Kazakhstan

Visited: November 2023, September 2024

Duration of visit: 10 days

Capital city: Astana

Population: 19 million (2024)

• Almaty – the former capital, known as the birthplace of apples, Zenkov Cathedral, vivid coffee scenery and Medeo skating ring didn’t impress me in line with expectations.
• First cold and rainy days during my trip hit me in Astana, but I still managed to visit the main landmarks of this modern city: observation tower Baiterek, Palace of Independence, the shopping & entertainment center Khan Shatyr, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, etc.
• It is hard to be a vegetarian in Kazakhstan, where almost all traditional dishes are based on meat.
• Even fast growth and internationalization of the country hasn’t improved the knowledge of English among citizens. Without Russian, the communication is very limited.
• Connection with the nature, multiethnicity, multicultural and openness to various religions.
• Nomad Games – attending a range of nomad sports events while interacting with Kazakh minority groups, dressed in their cultural costumes.
• Big Almaty Lake – hiking along the water pipeline to the picturesque lake.

The Land of Wanderers (Kazakhstan in English) speaks about the nation’s ancient history as nomads and the deep-rooted spirit of freedom in Kazakh culture. People of Kazakhstan were the first to ride horses, lived as nomads, moving from one region to another.

Kazakhstan is the most developed country of all Stans due to rich hydrocarbon and mineral resources.

The world largest production of uranium, increasing oil production and booming prices have brought a great prosperity to the whole country, but mostly fast development to the new capital Astana.

Kazakhstan is the last country on my trip through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan in October-November 2023. Little time and early November weather force me to focus only on two main cities: Almaty and Astana. It is not fair to say that the two main populated areas are representative of the whole country, but here are certain impressions that I manage to get of the 9^th largest country, with the longest border in the world.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of over 2 million, located in the southeast corner near the border of Kyrgyzstan, nestled in the picturesque landscapes at the foot of Zailiski Ala-Tau mountain. It was the capital of Kazakhstan from 1929 until 1997, when the government relocated the capital to Astana, while Almaty is still considered a hub of business, education and tourism. The name Almaty is believed to come from the Kazakh word for apple “full of apples”, based on abundant wild apple diversity.

I settle down in a small, but well-maintained Airbnb apartment, which was already heated and warm. I try to get the most out of the day, knowing that the weather forecast for the next day is rain. Since Almaty is a really big city and main attractions are scattered around, excellent and inexpensive public transport network, combined with taxi, was just right for me. For a difference with other metropolises in the region, economical metro (0.20US$ per ride) offers only a single line. Underground stations are far from being as picturesque as in some other cities of ex-Soviet Union.

I quickly notice how little cash Kazakhstani use for daily transactions. The electronic payments are executed through Kaspi, a leading ecommerce banking app, which unfortunately I am not able to use as a foreigner on a short visit. Taxi drivers often don’t have any change, if I pay in cash. Bus tickets cannot be purchased directly from the drivers, credit cards are not common, but still accepted. I usually board a bus and ask somebody to scan the QR code for me and pay through Kaspi app, while I pay them back in cash.

Cafeteria scene is extensive, with coffee shops at every corner. It seems that ground floors of apartment buildings are transformed to business offices, shops, cafeterias, bars, restaurants, money exchange offices, etc. Street blocks are long, avenues wide, road intersections large, timers above the traffic lights are counting down the seconds, until the green light appears. People are very friendly.

A cable car takes me to the top of the hill Kok Tobe at 1,100 meters above sea level, where a spectacular view over Almaty with the mountains in the background opens. The famous statue of the Beatles is the only attraction that calls my attention. Amusement park, zoo, souvenir shops, playgrounds with slides, swings, a climbing wall, a children’s playground and restaurants block the view over the city, but apparently attract the citizens to entertain. Air pollution, caused by mining and mineral processing, oil and gas production reflects with yellow clouds drawing a line above the metropolitan area.

Down in the city again, I walk past hotel Kazakhstan, the first high-rise building in the city, still the symbol of Almaty. The ancient bus in the parking lot in front of the hotel somehow does not fit the desire for modernization, but it serves as an excellent opportunity for a photo.

Zenkov Cathedral, an historical Russian Orthodox cathedral, is the second tallest wooden building worldwide, constructed between 1904 and 1907. A unique feature of this wooden building is that it was erected practically without any nails. The five-domed and three-aisled cathedral, with a built-in bell tower, was only slightly damaged by an earthquake in 1910, when almost all buildings in the surrounding went to ruin.

The real hard period fell during the Soviet rule. In 1927, the Soviet government ordered to close the cathedral, which led to robbery, destruction of library and removal of the bells. Finally, in 1995, local authorities decided to return its religious importance, and after restoration works, orthodox services began to be held in the cathedral. Only seldom visitors lit candles in complete silence, pray and calmly observe the beautifully decorated interior of the cathedral. Similar to some of the other attractions in the city, here too, the trees in the immediate vicinity obscure the view for flawless photography.

The Green Market is one of the oldest marketplaces in the city, where trade has been carried out since 1868. The present-day market edifice in the style of Soviet constructivism was built in 1975 and it was under renovation at the time of my visit. A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, smoked fish, and dry fruits are on sale at competitive prices. Especially well stocked are sections of honey and meat, where dozens of women exhibit perfectly cut pieces, while chatting on their smart phones and waiting for the customers.

The famous Medeo skating ring in Almaty is the highest Olympic-sized skating rink in the world, famous for being the world’s biggest high mountain skating rink, covering an area of 10,500 m². Hockey, figure skating, and speed skating are practiced there, but unfortunately due to bad weather, I can’t visit it. The same happens with Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake, which are off limits during my visit. A good reason to come back in the summer.

It is lunchtime and I pass a bustling restaurant, where people are entering to eat. “Let`s try the food where locals go for a lunchbreak”, I think and set foot in a no name self-service Kazakh restaurant. The well-stocked bar offers six types of soup, two dozen of main dishes, salads, desserts, bread snacks and drinks. After investigating around for a few minutes and being explained by one of the cooks, I order pumpkin soup, puffy bread filled with cheese and compote. All other dishes contain meat, salad is not appealing.

Well, yes, almost all Kazakh dishes are based on meat: beshbarmak, kuyrdak, syrne, laghman, manti and most of the soups.

Even though Kazakhstan theoretically doesn’t top the list of countries with the highest meat consumption, I have real troubles to find meatless food. Fruits, bread and pastry are the main dishes on my menu, beside international food that is easily available. At the end of autumn, apples, kaki fruits and grapes of delicious, natural flavor, are available in markets or specialized fruit stores around the city.

Many varieties of delicious bread are on sale in Kazakhstan: shelpek – a traditional flatbread, tohax – round-shaped bread, characterized by a large indentation in its center, baursak fried bread with a puffy appearance, is fried only for special occasions. Samsa is a savory, baked pastry stuffed with meat and sometimes with vegetables. The dough can be a simple bread dough or a layered pastry dough.

Astana was chosen to be the new capital in 1997 and since then, it has grown into one of the most modern cities in Central Asia. Beside the city transformation from a patch of land to a modern metropolis, also the name changes have an interesting story. Initially Akmola or Akmolinsk in Russian, was renamed to Tselinograd until 1997, when named Astana for the first time. Currently known as Astana, it was titled Nur Sultan (named after the first President of Kazakhstan Nur Sultan Nazarbayev) from 2019 until 2022.

This planned city has been built from nothing in only a few decades. Several of the world’s most iconic architects were given free rein to direct their imaginations into creative expression and tasked with the epic job of designing an incredibly unique city.

The central landmarks of the city – observation tower Baiterek, Palace of Independence, the shopping and entertainment center Khan Shatyr and Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in the form of a pyramid, are just some of the highlights in a city that also hosted the World Expo 2017.

The capital of Kazakhstan is one of the planned cities around that world that were chosen to become the capital for particular reasons, transferring government offices and creating new habitat when another main city, had been already well established.

Almaty has always been the biggest city in Kazakhstan, but located in extreme south, almost bordering to Kyrgyzstan. Due to several advantages in the long-term, Astana was chosen as the capital: favorable geographical position, proximity to the major economic centers of the region, considerable demographic capacity, good transportation facilities, plenty of space to create large urban areas and a relatively favorable climate.

When Kazakhstan became an independent country in 1991, Russians represented the majority of the population. President Nazarbayev needed to avoid the danger of Northern Kazakhstan separating or joining Russia, creating a new capital out of nothing, located in the middle of the country, that would bear his stamp. The city started to develop in 1997, when it was only an empty patch of land by the Ishim River, best known as a former gulag prison camp for the wives of Soviet traitors.

25 years later, Astana can be proud of being a cleverly planned, organized, well-distributed city, offering visitors a day or two of intense sightseeing, diplomats and government employees good working conditions and its inhabitants high quality standard of living … if we ignore the fact that climate conditions are not under human control nor responsibility and there is very little life in the radius of 1,200 kilometers around the city!

A discouraging weather forecast turns out into a rainy day with temperatures around 5C, grey sky and some wind. I prepared well in advance, bought a jacket already in Dushanbe and rented an umbrella in the hotel. I quickly realize that locals don’t use umbrella, are not concerned with being wet, nor stepping in a puddle on the street. My sport shoes are facing the end of their lifecycle, my feet wrapped in a plastic bag are quickly soaked with water that accumulates on pavements.

My first stop was planned to be the Museum of the First President of Kazakhstan, dedicated to the indestructible Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was governing the country from its independence until 2019, when, under fierce protests, he was finally forced to resign. The taxi driver brings me to another direction, where a Nazarbayev Center is located, so I am slightly upset for this misunderstanding and change the plan of the route to approach the Central Concert Hall and Presidential Palace first.

A large platform with restricted access to the regular traffic connects a wide area where some security guards are the only people around. Covered in raincoats, they supervise passing vehicles, while I am the only pedestrian walking around in this unpleasant weather. It is freezingly cold, my fingers are dulled, I can’t make any good photos and I am afraid to freely walk around.

I stroll along central Nurzhol Boulevard towards a monument and observation tower, called Baiterek, the most emblematic building in Astana. The statue is meant to embody a folktale about a mythical tree of life and a magic bird of happiness. A young tour guide accompanies me through the tower, elevating within the shaft to the observation deck within the egg-shaped upper part, explaining about the surrounding buildings visible in the distance.

From the observation platform, 97 meters high, commemorating the year when Astana was named the capital, I can get spectacular views over the new city, though limited by clouds today.

On the top floor, I put my hand on ex-president Nazarbayev’s gilded hand print of the right hand, while looking to his former Presidential palace.

Usually, crowds of visitors want to take a photo with their hand on the golden mold, but this time I am one of the few people around. No waiting this time!

I continue walking toward the south, passing the Ministry of Foreign affairs. The tallest building in Astana – Abu Dhabi Plaza Tower– raising up to 320 meters, seems to be empty. The upper part is covered with fog. The headquarter of national oil transport company KazTransOil possess impressive offices, but at the same time, blocks the view to the end of the avenue. As the grand finale of this long walk, I finally reach the biggest tent structure in the world, designed by famous British architect, Norman Foster.

Khan Shatyr is actually a shopping center under a transparent, slightly lop-sided tent, built in a neo-futurist style, hosting luxury brand shops and restaurants distributed on various floors. The transparent material of cushions allows sunlight through, while maintaining a stable internal temperature, despite large variation through the year outside.

Sky Beach Club is the unique attraction on the top floor, where a swimming pool with sand beach, aquapark, toboggans, deckchairs and a bar, 365 days a year offer a unique ambience. Mostly families with kids come to enjoy this unique environment in a landlock country. A 3.00US$ ticket enables me to tour the facilities for 15 minutes. Especially in the winter, with outside temperatures below -30C, swimming, sunbathing or walking on sand imported from Maldives in summer temperatures could be appealing.

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is the second structure designed by British architect Norman Foster here. In the form of a pyramid, the building offers much more space inside, than what is visible from the outside. I am once again offered a free tour around the pyramid, with explanation about construction, usage and events that take place in this iconic building. Three levels represent underground, life and heaven.

The Pyramid contains accommodations for different religions, hosts a 1,300-seat opera house, a national museum of culture and other institutions that express the spirit of Kazakhstan, where cultures, traditions and representatives of various nationalities coexist in peace, harmony and accord. This strong message to host different religion and spiritual leaders around the table and openly discuss in harmony, has been stressed out on various occasions during the tour.

Astana was a host of a very successful World Expo Exhibition in 1997, visited by 4 million people, under the motto Future Energy: Action for Global Sustainability. New ideas about technology, society, and the planet were presented in over 110 countries pavilions.

Not much of the original exhibition is left today, but an eight-storey spherical building, called the Nur Alem in a form of an enormous illuminated globe, still hosts the Museum of Future Energy – an exhibition about energy. The only building in the world in a form of a sphere, 100 meters tall and 80 meters in diameter, is remarkable. The museum consists of eight floors, representing the main types of energies: hydro, kinetic, biomass, wind, solar and space energy. A great place to finish exploration of this futuristic city.

It finally stops raining in the late evening, so I decide to go back to the area, where I started my city tour early in the morning. The visibility is better, the illumination as always in Kazakhstan, superior. I successfully take some great photos of Astana at night, before heading to the airport.

My flight is scheduled for 3:30am, but soon a 6 hours delay is announced by the airline. We wouldn’t take off before 10:00am, since the inbounding plane was redirected to Tbilisi due to a psychopath threat to the cabin crew. “We will start to check-in at 5:00am. You can go home or wait around here!”, a representative of Pegasus airline explains to me. After finding out that the flight from the same company was also cancelled the night before, I am convinced that I would lose my connection flight in Istanbul, as well as a bus from Budapest to Slovenia.

I entertain myself with an English teacher and her husband, discussing about Kazakhstan, lifestyle, history and future, for the next two hours, when the unexpected check-in process starts. What seemed to be a nightmare eventually turns into a tense exchange of means of transport, which brought me home exactly on schedule the same evening.

The Nomad Games are an international competition that celebrates the ethnic sports of Central Asia. This event is rooted in the folk games of the region’s historically nomadic peoples. The first three editions of the World Nomad Games were conducted in Kyrgyzstan, with the fourth taking place in Turkey, and the fifth organized in Astana, Kazakhstan, in September 2024.

After learning about the games during my last trip to Kazakhstan, I was eager to attend as a visitor. The first four games were conducted in a rural context, whereas the fifth game was hosted in Astana, a major city, which elevated the event’s organization to a higher standard. Around 2,500 competitors from 89 countries engaged in 21 sports, while more than 100 cultural events were hosted in the Ethno Village, specifically established for this occasion. The World Nomad Games are also listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Purchasing tickets for sports events online ahead of time was remarkably simple. The ticket prices were mostly affordable, aside from the high cost of the Opening Ceremony, which enabled me to participate in all the events during my time in Astana. The main challenge was coordinating my itinerary to navigate the different sports venues across the city. Although I had conducted a detailed analysis of the events, including their format, essential guidelines, and locations, I was still unclear about the visibility conditions at the venues. While I was positioned close enough to properly witness the action at most locations, at the open Hippodrome and the Opening Ceremony, the visibility was considerably restricted due to the distance.

For me, these games transcend mere athletic competition, serving as a platform to highlight the cultural heritage, sportsmanship, and traditional games of nomadic nations, thereby enhancing cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding among various sportsmen, visitors and volunteers.

The Opening Ceremony in Astana Arena was the most extraordinary live event I have ever attended. This nearly two-hour-long cultural showcase presented a stunning array of traditional dances, costumes, and performances, complemented by modern scenery, lighting, and special effects, all of which celebrated the rich cultural history of Kazakhstan.

The teams representing the participating nations paraded in alphabetical order, receiving enthusiastic support from a crowd of over 20,000, which included various national and regional leaders. In his speech, President Tokayev highlighted the profound historical significance of nomadic civilizations and the critical need to preserve their legacy, as well as the role of promoting global unity.

The theatrical display of nomadic traditions celebrated enduring principles such as harmony with nature, respect for the land, and the shared obligation to protect our planet as a common home. The performances reflected the heritage of the Tengri period, the prominent khanates, and Kazakhstan’s journey towards becoming a modern nation. A number of renowned singers took to the stage, but I was unfamiliar with their names.

Beside sport events the main goal of Nomad games is also to expose and protect national heritage. Therefore, The National cultural complex – Ethnoaul was set up to allow visitors to acquaint with a rich history, culture, art and traditions of the Kazakh people. The ethnic and cultural environment of the nomadic civilization, festive life of the village, national costumes, music and theater performances were organized in traditional tents, called yurts.

People from all parts of Kazakhstan were explaining about their traditions, posing and performing. Some men were incredible strong or extraordinary tall, while women were really beautiful.

It was a fascinating experience to wander around the yurts, observe people in traditional clothes, taste traditional food and watch the performances.

The event comprised 21 different sports disciplines. I was introduced to many of these for the first time, with several being entirely novel to me, while others resembled conventional Olympic sports like judo, wrestling and archery.

Here is a compilation of the sports events I watched.

Mas wrestling is commonly referred to as a one-on-one stick tug of war, with competitors participating in a best-of-three series. The wrestlers sit on the ground, facing each other, their feet resting on a wooden board that lies between them. Both men and women take part in these contests. Each competitor grips the stick with both hands, attempting to either extract it from their opponent's hold or pull it into their own territory.

Some matches can be resolved in just a few seconds, while others may last up to a minute. It was apparent to me that the athletes are in excellent physical condition and have dedicated significant time to training in this sport at a high level.

The game of Asyk Atu occurs on a level surface that is specially treated. In the middle of this area, fifteen asyks, traditionally made from sheep knuckle bones, are positioned. Players alternate turns, attempting to throw their hitting knuckles at the asyks from a distance of six meters, aiming to displace them from the circle. An asyk is considered knocked out if it is struck and subsequently lands outside the circle.

In the game of Assyk atu, I did not identify any unique skills that could not be mastered with some practice. The significant distance from the throwing zone to the knuckles area meant that results were frequently determined by luck as much as by throwing accuracy. In general, Assyk atu is primarily an outdoor activity that enhances children's analytical thinking and physical well-being, practiced during festive celebrations and gatherings.

Kokpar and Kok Boru are among the most ancient nomadic sports in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with a history spanning several centuries. Kokpar is associated with Kazakh culture, whereas Kok Boru originates from Kyrgyzstan. The games can be described as a fusion of rugby and horseback riding, with the aim of scoring goals.

The main objective of these games is seizing the carcass of a goat – nowadays often replaced by a specialized dummy – from the adversaries and drag it into the opposing team's scoring area. In Kokpar, this area is characterized by a donut-shaped elevated structure, whereas in Kok Boru, it is simply delineated by a circle on the ground. The game is known for requiring strong and valiant participants, as well as powerful horses. The team that manages to throw the highest number of dummies, referred to as serke, into the goal emerges victorious. The serke is typically limited to a weight of 30-33 kg.

We observed the events at the National Hippodrome from a considerable distance, which affected our visibility. Nonetheless, the stands were filled with spectators, who created great atmosphere, predominantly supporting the Kazakh team, who had outperformed their American rivals.

Known as Audaryspak in Kazakh, horseback wrestling is a longstanding equestrian contest that assesses the strength and stability of riders. This sport has its roots in the training regimens of nomadic warriors and has transformed into a cherished tradition that highlights the participants' bravery, agility, and outstanding equestrian abilities.

The competition features two muscular men on their horses, who are bare-chested and wear either a blue or red belt, grappling within a 15-meter circle until a winner is determined. A decisive victory is awarded to the individual who can successfully pull their opponent from the saddle or, preferably, make them fall to the ground or win more points through various maneuvers, including pushing opponents outside the circle and lifting their leg above the saddle.

This was one of the most exciting events for me, highlighted by a key moment that called for VAR's intervention. After a comprehensive review of the footage to determine if the competitor from Kyrgyzstan had caused his horse to bite the competitor from Kazakhstan, the victory was ultimately awarded to the latter.

The strongman competition is comparable to other international events that aim to determine the strongest individual. It features five primary disciplines: lifting a 100-kilogram stone and carrying it as far as possible; throwing a heavy javelin for maximum distance; squatting with a 130-kilogram log on the shoulders; squatting with a 100-kilogram bag and towing a 200-kilogram trolley.

I watched only the first three disciplines. A dozen competitors demonstrated their strength in front of a predominantly Kazakh audience, who passionately supported all the athletes. Despite the Iranian contender's formidable strength, the Kazakh athlete exhibited superior balance in terms of power and technique, which led to his victory and the gold medal. I found it particularly rewarding to witness the competition up close, just a few meters away, as it enabled me to fully appreciate the strength and hard work of the competitors.

Horseback archery stands out as one of the most exhilarating competitions, involving the shooting of arrows while riding a horse at high speeds. This technique has been historically significant for hunting, protecting herds, and warfare, making it evident that competitors must possess advanced skills.

Riders approach the three-targets positioned to each other parallel to it, executing their shots with accuracy. In a performance that lasts around 15 seconds, they shoot arrows in three sequences: first towards the target while moving forward, then parallel, and finally backward as they conclude their run.

Points are awarded based on the combination of successful hits and the time taken to complete the course; a shorter duration yields a higher score. The extraordinary combination of agility, balance, and speed is remarkable.

I also witnessed the Traditional archery event, where competitors shoot arrows at a target set at 60 meters for women and 70 meters for men. The sport discipline of Qazaq Kuresi reminded me of judo, with the key distinction being that the contest is held entirely in a standing position.

The primary motivation for my return to Almaty in 2024 was to visit the Big Almaty Lake, which had been inaccessible during my previous late autumn trip in 2023. This natural alpine reservoir is situated in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, approximately 15 kilometers south of Almaty's city center, at an elevation of 2,511 meters. The lake features a coastline of 3 kilometers and reaches depths of 30 to 40 meters and also serving as a source of drinking water for the surrounding region.

Although most tourists prefer to hire a car with a driver for a half-day visit to the lake, we (I was travelling with a friend) opted for a one-way taxi ride and planned to find our own way back to Almaty. After paying for a park entry ticket, we continued the ride for a few kilometers to reach the ramp, where further travel options are limited to walking, electric bicycles, electric motorbikes, or organized transport. The costs of renting a (motor)bike or participating in a guided tour were prohibitively high, leading me to decide on walking to the lake. I took a shorter route that primarily follows the pipeline transporting water from the lake to the valley.

The forest path, which includes steps in certain areas and is clearly marked, is steep but considerably shorter than the winding road that stretches over 10 kilometers.

In just over an hour, I was captivated by the sight of a breathtaking turquoise lake surrounded by majestic mountains, each rising around 4,000 meters above sea level.

Most of the other visitors were locals of diverse ages and physical abilities, with a few foreigners from Asian countries present as well. I snacked on some light food I had brought and descended to the lake's surface. The most impressive view was from a mid-level position. The weather was remarkably beautiful, with clear skies and no wind, allowing nature to display its splendor.

The descent proved to be significantly easier and quicker. I had previously made a decision to approach one of the locals who had parked their vehicle next to the ramp, and ask for a ride to Almaty. Fortunately, my efforts were rewarded on the first attempt. The young owner of a tourist agency graciously offered us transportation to the city, and during the journey, she provided a tour of the nearby village, which boasts numerous tourist amenities, including restaurants, hotels, spas and swimming pools.

The main difference between previous countries on this trip and Kazakhstan, is that foreign visitors don't call attention in Almaty or Astana. People are not particularly friendly or willing to help, mainly due to language skill limitations. I was disappointed to find out how many youngsters are afraid to answer in English, except on basic questions. Again, without knowledge of Russian the communication would be impossible.

Astana was chosen to be the new capital city in 1997 and, since then, it has grown to be one of the most modern cities in Central Asia. A planned city has been built from nothing in only a few decades, several of the world's most iconic architects were given free rein to direct their imaginations into creative expression and tasked with the epic job of designing an incredibly unique city.

Connection with the nature, multiethnicity, multicultural and openness to various religions gave me an impression of Kazakhstan being a model country of multi-faith coexistence, where traditions of the country are above religion.

Therefore, people can pursue a normal life with modern approach, where men and women have similar rights and obligations. With natural resources and smart policy, Kazakhstan could continue growing as a country, enabling their citizens higher quality of life also in the future. The light blue color in Kazakhstan flag represent peace, tranquility, and well-being, whoch together with a wonderful and very memorable emblem add to an impression that Kazakhstan is not only one of the Stans or countries of ex-Soviet Union, but a unique mixture of people, ethnic groups and religions, that will continue to attract more visitors in the future.