Timur Kulibayev: affordable vacation is an important aspect of the quality of life of Kazakhstanis
This was stated by the Chairman of the Presidium of the NCE RK Timur Kulibayev at a meeting with the leadership of the Committee on Tourism Development of the NCE.
At present, tourism is included in the project office of the Government on behalf of the Head of State, among the six key priorities of the "Olympic route". The tourism industry is also included in the National Export Strategy until 2022. On the instruction of the Government, a single tourism map was prepared, which includes 60 facilities from 7 regions of the country. The Akimats are actively involved in the work on tourism. Road maps for the development of tourism have been compiled in all regions. In general, about 140 billion tenge are provided for the development of infrastructure for the coming years.
The head of the NCE stressed the importance of improving the level of service of tourism facilities in the country, which must be adapted to tourist needs, including improving the infrastructure.
"The map of sacred places was made, people from all over the country go to see the monuments of cultural heritage, and there is no infrastructure. All these objects like Ulytau, Altyn Shoki, etc. are important for us, Kazakhstanis. People come to Turkestan, there are also no conditions for tourists. A single map for Kazakhstan has been developed, there must also be maps by regions. Each of them has its own beautiful places where people go to rest for the weekend, such places must be included in the regional tourist map" - said Timur Kulibayev.
He drew attention to the inadequate development of the infrastructure of the country's two metropolises.
"There is a huge possibility to make lots of pedestrian crossings from Medeo to Butakovka and Chimbulak, but nothing is arranged. There should be an accessibility for hiking. Almaty is a million-person city but, in fact, there is no place to go for camping. Astana has become a megacity, and where can people go for the weekend ? Borovoe is far away and expensive for many people. We need to think over where the people can rest with their children, rest should be comfortable and, most importantly, affordable. It is necessary to develop economical tourism. People should not not watch TV all weekend! They want an active holiday, so that the children would be happy. This is also an important aspect of the quality of life" - said Timur Kulibayev.
Among other things, the Committee identified seven simple initiatives that would remove a number of unnecessary barriers in domestic tourism. For example, to return permanent parking places for tourists, to lift the ban on photographing objects, and, on the contrary, to create special zones for visitors. To introduce incentives for employers to resume sanatorium rest through tax deductions. This will motivate trade unions and employers to invest in the rest of their employees. Subsidizing the travel expenses of tourists will increase the mobility of Kazakhstanis. Opening guest houses, and handicrafts are good business cases for the development of mass entrepreneurship.
The revival of tourist activity in the regions entails the creation of new jobs, increasing incomes and improving the living standards of the local population, increasing the attractiveness of the region and revitalizing the local cultural life.
However, there is one more pressing issue - lack of staff. Today in the state register there are 403 guides for the whole country. Since tourism became one of the six priorities of the Olympic route last year, the head of Atameken noted the need to work out the issue of including funds for the training of personnel for tourism and hospitality in the state order. Moreover the middle-level staff can be trained in all regions in educational institutions of the VET, taking into account regional peculiarities.
"Self-employed people can be trained on an accelerated program and provide permanent employment with pension contributions" - the head of the National Chamber said.
He instructed the Committee to connect regional tour associations to solve the issue together with the relevant ministry, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population and the "Kazakh Tourism".
The head of the NCE RK noted the need to control the funds allocated to the National Company.
"The state allocates huge funds for creating infrastructure and promoting the country's brand. The head of state asked the Chamber of Entrepreneurs to get involved in this work. Our task is to ensure that the allocated funds are effectively spent for the intended purpose - to give citizens the opportunity for cultural, active and affordable holiday" - summed up Timur Kulibayev.
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