Over 25 events are set to commemorate the year of Kazakhstan tourism in China, with the inaugural ceremony set for late March of 2024, The Astana Times reported. As per the National Statistics of Kazakhstan, the first 9M 2023 saw an influx of over 75,000 tourists into Kazakhstan. The number of Chinese visitors to Kazakhstan surpassed 200,000.
In a meeting held in January, Yermek Marzhikpayev, the Kazakh Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Sun Yeli, the Chinese Minister of Culture and Tourism, deliberated on a preliminary plan and potential cooperation.
“China is one of the priority tourist markets and partners for Kazakhstan. This is due to the two countries’ geographical location and deep historical ties along the Silk Road,” Marzhikpayev stated.
Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy, highlighted the resurgence in both inbound and outbound tourism in China, facilitated by increased flight connectivity and streamlined visa processes. Marzhikpayev confirmed that tourism between Kazakhstan and China has bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
Marzhikpayev expressed optimism for further growth, citing the visa-free regime implemented since November and plans to augment direct flights to 30 per week. He also mentioned plans to expand the eco, ethno-tourism, and adventure tourism sectors.
Efforts to promote Kazakhstan’s tourism potential in China encompass collaborations with Trip.com and participation in international exhibitions, including the China Outbound Tourism and Travel Market (COTTM) 2023. Discussions with Chinese officials also revolve around marketing, investment, digitalization, and experience exchange.
B2B conferences, forums, and cultural exchanges form part of the Year of Kazakh Tourism in China, aiming to deepen tourism exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.
The Development Strategy until 2025 delineates measures to bolster tourism cooperation within the SCO. The member states are focusing on facilitating travel across the region, with initiatives such as restoring direct flights, synchronizing payment systems, and improving insurance mechanisms.
Rysta Karabayeva, President of the Eurasian Tourism Association, believes that the visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and China will stimulate cross-border tourism. This includes weekend tours and international bus routes through Almaty-Urumqi. She also sees potential for the development of medical tourism in border areas and emphasises the need for a pool of certified guides to ensure top-notch excursion services.
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