Month: August 2025

A meeting in Geneva has set the stage for closer cooperation between Tajikistan and leading Swiss tourism organizations to promote its tourism potential internationally.

Expanding Tajikistan’s global presence

Deputy Chairman of the Tajik Tourism Development Committee Ziyodullo Salimzoda and Tajik Ambassador to Switzerland Sharaf Sheralizoda held talks with Geneva Tourism Office Director General Adrien Genier, as well as executives from Swiss companies Trade Wings Voyages and Executive Travel.

Discussions focused on increasing Tajikistan’s visibility in the global tourism market. Proposals included organizing presentations of Tajik tourist routes in Switzerland, launching advertising campaigns, and participating in specialized international tourism events.

Tourism as an economic driver

Both sides emphasized the importance of attracting foreign investment to modernize tourism infrastructure, develop the hotel sector, and create jobs.

“Tajikistan is known for its unique nature and hospitality, as well as the legendary Pamir Highway, one of the highest and most picturesque roads in the world,” noted Primus Publishing, a Swiss media outlet specializing in travel content.

Officials expressed confidence that cooperation with Swiss partners will help increase foreign traveler interest in Tajikistan and strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Partners with global expertise

Trade Wings Voyages is a well established Swiss travel company offering premium business and leisure services worldwide. Executive Travel, based in Geneva, specializes in customized itineraries and full-service travel arrangements.

Both companies have signaled their readiness to include Tajikistan in their travel programs and promote it across the European market.

Following the meeting, participants agreed to pursue long-term initiatives, including cultural exchanges and joint promotional campaigns. This partnership could mark a shift from isolated marketing efforts to a coordinated, sustained promotion of Tajikistan as a distinctive destination for international travelers.

Kazakhstan continues to face a severe shortage of student dormitories, with many new facilities being built in locations that do not address the areas of greatest need, according to a report by analysts at Energyprom.kz.

Demand far outstrips supply

In the 2024/2025 academic year, the country had 336,400 non-resident students, 7.5% more than the previous year. The largest concentrations were in Almaty (123,500), Astana (51,900), and Shymkent (28,500).

Of these, 131,400 required dormitory accommodation, but only 95,900 places were available. On average, just 39% of non-resident students in need were housed. In some regions, the situation was far worse: in Aktobe region, almost 70% of students seeking accommodation could not get it; in North Kazakhstan region, the figure was 68.8%; and in Turkestan region, 58.5%.

While the national average shows 73% of students have access to some form of housing, regional disparities are stark. Only eight out of 20 regions fully met demand. The lowest provision rates were recorded in Aktobe (50.4%), Almaty (60.3%), and Abai region (69.1%). As a result, even in relatively well-served areas, many students are forced to rent costly and often substandard accommodation.

Misaligned construction priorities

In the first half of 2025, 22 dormitories were commissioned nationwide, up from 18 in the same period last year. However, half were designated for workers and migrants rather than students. Only six were built specifically for students, while four were family-type facilities.

The Atyrau region saw the most activity, with six dormitories built, followed by Astana (four) and Akmola and Mangistau regions (three each). Notably, no new student dormitories were built in either Aktobe region or Almaty, where demand is highest.

Paradoxically, Atyrau, where 99.7% of demand is already met and only 26.3% of students require housing, recorded the highest construction rates.

Rising student numbers add pressure

The problem is compounded by an influx of internal and international student migrants. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 8,900 such students arrived, a 26.3% increase year-on-year.

Almaty led the inflow with 2,100 new students, up from 1,400 last year (+48.9%). It was followed by Astana, Shymkent, Almaty region, and Turkestan region. Only the Pavlodar region maintained last year’s intake, while Ulytau and Akmola regions saw declines.

Analysts note that while the growth reflects the appeal of Kazakhstan’s leading universities, it is placing additional strain on an already inadequate student housing system.

continues to face a severe shortage of student dormitories, with many new facilities being built in locations that do not address the areas of greatest need, according to a report by analysts at Energyprom.kz.

Demand far outstrips supply

In the 2024/2025 academic year, the country had 336,400 non-resident students, 7.5% more than the previous year. The largest concentrations were in Almaty (123,500), Astana (51,900), and Shymkent (28,500).

Of these, 131,400 required dormitory accommodation, but only 95,900 places were available. On average, just 39% of non-resident students in need were housed. In some regions, the situation was far worse: in Aktobe region, almost 70% of students seeking accommodation could not get it; in North Kazakhstan region, the figure was 68.8%; and in Turkestan region, 58.5%.

While the national average shows 73% of students have access to some form of housing, regional disparities are stark. Only eight out of 20 regions fully met demand. The lowest provision rates were recorded in Aktobe (50.4%), Almaty (60.3%), and Abai region (69.1%). As a result, even in relatively well-served areas, many students are forced to rent costly and often substandard accommodation.

Misaligned construction priorities

In the first half of 2025, 22 dormitories were commissioned nationwide, up from 18 in the same period last year. However, half were designated for workers and migrants rather than students. Only six were built specifically for students, while four were family-type facilities.

The Atyrau region saw the most activity, with six dormitories built, followed by Astana (four) and Akmola and Mangistau regions (three each). Notably, no new student dormitories were built in either Aktobe region or Almaty, where demand is highest.

Paradoxically, Atyrau, where 99.7% of demand is already met and only 26.3% of students require housing, recorded the highest construction rates.

Rising student numbers add pressure

The problem is compounded by an influx of internal and international student migrants. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 8,900 such students arrived, a 26.3% increase year-on-year.

Almaty led the inflow with 2,100 new students, up from 1,400 last year (+48.9%). It was followed by Astana, Shymkent, Almaty region, and Turkestan region. Only the Pavlodar region maintained last year’s intake, while Ulytau and Akmola regions saw declines.

Analysts note that while the growth reflects the appeal of Kazakhstan’s leading universities, it is placing additional strain on an already inadequate student housing system.