It is not surprising that there is such a boom right now. By the end of 2024, a significant share of the volume of services provided through marketplaces was in the field of movement and travel. Thus, passenger transportation services accounted for 29.4%, while seat reservation services accounted for 25%. These figures clearly show that Kazakhstanis are already actively using digital platforms for travel planning, creating an ideal ground for rapid growth and the emergence of new players.

We are already witnessing concrete, impressive steps changing the market landscape.:

• Freedom Travel (Aviata.kz ) recently, not only conducted a strategic rebranding, but also launched a full-fledged outbound tour booking service. This is a huge step towards expanding opportunities for Kazakhstanis, opening up the world of travel right on your smartphone.
• Kaspi Travel (Kaspi.kz) It is not lagging behind by launching a completely new service for buying tours in Kazakhstan, which greatly simplifies the organization of domestic holidays and stimulates local tourism.
• And the arrival of Tumodo, a Dubai-based company specializing in business travel, confirms the growing attractiveness of the Kazakh market for international players. This is a clear sign of trust and recognition of our potential as an important regional business hub!

Of course, in such a dynamic market, not everyone managed to present their new products by the beginning of the summer season, but according to my insiders, there are still many interesting things waiting for us! Several more ecosystem players are in line, who are preparing significant updates and announcements. Not only news about possible M&A deals between established travel players and fintech companies is expected, but also the launch of travel services under the hood from other major banks and telecom companies.

And here is the most curious twist that demonstrates the breadth of this boom: Astana Motors, represented by Mycar Digital, launches MyTravel, a service for booking accommodations and impressions in Kazakhstan. This opens up completely new horizons for car travel enthusiasts and shows the amazing synergy between the automotive and travel industries!

By the end of 2025, we also expect the launch of the unified state ecosystem for tourists TravelStan under the auspices of Kazakh Tourism, which should combine all digital services on one platform, making travel even more convenient, safe and affordable.

The entry of such large and diverse players into the travel services market clearly demonstrates the significant potential of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan. Competition will stimulate the emergence of innovative solutions and, as a result, will increase the accessibility and convenience of travel for all Kazakhstanis, breathing new life into this dynamically developing field.

We are indeed on the verge of fundamental changes that promise to make planning and making trips around Kazakhstan and beyond even easier, more enjoyable and more efficient.

I truly love the travel industry. For me personally, this is one of the most honest, inspiring and beautiful branches of the global economy. I'm glad to be involved and watch her blossom right in front of our eyes.

What players or technologies do you think will set the tone for the development of TravelTech in Kazakhstan in 2025? Share your predictions!