’s powerful travel industry, Kazakhstan hopes to position itself as one of the most exciting emerging destinations for European travellers.

With rising visitor numbers, supportive visa policies and a diverse landscape offering unique travel experiences, Kazakhstan is increasingly attracting attention from international tourists.

The DRV Destination Forum in 2026 could play a key role in accelerating this momentum, helping the country showcase its tourism potential to one of the world’s largest outbound travel markets.

Credit: euronews

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