In May 2021, Ainur Zhakibayeva took a bold step: after more than 20 years in the civil service, she resigned to realize her dream of launching a private tourism project. This was the birth of "Forest and Stars" (Les i Zvezdy) glamping. The project started from scratch—the site had neither electricity nor water. It required installing power lines, drilling a well, and setting up a transformer; the first 11 tents marked the beginning of a major success story.

The initial capital was approximately 20 million tenge. The idea emerged during the pandemic: as domestic tourism in Kazakhstan surged, Ainur saw a unique opportunity to create a new vacation format—glamping—where guests could enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.

The primary uniqueness of "Forest and Stars" lies in its location and diverse accommodations. Situated in the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort zone, away from noisy tourist trails and near the picturesque Lake Zhukey, the site offers guests a choice of tent-houses, A-frame cabins, spherical domes, or forest cottages. This variety makes every stay personal and unforgettable, while the romantic name of the project immediately captured the attention of both the media and tourists.

High occupancy rates revealed a market deficit in quality year-round accommodation. To meet this demand and strengthen its market position, the project initiator—individual entrepreneur "Zhakibayeva"—planned the construction of five modern barnhouses.

To implement this expansion, the project utilized the "Orleu" preferential lending program through Nurbank JSC, supported by the "Damu" Entrepreneurship Development Fund at a rate of 12.6%. The approval of this application allowed for the rapid scaling of the business.

The journey was not without its hurdles: a lack of funding and staffing difficulties were constant challenges. However, the results today are impressive: since its opening, the glamping site has hosted over 20,000 tourists from all regions of Kazakhstan, as well as guests from Russia, China, England, and South Korea. For the Birzhan Sal district, this represents a true tourism breakthrough—previously, local attractions saw only 350–360 visitors per year.

Today, "Forest and Stars" is more than just a vacation spot; it is an example of how a passion for one’s work and entrepreneurial courage can transform an idea into a successful venture. Ainur Zhakibayeva advises aspiring entrepreneurs: "Before starting, realistically assess your strength and financial capabilities." She notes that a key early mistake—not being careful enough when selecting contractors—became a valuable lesson.

Plans for the next 1–2 years include the construction of a SPA center and a hotel to further enhance guest comfort. Ainur’s inspiration for future entrepreneurs is simple:

"If you decide to go into the tourism business, you must fall deeply in love with your project and work with all the passion and dedication you are capable of. Then, the project is destined for success!"

Contact Information:

• Instagram: @lesizvezdyglamp

• Address: Akmola Region, Birzhan Sal District, Ulgi Village District, Zhukey Village, 23A Shosseinaya St.

• Tel: +7 771 411 58 91