In Balkhash, located in the Karaganda region, three new recreation areas were opened in 2024, with an additional six potentially to be added this year. This was announced by the akim of Balkhash, Sapar Sataev, during a briefing at the Regional Communications Service.
According to a statement on the website of the Karaganda region's akimat, the number of visitors to the Balkhash resort area increased by nearly 30% in 2024, totaling 121,000 people. Tourists were welcomed by 99 facilities.
“Last year, three recreation areas were put into operation. This year, the introduction of six tourism facilities is planned, with a total investment of 2.4 billion tenge,” said Sapar Sataev.
Furthermore, this year the reconstruction of the waterfront with the city beach is expected to be completed.
The akim also mentioned the annual “BalkhashTourfest.” Last year, over 30,000 people attended the event.
“The main goal of the festival is to establish and promote the brand of the city of Balkhash as a tourist center,” the city akim noted.
It was previously reported that this year in Balkhash, construction will begin on a highway to supply water to the resort settlements of Torangalyk and Shubartubek, and the pumping stations in the Sayak settlement will also be renovated.
Starting March 1, 2025, a new direct train service will be launched between Almaty and Balkhash, operating every other day.
Transportation on the new road to Lake Balkhash through Lepsey in the Zhetysu region will commence before the tourist season begins.