Last month, Central Asia’ s largest travel exhibition, KITF, welcomed national tourism boards, international travel agents, hotels and service providers from 43 destinations. The event saw a 13% increase in represented countries from the previous year, with new displays from Cuba and the Philippines. Furthermore, companies from Brazil, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Latvia, France and Japan were welcomed back after a year’s absence.
Collectively, 19 tourist boards made an appearance at KITF 2013. Exhibitor, Alexandara Streltsova, Deputy Director of the Dominican Republic Tourism Board commented, “During the last few years, Kazakhstan has proved to be one of the most important Luxury travel and emerging MICE markets within the post Soviet territory. This is our second time at KITF after more than 5 years of absence in this market, and we are glad to see a considerable growth in the exhibition and an increased interest from the tour operators, agencies and tourists, as well as great support from the country’s government.”
KITF hosted 500 companies in total, and witnessed a strong presence from international independent tour operators. First time participants include leading tour operators such as Natalie Tours, Pelagos Tours, Rejwan Travel Service, Tairiku Travel, Tourasia Co.Ltd, Tropical Collection, Your Travel London, Look Asia Holidays, Renti Tours, El Crespo and Reollo. Their participation added to the large display of Kazakhstan tour agencies, which included: KazUnion, Gulnar Tour, Kompas, Sayat and many more.
Furthermore, 20 informative seminars, consultations and company presentations took place alongside the KITF exhibition, for the 8,085 attendees to partake in. Discussions focused on summer 2013 and challenges within the industry.
The amount of exhibiting airlines grew, as Air Astana, Transaero and SCAT all participated at this year’s event. Significant growth was also seen in the medical and healthcare tourism sector, as Germany and South Korea were widely represented by clinics, hospitals and specialised agencies. In addition, Turkish, Thai, Czech and Kazakhstani clinics also exhibited.
Maria Badakh, Head of Sales ITE Group plc commented, “Tourism is a key factor for economic growth in Kazakhstan, as both inbound and outbound tourism markets in the country are booming. KITF represents an ideal place where Kazakhstan’s travel agencies can search the extensive range of new destinations and exclusive offers available to the Kazakhstan market.”
KITF will return on the 23 – 25 April 2014 at the Atakent Exhibition Centre in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
