Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Kazakhstan
GDN DESTINATION REPORT
Overview: Astana, officially known as Nur-Sultan until recently, is the capital city of Kazakhstan and a key destination within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN). As the political, economic, and cultural heart of Kazakhstan, Astana plays a crucial role in regional diplomacy and international relations in Central Asia. Its strategic location in the center of Eurasia, combined with its modern infrastructure and ambitious development projects, has positioned Astana as a prime location for governmental and institutional events. The identification of Astana as a key destination by the GDN underscores its importance in the sector of Governmental and Institutional Travel, highlighting its role in fostering international cooperation, economic development, and regional stability.
Infrastructure and services
Recent Updates: Astana has seen significant investments in infrastructure to support its role as a modern capital. The expansion of Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and the development of new business districts like the EXPO-2017 complex have significantly enhanced the city's capacity to host international delegations. Key venues such as the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall offer state-of-the-art facilities for high-profile conferences and events. Astana provides a comprehensive service ecosystem, including luxury hotels, advanced security services, and efficient logistics, all tailored to meet the demands of international governmental gatherings.
Benchmarking destinations
Comparison with Other Key Destinations: Compared to other major cities in the region, such as Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, Astana stands out for its modernity and its role as a symbol of Kazakhstan's rapid development. While Tashkent is known for its historical significance and Bishkek for its cultural vibrancy, Astana offers a unique blend of futuristic architecture, economic ambition, and geopolitical influence. According to data from the Kazakhstan Tourism Board, Astana has seen a 20% increase in international governmental events from 2018 to 2023, with annual revenues from governmental and corporate events estimated at $700 million.
Growth projections
Growth Projections: The governmental and institutional travel sector in Astana is expected to continue its strong growth in the coming years. Based on projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Astana is anticipated to experience annual growth of 6% to 8% in this sector. This growth will be driven by ongoing investments in infrastructure, including further developments in hotel and conference facilities across the city. It is estimated that by 2028, revenues generated by the MICE sector in Astana could exceed $1 billion annually, solidifying its position as a leading destination for governmental and institutional events in Central Asia.
Successful experiences
EXPO 2017: Astana successfully hosted the EXPO 2017 with the theme 'Future Energy,' attracting participants from around the world and showcasing Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable development. This event highlighted Astana's capability to organize large-scale international gatherings. Another success story is the Astana Economic Forum, which has positioned Astana as a key player in regional economic and financial discussions.
Testimonials
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan: 'Astana is a city of great strategic importance, well-prepared to host international events that contribute to regional and global diplomacy and cooperation.' Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: 'The organization of international forums in Astana has been exemplary, showcasing the city's readiness to engage with the global community on critical issues.' Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations: 'Astana's role in hosting international events underscores its importance as a center for diplomacy and economic development in Central Asia.'
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Green Initiatives: Astana is committed to sustainability in event management, with initiatives such as the adoption of renewable energy in key venues and the promotion of eco-friendly transportation options for international delegates. The city is also advancing circular economy practices, focusing on waste reduction and the use of locally sourced materials in event planning. These efforts contribute to Astana's broader goals of environmental sustainability and urban development.
Social impact
Local Development: Governmental events in Astana have significantly contributed to local development, creating jobs and enhancing skills in sectors such as logistics, security, and hospitality. The city has implemented extensive training programs for local workers and actively involves small and medium-sized enterprises in the event supply chain. These initiatives have strengthened social cohesion and promoted economic growth, contributing to Kazakhstan's broader economic goals.
Conclusion
Key Points Summary: Astana is firmly establishing itself as a central hub within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN), with a rapidly developing infrastructure, a growing ecosystem of sophisticated services, and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. As the city continues to expand its influence on the international stage, its strategic location and proven ability to host high-profile governmental events make it a vital player in Central Asia. Expectations are that Astana will continue to strengthen its role as a preferred destination for diplomacy and major international events in the coming years.
The information presented in this GDN REPORT on government destinations has been prepared to offer a comprehensive overview of the most strategic destinations globally. In this research process, a wide range of sources and studies carried out by prestigious international consulting, tourism and travel firms, as well as by international organizations such as the WTTC and UN Tourism, have been used. In addition, local, national and international reports have been incorporated, ensuring a comprehensive and global perspective. To ensure accuracy and scientific rigor, data mining techniques, algorithms and artificial intelligence have been applied in the collection and analysis of the information. The result has been synthesized and condensed to offer clear, concise and truthful data, designed to provide decision-makers with the necessary tools to understand and make the most of the potential of these destinations. Our goal is to support the planning and organization of high-level events with accurate and relevant information, thus strengthening the role of each destination in diplomacy and international cooperation.