KAZAKHSTAN is throwing its arms open to tourists in the run-up to Expo 2017 through the relaxation of visa policy and development of tourist-friendly infrastructure.
Rapil Zhoshybayev, first deputy minister of foreign affairs and commissioner of Expo 2017, said 15-day visa-free access had been granted to 10 countries – the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, UAE, South Korea and Japan for a one-year period beginning July 15, 2014. Since July 26, Hong Kong passport holders could also enjoy up to 14 days of visa-free stays.
Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily on the sidelines of the third Global Tourism Economy Forum Macau last week, he added: “We’ve just signed with the EU for diplomatic service passport holders (to enter without visas), and will negotiate with the UK and Schengen.
“In Asia, an agreement has been made with South Korea for 30-day access and we are preparing for a (unilateral) 15-day visa-free access with Japan. Both Vietnam and Indonesia are on our wishlist. We are also preparing an agreement with China to become the next destination with approved destination status.”
Air ticket prices will also be reduced and tour packages created for tourists, said Zhoshybayev.
He explained: “We can be reached by train, but for visitors from distant countries, we would have to wait for them to come by air. Presently, there are five zones singled out in our country for tourists, and they cover sports, hiking, environmental tourism and historical place
Kazakhstan is also investing in infrastructure including new railway lines, roads and hotels – about 40 new properties will be completed by 2017.
