Baikonur's bold 2030 plan turns space history into a tourism boom

Baikonur is set to become a major tourism hub after officials approved a development plan running until 2030. The region, home to the world’s first and largest space launch facility, is now streamlining visitor access and expanding its appeal. Recent changes include faster permit processing and a packed calendar of events to draw in crowds. The Baikonur Cosmodrome has long been a landmark in space exploration. Now, its historical sites—including Gagarin’s Launch Pad—are being positioned as key attractions for tourists. These locations, transferred to Kazakhstan, offer unique opportunities for visitors interested in space history.

To boost visitor numbers, officials have cut the processing time for foreign tourist permits to just 10 days. So far, 17 major events have taken place, attracting over 150,000 attendees. A full calendar of future events has also been finalised to keep interest high. Beyond space tourism, medical tourism is emerging as another growth area. A dedicated roadmap for 2026–2028 is in development, building on the success of ten domestic medical institutions already accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

The approved 2030 tourism plan aims to transform Baikonur into a leading destination. Faster permits, a busy event schedule, and internationally accredited medical facilities form the foundation of this strategy. With continued investment, the region expects to see a steady rise in both domestic and international visitors.