Aktau, Konayev, Strasbourg: Development of Tourism Between the Regions of Kazakhstan and France

Strasbourg, October 29, 2024 – A signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Mutual Cooperation in the field of tourism between the Almaty and Mangystau Regions Administrations and the European Community of Alsace was held.

On behalf of Kazakhstan regions the MoUs was signed by the Consul General Anel Bakytbekkyzy, who, in her welcoming remarks noted that established cooperation on the eve of the State visit of the President of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev to Paris, will serve as a significant contribution to strengthening the relations between Kazakhstan and France, considering each other as key partners in Europe and Central Asia.

The French side at the signing ceremony was represented by the regional authorities, including President Frédéric Bierry, Vice-President Nicolas Matt, and Director of the Department of European Affairs and Cross-Border Cooperation, Patrice Herrmann. Additionally, as a special guest, the Diplomatic Advisor to the Prefect of the Grand Est of France, Ambassador Philippe Lacoste, also participated in the event.

Speaking to the ceremony participants, F. Bierry emphasized the importance of the signed documents, which will contribute to the development of mutual tourism and cultural exchanges between the regions of both countries. The Head of the French region also noted that the unique traditions, rich historical monuments, and natural attractions of Kazakhstan would be a great interest to French tourists, and the Alsace, as one of the popular tourist destinations in Europe, could serve as a bridge between Kazakhstan and France.

In her turn, A. Bakytbekkyzy pointed out that the tourism industry is a key driver of the global economy, and Kazakhstan gives priority to the development of this sector, taking into account the stimulation of significant investments and the implementation of competitive domestic infrastructure projects.

The Consul General highlighted that in 2023, the number of French tourists in Kazakhstan reached approximately 8,500 visitors. A significant incentive for this is the visa-free regime for French citizens, allowing them to stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 calendar days.

Informing the French partners about the tourism potential of the Mangystau and Almaty regions, which are considered the "pearls" of Kazakhstan, the diplomat noted that these regions feature rich and beautiful nature and are well-known among tourists for their stunning mountains, canyons, high-altitude lakes, forests, and desert landscapes.

Following the signing of the documents, parties thoroughly exchanged views on the possibility of implementing promising ideas for holding joint events, such as exhibitions of Kazakh culture, organizing tours and concerts. In this context, Dinara Jumagalieva, a citizen of Kazakhstan and organizer of the leisure zone in the Alsace region "Camping-Piscine du Plan Incliné" also presented several initiatives for promoting Kazakh cultural heritage in the Grand Est.