The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Committee of Tourism Sector of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs (NCE) of Kazakhstan. The agreement strengthens the bond and shared interest between the two associations.
The MoU shows the membership commitment by both parties and aims to promote and develop cooperation in the field of tourism to promote flows of tourists between Kazakhstan and the PATA regions. The agreement will also enhance human resources development in tourism and travel-related industries in order to enhance employment prospects in the travel sector in Kazakhstan.
The MoU was signed by Martin J Craigs, Chief Executive Officer, PATA and Roza Assanbayeva, Chairman of the Committee of the Tourism Sector of the NCE, at ITB Berlin on 7 March, 2013. The agreement commits the two organisations to share knowledge through research and publications, to reciprocate participation in meetings and events, to support mutual advocacy positions, and to enhance two-way marketing and market access.
Speaking about the alliance, Craigs said, “We are delighted to welcome travel and tourism friends both public and private from Kazakhstan into the PATA family. Kazakhstan has many authentic cultural attractions and a fast expanding airline. Air Astana offers a new aircraft fleet and a well-placed hub between Europe and Asia. We look forward to working with Roza Assanbayeva and her motivated staff.”
United Nations World Tourism Organisation statistics show that International Visitor Arrivals (IVA) for Kazakhstan have been steadily increasing since 2010, with IVA figures for 2010 at 3,393,000, 2011 at 4,093,000, and 2012 at 4,438,000.
Assanbayeva added, “The majority of Kazakhstan’s territory lies in Asia which is the world’s most rapidly growing region in terms of tourism and air traffic. Having known about PATA for many years, we are confident our cooperation will develop more business and travel advocacy outcomes for both sides. We are excited to become a part of the PATA family. Signing this MoU at the world’s largest travel mart is especially meaningful.”
