The Almaty Superski project does not involve the construction of private cottages and villas on the territory of Kok-Zhaylau, and the lands of the tract will retain their status as a specially protected natural area. This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva.
WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT THE ALMATY SUPERSKI PROJECT
According to Aida Balaeva, the authorities propose viewing the Almaty Superski project as part of the development of the Almaty mountain cluster, rather than as a separate commercial facility. The minister emphasised that the focus is on developing tourist infrastructure, visitor safety, and regulating tourist flows in the mountains of the Zailiysky Alatau.
The project includes the creation of an interconnected system: «Medeu – Shymbulak – Kok-Zhaylau – Kumbel». This could incorporate cable cars, visitor centres, observation decks, and sanitary infrastructure.
WHY THE AUTHORITIES SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN TOURISM
As the minister noted, tourism is becoming one of the strategically important sectors of Kazakhstan's economy. In 2024, the country was visited by 15.3 million foreign tourists, and the number of domestic travellers reached 10.5 million people.
Balaeva specifically highlighted the growing interest in nature and mountain tourism. Kazakhstan's national parks received 2.8 million visitors last year, an increase of 18% compared to 2023.
The minister stated that an increase in tourist flow without modern infrastructure leads to unregulated tourism, overloading of natural areas, and risks to people's safety.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE KOK-ZHAYLAU TERRITORY
According to Aida Balaeva, the lands of Kok-Zhaylau are not being removed from the Ile-Alatau National Park. The territory retains its status as a specially protected natural area.
The minister also stressed that the project does not involve the construction of private cottages and villas. She stated that the implementation of the initiative is only possible if environmental legislation is observed, decisions are transparent, and public oversight is in place.
HOW THE AUTHORITIES PROPOSE TO CONTROL THE PRESSURE ON THE MOUNTAINS
The Ministry of Culture and Information believes that a modern approach to tourism development should combine infrastructure development and environmental restrictions. This involves regulated infrastructure with visitor limits, environmental monitoring, and scientific support.
She also stated that when discussing the project, the authorities intend to take into account the opinions of residents, ecologists, and experts. At the same time, the minister emphasised that the discussion should be based on facts and scientific expertise.
WHY THE PROJECT IS LINKED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALMATY
According to Balaeva, the project concerns not only the construction of individual facilities, but also the future of Kazakhstan's tourism industry and the accessibility of mountain infrastructure for citizens.
The minister stated that the authorities view Almaty Superski as an example of 'civilised and environmentally responsible' mountain tourism development.