Kazakhstan is preparing to update its hotel “star rating” system and expand support measures for the tourism sector. A large package of amendments aimed at modernizing the classification rules for hotels and other accommodation facilities has been submitted to the Mazhilis. The initiative focuses on improving service quality and ensuring transparency within the tourism industry.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the current classification rules were approved in 2008 and significantly lag behind international standards. The new model incorporates global practices, including approaches used by Hotelstars Union, and introduces a clearer evaluation system while expanding the Ministry’s authority in monitoring and training specialists. As reported by the Bureau of National Statistics, as of September 2025 Kazakhstan had 4,442 registered accommodation facilities, of which only 112—about 3%—hold an official star category.
Officials note that the low share of classified facilities is due to the absence of appeal mechanisms, irregular updating of criteria, and insufficient oversight of compliance. The widespread practice of self-assigned star ratings undermines consumer trust and distorts perceptions of service quality.
In countries such as Germany, Austria, Greece, New Zealand and others, hotel classification is carried out by industry or national tourism organizations, ensuring transparency, consistency, and credibility for both businesses and travelers. The updated classification project includes:
unifying quality criteria according to international standards;
increasing transparency of evaluation procedures;
expanding the Ministry’s competencies;
training and certifying inspectors after the law is adopted.
The reforms are expected to lead to improved service quality, higher tourist satisfaction, an increase in the number of officially classified hotels, and enhanced competitiveness of Kazakhstan as a tourist destination.
In parallel, Kazakhstan continues to implement state support measures: reimbursement of equipment costs for ski resorts, development of roadside service facilities, subsidies for tour operators and air transportation, and funding for sanitary facilities. According to the Ministry, these efforts are already contributing to the growth of domestic tourism, the development of new tourism products, and improved service quality.
