Assem
Kozbagarova

Expert in international tourism and the tourism image of Kazakhstan
Founder and CEO of SkyWay LTD with over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry
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Leading voice in the tourism industry • Initiator of international projects • Advocate for the development of youth and children’s tourism

Under the leadership of Assem Kozbagarova

SkyWay LTD has grown from a startup into a leading company in domestic and inbound tourism, welcoming guests from China, India, the Gulf countries, Europe, and other regions.

2015
founded the tour operator company SkyWay LTD
2024
spoke at the first national tourism industry meeting with the Head of State
65
65,000+ children from all regions of Kazakhstan have participated in youth and children’s programs since 2017
150
150,000+ tourists from around the world served under her leadership
500
led teams of up to 500 employees
200
200+ international projects implemented for national companies and government institutions

For media and event organizers

Expert commentary for media
Public talks at forums and industry events
Masterclasses for professional communities
Panel discussions and moderation

Topics of speeches and expert commentary by Assem Kozbagarova

International tourism and inbound flow

International tourism and inbound flow
How Kazakhstan is becoming attractive to international markets — from logistics to guest experience

Tourism image of Kazakhstan: how it is perceived by foreigners

Tourism image of Kazakhstan: how it is perceived by foreigners
A managed system of impressions: service, routes, infrastructure, and standards

Children’s and youth tourism as social infrastructure

Children’s and youth tourism as social infrastructure
Programs such as “Living Lessons” and large-scale educational travel formats

Tourism in Central Asia: routes, partnerships, integration

Tourism in Central Asia: routes, partnerships, integration
Projects and formats connecting Kazakhstan with the broader Silk Road region
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Interview

Assem Kozbagarova

is a member of the Regional Council of the NCE Atameken (Almaty) and participates in specialized working groups under NCE, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, regional administrations, and other institutions.

Social Responsibility and
Ethical Business Principles

Social activities
The social activity of Assem Kozbagarova is based on practical work with children, youth, and educational institutions, and is implemented through large-scale cultural, tourism, and educational projects in Kazakhstan and beyond.
Children’s programs
She has been involved in organizing children’s and youth programs within city and regional initiatives, including projects with universities and educational institutions. In partnership with universities and national parks, practice-oriented educational routes for students have been implemented.
Kids Go Free project
Assem Kozbagarova is an initiator and participant of youth tourism programs implemented within the Kids Go Free project and specialized children’s tours across Kazakhstan, offering practice-oriented educational routes for students.
“Living Lessons” project
Under the leadership of Assem Kozbagarova, educational trips and “living lessons” have been organized for schoolchildren and students, involving visits to cultural, natural, and infrastructure sites.

Education

Narxoz University, International economics
Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), International Business Management
Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris, École Nationale des Mines de Paris and Collège des Ingénieurs, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Graduated from high school with a gold medal.
Award-winning participant of city-level Olympiads in chemistry, mathematics, Russian language, and literature.

Awards and Recognition

Medal “For Distinguished Labor”
Badge of honor “For Contribution to the Tourism Industry”
Medal “For Dedication to the Profession”, 3rd degree (NCE Atameken)
Letters of appreciation and certificates, including from NC “Astana EXPO-2017”
In 2024
Assem spoke at the first tourism development meeting with the Head of State and presented systemic proposals, some of which have been adopted for implementation by government authorities.