This study explores the historical development of international tourism in Kazakhstan from 1989 to the early 2000s. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the country experienced major political, economic, and social upheavals that negatively impacted the tourism industry. Regional conflicts and the repurposing of tourism infrastructure to accommodate refugees led to a sharp decline in tourist flows. In response, the Kazakhstani government implemented initial legislative reforms—most notably the 1992 Law “On Tourism”—and joined the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to integrate into the international tourism system. The study is based on the historical-descriptive method, drawing on legal acts, statistical data, archival sources, and international reports. The findings reveal the emergence of national tour operators, issues in classification, the impact of inflation on revenue, and the imbalance between outbound and inbound tourism. Despite institutional efforts, the sector suffered from unreliable data, informal services, and a decline in visitors. Additionally, the study analyzes the long-term effects of infrastructural transformations and legal reforms. The authors argue that tourism history serves as a critical resource for improving contemporary tourism policy and governance in Kazakhstan.