Kazakh
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired a meeting at the Akorda Presidential
Palace outlining the priority directions for advancing tourism in the country.
According to the Head of State, this is one of the most attractive sectors for
investors, with its share in the gross world product reaching 10 percent and
accounting for a third of the world’s service exports. Kazakhstan has all the
necessary conditions, including a favorable geographical location, diverse
nature, and a rich historical and cultural heritage, for expanding all types of
tourism. President Tokayev stressed that this potential needs to be harnessed
effectively, calling for systemic measures to achieve a qualitative
breakthrough.
«To attract
investors to the tourism sector, transparent and stable conditions should be
created. The government, together with regional authorities, should start with
digitization of the master plans for the development of resort areas and
providing open access to them. Potential investors should have the opportunity
to obtain up-to-date information about available land plots,» said the Kazakh
President.
President
Tokayev believes it is necessary to focus on attracting leading foreign IT
specialists - digital nomads from around the world - to Kazakhstan. The
government has been instructed to launch special programs, namely the Digital
Nomad Visa and Digital Nomad Residency, in October. The Head of State also set
the task of addressing transport infrastructure issues, including increasing
the number of trains, expanding the presence of low-cost carriers on popular
air routes, and completing road projects this year.
«International
studies show that more than 70 percent of travelers opt for holiday
destinations within a 4-hour flight time. Thus, Kazakhstan could be very
attractive for tourists from China, India, countries of the Middle East and
East Asia. It is essential to consider the specific aspects related to foreign
tourists’ mentality, their interests and requests, rather than applying a
one-size-fits-all program to all tourists. To this end, we need qualified
personnel and a commitment to quality work. Within five years, it is possible
to increase the number of foreign arrivals twofold or even threefold,» added
the Head of State.
The year 2024 has been declared the Year of
Kazakhstan Tourism in China. President Tokayev has instructed the Government
and border region governors to prepare the nearest settlements for receiving
tourists as well as to complete the modernization of the Bakhty and Kolzhat
border checkpoints. Besides, the Head of State highlighted the importance of
providing information support for the World Nomad Games, which are expected to
draw tourists as well. According to him, the mountain cluster of the Almaty
region, beach tourism in Mangystau, and the Shchuchinsk-Burabai resort area
should become a hallmark of Kazakhstan’s tourism at the global level, with all
efforts focused on their development.
Editor: Гайни Жумабек
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