Astana once again asserts
itself as a hub for business or Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and
Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. In August 2025, the capital is set to host the International
Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) World Library and Information
Congress (WLIC), a large-scale international event expected to attract 4,000
delegates from over 130 countries. For an entire week, participants – including
scientists, politicians, and library professionals – will discuss trends and
new technologies in the sector. They will also establish practical standards
for modern libraries and develop new strategies to enhance the quality of user
services.
«Kazakhstan had a really strong application
together with the help of Kazakh Tourism and Visit Astana. The main agenda is
all about libraries, all the different areas. It is a way for librarians of
Kazakhstan to, of course, exchange their own knowledge with the rest of the
world, the different countries, the different regions,» said Anna Plassmann,
IFLA WLIC organizer, Germany.
At last year’s
National Kurultai (Congress) meeting, the Head of State highlighted the
importance of improving library work and fostering a reading culture in
Kazakhstan. Such events not only align with these goals but also bring an
additional influx of investments. Preliminary estimates suggest the WLIC will
generate approximately two million euros for Astana.
«Hosting this congress is significant for
several reasons. First, all delegates cover their own expenses, including
airfare, accommodation, food, and other costs, injecting foreign currency into
the economy and boosting tourism. According to the international association, a
significant portion of participants – about 40-45% from 3,500-4000 people – tend
to stay longer and travel not only within Kazakhstan but also, as we expect,
throughout Central Asia,» noted Galimzhan Seilov, senior manager of the MICE
tourism development service at the Kazakh Tourism National Company.
A special trade fair
featuring innovative technologies and advanced digital developments for modern
libraries will be held in the capital as part of the congress.
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