Ardjan Langedijk Managing director of Kazachstan Reizen The Netherlands 1

Current Situation Kazakhstan is a relatively new country Most Europeans know little about Kazakhstan Few Europeans see Kazakhstan as a touristic destination Very few European tourists in Kazakhstan 2

Who are currently visiting Kazakhstan? Friends & family of expats Pioneers: - Middle-aged couples who have travelled all around the world and travel individually - Young adventurers, often on a budget 3

Is there potential for growth? YES! Growing awareness of Kazakhstan in the world Growing awareness of tourism potential of Kazakhstan More competition in international flights to different cities in Kazakhstan World-wide trend to visit ‘new’ destinations Abundance of sights, activities and nature 4

What kind of tourism is suitable? Roundtours, nature & culture Special outdoor activities: trekkings, birding, fishing, hunting, climbing, horse riding etc. Niche tourism: e.g. Baikanur, Soviet past, Aral Lake Eco-tourism: homestays Not suitable: mass-tourism 5

How to grow? Development of local tourism Improving infrastructure, e.g. more homestays Strong marketing effort by Kazakhstan Connecting to suitable partners in many countries A comprehensive and on-going effort by all stake- holders 6

The Marketing Effort: Branding! Focus on diversity of Kazakhstan Nomads & Yurts vs Modern Astana Steppe vs Alpine Regions Soviet Past vs Silk Road Baikanur vs Kokpar Focus on safety of Kazakhstan Stable country Liberal country 7

International Contacts What is the goal? To have group tours to different parts of Kazakhstan in the programs, catalogues & websites of tour-operators in many countries How to achieve this goal? - presence at international tourism exhibitions - invitation of relevant international journalists and reps of tour operators for positive publicity 8

Peculiarities of Kazakhstan Price level is higher than Europeans expect Difficulties to rent a car Every tour holds some surprise and adventure Your best asset: hospitable people! 9