With Frankfurt am Main hosting from May 19 to 21, 2026 over 15,000 participants from 150 countries at IMEX, one of the world’s leading international trade shows for the MICE industry, Astana is represented at the exhibition alongside leading Kazakhstani companies, including Air Astana, Empire Travel Qazaqstan, Kompas, and SkyWay.
The capital’s participation aims at promoting its tourism and business potential, modern infrastructure, hotel capacity, transport accessibility, and its capabilities to host international events and welcome global visitors.
“Our capital already has extensive experience in hosting major international events, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Congress, the Walter Dandy Neurosurgical Society World Congress, the XV ISAAC Congress, the PGL international tournament, the World Nomad Games, Comic Con Astana, the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, as well as numerous large-scale forums, sporting and cultural events involving international delegations. Participation in IMEX Frankfurt allows us to increase Astana’s visibility among the global professional community and strengthen interest in Kazakhstan as a promising destination for international events,” noted Khalel Akimzhanov, Head of the Investment and Entrepreneurship Development Department of Astana.
Following the first day of the exhibition, the Visit Astana team, together with representatives of the Kazakhstan stand — Air Astana, Empire Travel Qazaqstan, Kompas, and SkyWay — held more than 170 business meetings with international tour operators, MICE agencies, event companies, global buyers, and tourism industry representatives from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. International partners showed strong interest in:
● MICE and business travel
● incentive travel
● luxury and VIP tourism
● thematic and niche tourism
● experiential travel and tailor-made itineraries
● cultural and gastronomic programs
● organization of congresses and forums
Astana’s unique combination of modern infrastructure and Kazakhstan’s authentic travel experiences drew particular attention from international companies. Visitors to the Kazakhstan stand were also introduced to national products, tourism routes, and opportunities for travel across Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
During the first day, the Kazakh delegation also held meetings with several major international companies, including JK Cement (India) and the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund. The parties are currently exploring opportunities to organize corporate events and incentive programs in Astana. The Brazilian company Exqare is considering Astana as a new and promising destination for the Brazilian outbound market.
In addition, following negotiations with one of Cyprus’s leading tour operators, Travelhouse, agreements have been reached regarding the planned arrival of the first corporate incentive groups on the new direct Larnaca–Astana flight.
IMEX Frankfurt 2026 demonstrated strong international interest in Kazakhstan and opened new opportunities for future partnerships, the development of inbound tourism, and the promotion of Astana as one of the key business and tourism hubs in the region.
