Astana Convention Bureau

EME

SPEAKING TO EME Outlook, Mahuas is quick to emphasise that there’s a lot to be excited about in Astana, and not just in way of its rising reputation as an international conference and events hub.

Having been established in 2015, the Astana Convention Bureau has come to the forefront of the city’s tourism industry, promoting a number of prospects across the city from the business end to its leisure offerings.

In this exclusive interview with Mahaus, we find out more about what’s on offer in the capital and what’s going to be happening throughout the city over the coming months.

EME Outlook (EMEO): Since inception, how has the Astana Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across? Helena Mahaus (HM): Initially the

Astana Convention Bureau mainly focused on events organised by the City of Astana as well as activities associated with Astana EXPO 2017. This was the largest international event that Kazakhstan has ever hosted, attracting four million visitors in a period of three months with over 110 participating countries and international organisations.

The initial setting up phase as well as EXPO itself have been ideal vectors and a platform for the implementation of our wider tourism strategy, both surrounding leisure and business, as well as the development of the destination approach involving key players such as hotels, agencies, tour operators and other organisations.

Since the EXPO, the scope of our services has further enlarged, and four main departments have been clearly defined within the Astana Convention Bureau: MICE, events, infrastructure and marketing.

Each of these have a specific role and focus in order to promote the city and destination.

EMEO: To this end, how would you say Astana has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal? HM:

Following the establishment of Astana as the new capital of Kazakhstan and the vision of President Nazarbayev to position the new capital as the leading destination of Central Asia, much has been done.

Many new hotels, including those from international brands, have been built and opened alongside new congress facilities, a new airport terminal and airline routes, and a railway station. Equally, Air Astana has gained international recognition within Central Asia, whilst the creation of the Astana Convention Bureau itself can also be considered a major tourism milestone.

“In three-five years’ time, we would like Astana to be recognised as the natural venue of choice for regional and international meetings and events...”

Astana and Kazakhstan, with their unique location, are referred as to the Heart of Eurasia. The energy associated with the city’s development has been essential in maximising its appeal.

EMEO: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in Astana now compared to its condition when the Convention Bureau began? HM:

In 2015 there were 1,500 international hotel rooms. Now we are at almost 3,000 rooms. Major brands such as Ritz Carlton, St Regis, and Hilton have all opened their doors in last two years.

Equally, in the last few years Air Astana and other local airlines have opened many new routes or increased their frequency, while other international airlines took on the opportunity to launch flight routes to Kazakhstan.

EMEO: What is in store for Astana over the course of 2018 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?

HM:

Three main areas have been defined as objectives and strategic goals for 2019.

We aim to increase the level of international business in Astana, on both the association and corporate sides. We aim to leverage the MICE industry to international standards, creating a friendly cooperative environment in an attempt to increase our profile on the world stage. And we aim to raise Astana Convention Bureau’s capacities based in line with international standards, positioning Astana and Kazakhstan as a world leader.

EMEO: Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five year’s time, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back? HM:

In three-five years’ time, we would like Astana to be recognised as the natural venue of choice for regional and international meetings and events, with Astana Convention Bureau having established itself as a professional and experienced institution.

Astana is an exciting tourist and MICE destination that provides international travellers, organisers and delegates a range of unique combination of local experience in and out of the city, and every visitor feels welcomed and valued.

FOLLOWING 1997, THE Astana International Airport underwent significant renovation, overseen by Kisho Kurokawa himself, in order to raise it up to international standards.

Further expansions were then completed in time for EXPO 2017 when a second terminal was opened. As a result, passenger traffic was recorded at just short of 4.3 million last year – a 24.9 percent rise on 2016’s figures and more than double the 1.98 million passengers that were recorded in 2011.

In terms of navigating the inner streets themselves, the capital’s transport networks are another significant reflection of its innovative structure. Astana Bike Docking stations can be found all over the city, where bicycles can be rented for a daily access fee of T500.

Meanwhile, bus routes are well established, running from approximately 6am to 11pm, with a single trip ticket costing roughly T90. The Astra bus app, available to all tourists on smart devices, is particularly helpful in planning routes and checking times, offering a cheap and convenient way of getting about.

Equally, Astana has a significant number of taxi drivers, whilst Uber is also up and running.