Kazakhstan is set to prioritize tourism as a key driver of economic growth, as per the recently adopted Tourism Development Concept for 2023-2029. The country aims to boost its tourism sector by focusing on various aspects such as destination promotion, infrastructure development, and service improvement.
Minister of Culture and Sports, Askhat Oralov, took to Facebook on July 10 to outline the main directions and prospects for Kazakhstan's tourism advancement. The measures laid out in the concept aim to attract 11mn domestic tourists and 4mn inbound tourists by 2030.
One of the primary goals is to increase employment in the tourism sector, with plans to hire up to 800,000 people. Additionally, the country aims to increase the share of gross value added in the industry to $13.6bn. Investments in accommodation and food services are also expected to rise to $589.3mn.
To ensure the safety and well-being of tourists, the eQonaq information system will be implemented to facilitate migration control and enable timely search and rescue missions. The system will also allow for the provision of medical assistance or evacuation, if necessary, by informing the territorial divisions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations about the movement of tourists.
“Kazakhstan plans to introduce a national rating assessment of regions to evaluate the effectiveness of invested funds and development of tourist infrastructure. The rating will cover key areas and the top 50 destinations in the country,” Askhat Oralov emphasized.
To enhance the overall experience for tourists, a standard will be established for marking tourist trails throughout Kazakhstan. The trails will be classified based on their complexity and tailored to the hiking experience of visitors. The installation of signs, information boards, and stands will aid tourists in navigation and help prevent dangerous hikes.
The country also aims to promote its rich handicraft heritage and create networks of campsites, trailer parks, and ethnic villages along popular car routes.
To stimulate domestic tourism, Kazakhstan will introduce a tourist cashback program in addition to the existing Kids Go Free initiative, which offers free tickets for children aged 2 to 17 as part of a domestic tour package.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan plans to develop various types of tourism, including cultural, educational, agritourism, social, medical, environmental, business, and youth tourism, in order to cater to diverse interests and attract a broader range of visitors.
With the adoption of the Tourism Development Concept, Kazakhstan is making a clear commitment to transforming its tourism sector into a significant contributor to the country's economy. By implementing comprehensive strategies and focusing on infrastructure, services, and promotion, the nation aims to position itself as an attractive and competitive tourist destination in the coming years.
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