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KITF 2002: tourism industry can bring tangible social and economic benefits to Kazakhstan
The 2nd International Tourism and Travel Exhibition KITF’2002 organised by the Agency for Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan together with International Exhibition Company ITE Group Plc (UK) and Iteca LLP, its Kazakhstani partner, was held in Almaty. Among the VIP guests were Mr. Daulet Turlykhanov, Chairman of the Agency for Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Alla Peresolova, a representative of the PR Department of the World Tourist Organisation, Nigora Khasanova, ITE Tourism Exhibitions Director for Central Asia and Caucasus, and others. The grand opening ceremony was attended by the representatives of diplomatic missions, foreign journalists and key officials. All were impatient waiting for the symbolic cutting of a blue ribbon. The speakers outlined that tourism industry is very vulnerable (it became obvious after the 11 September attacks) and, at the same time, is very flexible as the volume of services provided increases considerably. The stable and quiet situation in Central Asia stirs keen interest in our wonderful country, which is confirmed by the figures: 60 companies from 18 states participated in the exhibition, their number grew by 30% compared to the 2001 figure, and the exhibition space doubled.

“I am pleased to state that the representatives of the Kazakhstani private businesses joined the World Tourist Organisation that represents the private sector of tourist industry,” Alla Peresolova said. “We expand our co-operation with Kazakhstan in the area of methodology of tourist statistics, stable tourism policy and sustainable development. Your representatives participate in qualification upgrade training courses held twice a year in the WTO headquarters in Madrid. The courses address crucial strategic and tactical issues of tourism development. Through WTO Kazakhstan gains access to the advanced techniques in tourism. Certainly, your industry is rather young but it is very active and progressive.”

Tourist companies from France, Turkey, Czech Republic, Namibia, Italy, Malta, Germany, Thailand, UAE and other countries offered Kazakhstani citizens to discover the new world by choosing from fishing in the Indian ocean to staying in a resort in Baden-Baden. The representatives of hotels and restaurants helped would-be Kazakhstani tourists figure out how to accommodate at resorts when they arrive. As much important for distant trips is the choice of a correct air carrier. At the exhibition the most convenient option for Kazakhstani citizens was offered by TransaeroToursKazakhstan, i.e. package of flights to different countries all over the world.

As for internal tourism, anyone could see for themselves the uniqueness of our country and all of its regions in advertising prospects and photos distributed at the exhibition. There are so many wonderful places in the republic that you could hardly visit all the sights during one vacation. You have to spend all one’s life travelling. For example, you can sign in for archaeological expeditions to study the era of bronze or early iron. Then you can switch to monuments to the newest history, such as space launch pads in Baikonur. Then you can see underground mosques and chalk mountains in Atyrau Region, the mausoleum of Asian rulers, feel spiritual ties at the grave of Korkyt-Ata sacral for all Turks or take pilgrimage to the mausoleum of Ahmed Yassaui. You may learn your feelings when going down to deep canyons and climb mountain peaks, meet with hereditary herdsmen (chabans) and handicraftsmen whose life has not changed for centuries. Those who wish to taste the romantics of the past, can saddle horses or camels and ride through mountains, deserts and steppe...

By the way, the Japanese educational system is tightly linked to tourism, during study in school, pupils visit each and every corner of their country. They believe it to be a fundamental aspect for fostering patriotism. It is also very helpful to geography classes.

According to the organisers, the International Tourism and Travel Exhibition allowed Kazakhstani citizens and foreign guests to see for themselves that Kazakhstan’s tourism industry can bring tangible social and economic benefits to the country. Theodore Koumelis - Friday, May 03, 2002