Kazakhstan’s Priozersk Transforms from Military Base to Tourist Haven

Priozersk, once shrouded in secrecy as a military hub in Kazakhstan, is now poised for transformation into a vibrant tourist destination. With plans to renovate hotels offering stunning views of Lake Balkhash, including the iconic “Hotel Russia,” and develop its scenic coastline, Priozersk aims to shed its Cold War past. Despite reminders of its history, such as Soviet-era missile replicas and active military bases, the city’s mayor, Mansur Akhmetov, envisions a future where visitors stroll along clean beaches and enjoy hospitality at new hotels like “The Golden Sands.”

Efforts to attract tourists align with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s push to boost the country’s tourism sector, currently a modest contributor to GDP. Residents like Alexei Vereshchagin, a Soviet Army veteran restoring a hotel, and locals such as Ivan Sabitov, who now guards abandoned missile sites, reflect the city’s dual narrative of past military significance and future leisure appeal.

Already hosting small hotels catering to fishermen and early-season tourists, Priozersk anticipates broader appeal with initiatives to enhance infrastructure and promote its natural beauty. Visitors like Olga Ryapolova, drawn to Lake Balkhash’s warmth and sandy beaches, reflect growing interest in the region.

As Priozersk evolves, its aspirations for tourism development promise economic revitalization and cultural rejuvenation, marking a hopeful chapter in its journey from secrecy to openness on Kazakhstan’s tourist map.