Astana hosted the strategic session "The Future of Tourism in Kazakhstan: Strategies, Challenges and Solutions". The participants discussed the key challenges of the industry, summed up the successes of 2024 and outlined ways of development for the future,El.kz reports.
The session brought together more than 30 participants, including representatives of government agencies, such as the Office of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, heads of national companies, including Kazakh Tourism and Kazakh Invest, as well as leading international experts and representatives of the tourism industry of Kazakhstan. Among the international speakers were representatives of Marriott International и Gratiya Advisory, who shared the best world practices.
As part of the event, the results of the industry's work for 2024 were summed up: the flow of foreign tourists increased to 11.5 million people, which is almost twice as much as in 2023, the income of accommodation facilities increased by 27%, reaching 224 billion tenge, and promotion projects were successfully implemented, including a large-scale competition "Guide to Kazakhstan" and international campaigns with the participation of Kazakh celebrities, which contributed to strengthening the country's image in the global tourism market.
"Since the beginning of the year, it is necessary to focus on strengthening the effectiveness of state support measures for private investors and business entities. It is also necessary to intensify work to attract foreign direct investment in the tourism industry. In addition, it is important to work out the necessary amendments to regulatory legal acts and legislation to improve the engineering and infrastructure support of resort areas, including roads, electricity and water supply," said Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerzhan Yerkinbayev.
Particular attention was paid to improving the mechanisms of state support, increasing the investment attractiveness of the industry and the role of Kazakh Tourism as a strategic driver.
Following the session, the participants outlined specific steps for the further development of tourism in Kazakhstan, including improving the functions of Kazakh Tourism, introducing new financing mechanisms and strengthening the country's position in the international tourism arena.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports expresses gratitude to all participants for the constructive dialogue and cooperation, which will become the basis for the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan.