Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, is keen to position itself as a regional hub for international business events.
Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is long the cultural, historical, financial, and industrial hub of the country. The former capital is now positioning itself as a dynamic, up-and-coming destination for business events and incentive travel in the region.
During its debut at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific (TMS APAC) 2025, the Almaty Tourism Bureau introduced the city’s rich tourism assets, modern event infrastructure, and distinct cultural charm to MICE planners from across the region. At the heart of their showcase: Almaty’s world-class hospitality, striking natural landscapes, and a slate of high-profile international events lined up through 2026.
Targeting the APAC market
At the Almaty Tourism Bureau booth at TMS APAC 2025, the team highlighted the city’s wide selection of 4- and 5-star international brand hotels, contemporary venues, and growing collaboration with local DMCs to support seamless event execution.
More than just infrastructure, Almaty offers experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere. “Its unique nature, from turquoise lakes to deep canyons, is truly breathtaking. The city offers a wide range of adventure and sports activities: skiing, trekking, horseback riding, and ice skating at the highest-altitude ice rink, Medeu – all just 20 minutes from the city centre,” said an Almaty Tourism Bureau spokesperson.
“We’re positioning Almaty as a regional hub for international business events,” the bureau shared, noting increasing investment in partnerships, promotion, and destination marketing in key APAC markets. “We also plan to actively build partnerships with professional associations and international organisations to submit bids and bring large forums, conferences, and summits to Almaty.”
What’s new in 2025 and 2026
Almaty’s transformation into a MICE hub is backed by tangible infrastructure and event development. Key openings and events to watch include:
Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture and the Almaty Museum of Arts, a 1,000 sqm, high-ceilinged venue ideal for exhibitions and creative events
Eight new high-class hotels, set to launch in 2025
UN Tourism Conference on Women’s Empowerment in Tourism
Kazakhstan International Exhibition "Tourism & Travel"
World Forum of Central Securities Depositories (WFC), with over 200 delegates from 135 countries
Central Eurasian Venture Forum, uniting investors, startups and tech leaders
And in 2026, Almaty will host TBEX, one of the largest global gatherings in travel blogging and digital tourism – marking another milestone in the city’s rise as a global events destination.