New measures of state support for tourism industry

Kazakh children starting this year will be able to fly around Kazakhstan for free. However, to go free of charge by air to the TOP-10 destinations of the country, they must purchase a ticket from domestic tour operators. Thus, families with minor children will be able to save up to 30 percent of the costs on holidays in their country. Yernur Kenzhebekov, the representative of "Kazakh Tourism” company, which operates the unique program "Kids go free" spoke about its launch.

“This is the first time not only in our country, but throughout the world, because no one has launched such a program at the government level, only individual private companies. The “Kids go free” program is a measure that encourages the most ordinary family to relax inside Kazakhstan and save up to 30 percent of their budget, and for tour operators to sell more package tours for families. Full ticket price for children from 2 to 18 years old is available at any time during the year,” Kenzhebekov said.

Kazakh Tourism also spoke about other measures of state support for the tourism industry, which came into force on January 1st.

“This is a 10 percent refund for the construction and reconstruction of tour facilities, as well as a 10 percent refund for the construction of roadside service facilities, which may include hotels, camping hotels, service stations, gas stations and food outlets. Also, the state will reimburse 25 percent of the costs for the purchase of tourist buses, as well as equipment for ski resorts,” Kenzhebekov added.

In addition, to develop inbound tourism in the country, this year subsidies are provided for each foreign traveller who visited Kazakhstan. Tour operators will be able to receive up to 15,000 tenge for one foreign guest. Thus, the support measure proposed by the state will serve as a motivation for tour operators to actively develop package sales with travellers staying for at least five days.

 

 

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova