Kazakhstan's "Astana Times" article on February 25, original title: China's Kazakhstan Tourism Year explores new trends in outbound tourism China's "Kazakhstan Tourism Year" will hold more than 25 events. The launch ceremony is scheduled for the end of March. Minister of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan Martzhekhpaev said, "China is one of Kazakhstan's priority tourism markets and partners. This is due to the geographical location of the two countries and the deep historical ties accumulated along the Silk Road. ”
Due to the increase in flights and the simplification of visa procedures, there has been a recovery in China's inbound and outbound tourism. "Tourism between Kazakhstan and China** is at the pre-pandemic level," said Martzhekhpaev. "In the first nine months of 2023, more than 750,000 tourists visited Kazakhstan, including more than 200,000 Chinese tourists, according to the National Statistical Service of Kazakhstan. "Taking into account the visa-free regime since November last year, we expect further growth in the number of tourists, we plan to increase direct flights between the two countries to 30 flights per week, and at the same time, we plan to develop the ecological, ethnic tourism industry and adventure tourism," said Marcekhpaev. ”
The promotion of Kazakhstan tourism in China includes cooperation with Chinese travel service providers, participation in international exhibitions such as the China Outbound Tourism Mart 2023. The talks between Kazakhstan and China** focused on marketing, investment, digitalization and the exchange of experiences. As part of the "Kazakhstan Year of Tourism" in China, inter-business e-commerce conferences, forums and cultural exchanges will promote tourism exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
The SCO Development Strategy for the period up to 2025 proposes measures to strengthen tourism cooperation in the SCO. The focus of the Member States is to facilitate travel in the region. These include the resumption of direct flights, the adjustment of payment systems and the strengthening of insurance mechanisms.
President of the Eurasian Tourism Association Karabayeva believes that the visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and China will facilitate cross-border tourism. These include weekend tours and an international passenger line from Almaty to Urumqi. Kalabayeva also stressed the importance of building a team of qualified tour guides to ensure high-quality excursions. (*Translated by Chen Xin, Global Times).