Tourism is a growth catalyst for the national economy. Today Kazakhstan develops cognitive, recreational, ethnic tourism, eco-tourism and other tourism types. Visa liberalization is one of the main priorities in this sphere. Till the end of 2018 Chinese nationals can travel around Kazakhstan for three days. Similar visa requirements are planned to be introduced for Indian nationals as well. Introduction of electronic visa will become a big step towards attracting foreign visitors.

AYA KUSAINOVA, PRESIDENT, KAZAKHSTAN’S NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOURISM INDUSTRY:
– In general, the whole world moves towards digital transformation, and it is a big step, big advantage, when people don’t have to go to the embassy, they don’t have to receive an invitation, they just receive an electronic visa in the system. Imagine how it is going to simplify and, respectively, increase the tourist flow. The implementation is planned for the end 2018 and 2019.

EXPO 2017 held in Astana has not only attracted the record-breaking tourist flow but has also diversified the industry in general. 36 hotels have opened, new food facilities were established, tourist service improved in Astana alone. The positive effects also affected the regions – airports were modernized, new domestic air flights were launched. The representatives of the association believe that such measures will increase the tourist flow.

ARYSTANBEK MUKHAMEDIULY, KAZAKH MINISTER OF CULTURE AND SPORTS:
– There is an ambitious task that the industry faces –increasing tourism’s share in GDR from 1% to 8% by 2025. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, tourism makes up 10% of the world’s GDP and generates every 10th job.

Eco and ethno tours present a special interest for foreign visitors. According to experts, this tourism type must become Kazakhstan’s main tourism product. Travelers in China have paid a great interest for it.

AYA KUSAINOVA, PRESIDENT, KAZAKHSTAN’S NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOURISM INDUSTRY:
– What is interesting for Chinese travelers? They are interested in ecotourism, ethno-tourism, our ethnicity. They just want to go to the steppe, take a breath of fresh air, drink kumys, they are fascinated by kazy. We shouldn’t lose our culture, our kazakh culture, our authenticity, there is no need to invent anything. We just need to establish additional guest houses and yurt houses in rural areas.

Last year the national company “Kazakh Tourism” was established in Kazakhstan. Its main goal is to present Kazakhstan’s tourism potential abroad., the company has developed the 2020 tourism development concept in order to better promote the country’s interests. It has to improve Kazakhstan’s image and take tourism to an advanced level.