Katon-Karagay in Eastern Kazakhstan Named Top Green Tourist Spot by Wanderlust
Astana, Kazakhstan – The Katon-Karagay district in Eastern Kazakhstan has been honored by the British magazine Wanderlust, making its prestigious Travel Green List of “green” tourist destinations, as reported by media outlets.
The Travel Green List highlights sustainable tourism projects across Asia, including cultural outreach centers in Japan, a railway nature reserve in Singapore, and rural tourism development in Kazakhstan. These projects have been acknowledged for their contributions to sustainable tourism.
Wanderlust magazine detailed the challenges faced by the Katon-Karagay district five years ago. This region, characterized by its vast steppe, mountains, and forests, and home to Kazakhstan’s largest national park and approximately 275 bird species, struggled to attract visitors. The district’s 48 villages saw dwindling populations, with many residents relocating to cities for better employment opportunities.
The British editors commended the establishment of the Sustainable Rural Development Fund in 2019, which has significantly improved the quality of life in three remote regions, including Katon-Karagay. The fund’s initiatives have included training hotel operators, creating a hospitality school, supporting the development of hiking trails, installing road signs, and funding tourist information centers. These efforts have fostered a sustainable tourism community and enhanced the overall visitor experience in the region.
At the ITB Berlin 2024 international tourism exhibition, the public foundation “Katon-Karagay for Sustainable Development” from East Kazakhstan was recognized in the “Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations” list. Additionally, the foundation won the “Thriving Communities” category, further highlighting the success of its sustainable tourism initiatives.
This recognition from Wanderlust and ITB Berlin underscores Katon-Karagay’s emergence as a leading example of sustainable rural tourism, offering a model for other regions striving to balance ecological preservation with community development.
