Kazakhstan and Portugal set to strengthen cooperation on tourism
The establishment of multifaceted bilateral cooperation in the sector of tourism was discussed on 28 August 2020 in Lisbon during a meeting between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Portugal Daulet Batrashev, and the President of the Portuguese National Tourism Agency "Turismo de Portugal" Luis Araujo.
During the conversation, special attention was paid to the institutionalization of cooperation by establishing direct cooperation between JSC Kazakh Tourism and the Portuguese agency, as well as tourist associations and companies from both countries.
The Kazakh diplomat, noting the measures taken to develop tourism in Kazakhstan, expressed interest in exchanging and adopting experience in the field of development and promotion of the national tourism product in foreign markets, as well as attracting specialized Portuguese companies to Kazakhstan for the implementation of joint projects.
During the meeting, the interlocutors paid special attention to the issues of personnel training in this sphere and introduction of modern methods of tourism management. The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, informing about the start of activities of the first specialized higher education institution in Central Asia - International University of Tourism and Hospitality in Turkestan, stressed the interest in developing academic ties and joint training programs with Portuguese universities, in particular, with the Algarve University Higher School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism.
Luis Araujo, noting Portugal's considerable experience in the development of tourism, welcomed the development of cooperation between the two countries in this area and expressed readiness to establish institutional cooperation with Kazakhstan's national agency JSC "Kazakh Tourism" through the signing of a bilateral agreement. The possibility of developing cooperation between relevant universities of the two countries was welcomed with great interest, and the readiness of the Portuguese Agency for joint programs and projects was mentioned.
During the meeting, issues related to overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on international tourism and individual countries were also discussed. An agreement was reached to hold a videoconference between the management of JSC "Kazakh Tourism" and the Agency "Turismo de Portugal" to exchange experience and discuss measures taken and develop new approaches.
For reference: «Turismo de Portugal» Agency (Tourism of Portugal) is the national authority for tourism development in the country. It is responsible for promoting the country's tourism brand abroad, developing and supporting the industry and attracting investments.
The Agency's mission:
- promotion of Portugal as a tourist destination (official website: Visitportugal.com; campaign launched in May 2017. "Can not Skip Portugal" in 20 strategic markets);
- support for the development of tourism infrastructure and investments in the sector, innovative, entrepreneurial and tourism start-ups, development of new products (technical and financial support);
- development of human resources training (its network of 12 schools prepares 3,000 students per year. At the same time, about 65,000 specialists receive on-the-job training and UNWTO programs are being implemented).
The Agency is involved in licensing and authorizing tourism enterprises and activities. It accompanies national tourism proposals by classifying companies and registering travel agencies and tourism entertainment agents.
It participates in the development and implementation of special advertising campaigns that decisively contribute to Portugal's image and increase its visibility on international markets.
The Agency has groups for the promotion of Portuguese tourism abroad. The 17 "Turismo de Portugal" groups are represented in 25 markets. The groups are responsible for institutional advertising activities and support internationalization of Portuguese companies.
The activities are recognized by many leading rating organizations and awards in the field of tourism (UNWTO; 'Turismo de Portugal' - World Travel Awards 2019, in the World - 3rd consecutive year, in Europe - 6th consecutive year, etc.).