Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INTRODUCTION
The tourism industry is one of the most rapidly developing economic sec-
tors worldwide. For many countries it is not only the main source of in-
come but also the engine for the growth of other related industries and
emergence of new jobs. According to the UN World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO), today every seventh job in the world is in the tourism sector.
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The cost of its creation is significantly lower than of other economy sec-
tors. In 2011, the number of international tourist arrivals grew by nearly
4% to 983 million. UNWTO helps developing countries to benefit from
sustainable tourism. Starting with 2010, profit growth of the world tourism
is about 7%, and at present it is shifting to Asian nations.
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Kazakhstan has been a member of the UNWTO since 1993. UNWTO
General Secretary Francesco Frangialli noted that Kazakhstan has made
significant progress in promoting its image as an attractive, tourism-
friendly and dynamic Eurasian destination. He also emphasized Kazakh-
stan's enormous potential for cultural and nature-based tourism due to its
geographic attributes, its amazing history and its location on the Silk Road
(KITF Catalogue, 2008). “Kazakhstan has very good prospects for tour-
ism from Europe because the country gets better and better known and has
much to offer!” (Langedijk, 2012).
The strong President and state, multiethnicity, political stability, re-
ligious tolerance and persistent economic growth make Kazakhstan an
attractive place to gather world forums on different aspects of modern
life. In 2009, Kazakhstan hosted the 18th UNWTO General Assembly
that showed the active involvement and contribution of Kazakhstan to the
international tourism community. The annual Kazakhstan International
Tourism Fair (KITF) was launched in 2001 and nowadays it is the leading
travel event for inbound and outbound tourism in Kazakhstan. Since 2008
Annual Economic Forums gather leading international economists, ana-
lysts and experts in Astana—the new capital of Kazakhstan. The OECD
chairmanship of Kazakhstan in 2010 was concluded with inclusion of the
country in the OSCE Summit held in Astana at the end of the year. In
2011, Kazakhstan successfully hosted the 7th Asian Winter Games and
was highly appraised by international experts. In 2012, 80 five delegations
from 40 countries participated in the 4th Session of leaders of international
and traditional religions in Astana. Nominating Astana for hosting EXPO
2017 will further promote the country on the international arena and should
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