A Kazakh yurt.
THE nation of Kazakhstan, which made its debut at the NATAS Travel Fair 2016 last week, is targeting well-travelled Singaporeans to boost inbound numbers from South-east Asia.
Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily, Nurlan Meirmanov, third secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan of Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, said their key inbound markets are China, Russia, Europe and US, while “tremendous potential for growth” is found in South-east Asia.
Meirmanov said: “Singaporeans have travelled to many places and we know Kazakhstan will appeal to them because this is one country that many of them have yet to visit.”
Hence, the need to raise awareness about the destination’s natural and cultural offerings propelled them to participate in tradeshows like NATAS for the first time, said Meirmanov, who added that they will use this opportunity to reach out to travel agents.
As the lack of direct air connectivity is currently a stumbling block, Meirmanov said the potential new direct air connection between Kazakhstan and Singapore, which is still in its “processing stage” by Air Astana, will be “highly welcomed”.
Air Astana’s ticketing and reservation officer, Randolph Leonor, confirmed that there are plans to introduce this new direct flight by end-2017.
Mohan, outbound manager of Famous World Tours, said: “Kazakhstan is more suited for the regular travellers who have been to many places and just want a new place to explore.”
While Mohan said they have not received any interest about this destination, he added: “If there are new direct flights and more information about the place, we may consider offering them because it is an exotic place that will attract Singaporeans.”
