Autumn and winter tourist season was presented at the exhibition in Astana

On September 24-26, 2014 in the capital of Kazakhstan, traditionally on the eve of the World Tourism Day, a major tourist event of the fall was held – the 11th Kazakhstan International Tourism Exhibition – Astana Leisure 2014. The exhibition was traditionally held on the eve of the World Tourism Day, which was celebrated on September 27.

Astana Leisure 2014 intends primarily for tourism business professionals; it traditionally opens the autumn-winter season and presents new trends in tourism industry, new price offers and new programs.

This year the Exhibition has been attended by more than 90 companies from 22 countries, including Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Venezuela, Vietnam, Germany, Greece, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, China, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, the Maldives, the UAE, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, and Switzerland.

National stands have been from 12 countries, such as Hungary, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, and Switzerland.

The total exhibition area of Astana Leisure 2014 amounted to 1635 square meters and 79% of exhibitors signed contracts directly during the Exhibition.

The official opening ceremony was attended by the First Vice-Minister for Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kasymbek Zhenis Mahmuduly; Mayor of Riga, Nil Ushakov; Deputy Mayor of Astana, Sultanbekov Kanat Tanatarovich; Deputy Chairman of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kurbanbaeva Gulnar Turetaevna; Director of ITECA LLP, Yuriy Borodikhin and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to the First Deputy Minister for Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhenis Kasymbek: "Today Kazakhstan faces the implementation of several mega-projects: EXPO-2017, Asian Games 2017, and the City of Almaty claims to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2022. Therefore, the development of tourism in Kazakhstan is a relevant and emerging issue. It is noteworthy that this year the State Concept for the development of tourist industry has been adopted and to the end of the year we plan to adopt the Comprehensive Plan for Tourism Development at the level of the Government, which affects the development not only of tourism, but also related industries, such as transport, international flights, airport infrastructure development. So, I'm confident that the present Exhibition will give huge impetus to our industry."

The Mayor of the City of Riga, Mr Nil Ushakov became the guest of honour in Astana Leisure 2014; he arrived in Astana on the invitation of the Mayor of Astana, I. Tasmagambetov. The Mayor of Riga was accompanied by a large delegation consisting of the representatives of the Riga City Council, Riga City Hall, businessmen and media.

Speaking at the opening of Astana Leisure 2014, where the stands of Riga and Jurmala were presented, Mr Ushakov wished to Kazakhstan the implementation of plans for the development of the tourism industry, more visitors from around the world, who could get acquainted with the beauty of the state, and to the entrepreneurs – more successful contacts and more customers.

The number of visits of Astana Leisure 2014 for three days of its work was 3 358 times and the number of unique visitors reached 3129 people. Visitors of the Exhibition came from all regions of Kazakhstan and 27 countries.

One of the main themes of the Exhibition was Medical tourism. This section has been attended by clinics, tourist companies and health resorts from Kazakhstan, Germany, Greece, Latvia and South Korea.

This year, Astana Leisure has paid a special attention to topical issues in the field of air traffic: domestic and foreign companies have submitted alternative scheduled and charter flights.

The largest national stand presented tourism opportunities in Malaysia. After a certain period of time, a colourful dance performance was held by dancers in national costumes. In addition, the visitors had the opportunity to take a picture against the background of Petronas towers and to become familiar with national traditions of Malaysians.

On September 24, within the scope of the Exhibition, the Annual Awards Ceremony of the tourist industry leaders was conducted. The winners in the various nominations were the following companies: SCAT airlines, SAYAT Company, Department of Tourism in Akmola Region, Department of Tourism in Mangystau Region, Committee on Tourism Development of St. Petersburg, AlexTourGroup, and Kazakhstan Tourist Association (KTA).

The Exhibition had a rich in content business program. According to the organizers, the most relevant and interesting for the professionals was a round table on "Problematic Issues of Outbound Tourism. Ways to Tackle Them." (The organizer: National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan with the participation of the Capital Association of Tourism and the Association of Travel Agents in Kazakhstan), as well as a workshop "Children's tourism: existence and development" (The organizer: Kazakhstan Tourist Association) and a presentation of tourist potential of St. Petersburg (The organizer: Committee on Tourism Development of St. Petersburg, Russia).

On September 25, the Department of Tourism Industry of the Ministry for Investment and Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan conducted a Republican seminar-meeting on "Optimization of Promotion for National Tourist Product of the Republic of Kazakhstan" with the participation of tour operators, travel agencies, regional tourism departments and professional associations.

The organizers of Astana Leisure 2014 are the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan together with the Exhibition Company ITE Group Plc. (UK) and ITECA LLP (Kazakhstan). Official support for the event is provided by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Mayor's Office of Astana.

It remains to add that 45% of exhibitors plan to participate in Astana Leisure 2015. The 15th Anniversary Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Fair – KITF 2015 will be held in Almaty on April 22-24. The 12th Kazakhstan International Tourism Exhibition in Astana – Astana Leisure 2015 will take place on September 24-26, 2015 in Korme Exhibition Centre.

For additional information on the Exhibition please visit the website www.leisure.kz.