Country Focus : Kazakhstan
A Eurasian giant positioning well for meetings and events
PAUL COLSTON STEPPES OUT IN KAZAKHSTAN AND FINDS A LAND FAST DEVELOPING AS A MEETINGS , EVENTS AND INCENTIVES DESTINATION
D espite it being the world ’ s ninth largest country , many might struggle to place Kazakhstan on a map . Is it in Europe or Asia ? Well , the identity has certainly been through periods of crises , with the capital changing from Alma-Ata to Almaty , then moving to Astana ( which changed its name to Nur-Sultan and back again to Astana in recent years , with a few other variations along its more ancient historical journey ).
What is not in doubt is that a new heady mix for meetings and events has emerged of late as this new Eurasian identity has formed .
In an era where bragging rights for travel are hard won , it may be the time is right for the seasoned meetings and events traveller and organiser to check
International group in Chimbulak resort , courtesy of Kazakh Tourism out this destination that is much more than the classic Borat phrase ‘ Very Nice !’ – and one that the country ’ s marketeers were not to proud to borrow for a while .
I took the direct route into Almaty from London , the plane stopping briefly to refuel in the western Kazakh city of Aktau , rapidly developing as a resort on the Caspian with key investment from the Middle East .
On my way out of the country , I broke ranks at this fuelling stop for a few days to experience a unique jeep safari into the Kazakh steppe and wondered at the incredible rock formations during a trip which I can imagine would be an ideal add-on to any conference for geologists that may come to the country . ( Do visit the www . c-mw . net website for some spectacular views of that lunar-like steppe landscape ).
With national airline Air Astana winning awards for the best start-up airline and expanding rapidly through a 49 % shareholding with British Aerospace , and Turkish Airlines also offering multiple routes into Kazakhstan , the country may be huge but is also hugely accessible .
Almaty is a vibrant city offering a fusion of cuisines and cultures . The so-called home of the apple , the city has survived earthquakes , flooding and the collapse of the Soviet Union .
Since independence in 1991 , the city has grown quickly but also fast reached its limits as it is rather hemmed in by geography , preventing the kind of opportunities for future growth that Astana has a plenty .
While the political classes now inhabit Astana , Almaty has a far more relaxed and creative vibe , partly due to the heady mix of 130 ethnic groups , and it is a short drive from the city to the nearby mountains and ski resort of Chimbulak . A new ski lift can whisk visitors far away from the daily hustle and bustle and , even in summer , as per my own visit , it offers a big shot of pure Nature and a welcome escape into the wild heights .
While Almaty has many chain hotels established – such as the Rixos , Ritz-Carlton , Rahat Palace , InterContinental , Grand Mildom , Novotel and DoubleTree – all suitable for that big corporate conference , the mountain resorts offer that spectacular add-on for the delegates wishing to mix some pleasure with their business .
Almaty ’ s environs also offer some unique attractions for incentive groups , including the Sunkar Falconry Centre , where large birds of prey are on show , including falcons , vultures and owls .
A trip out to The Huns ’ Ethno Village offers an exciting chance to see inside a yurt and observe some of the heritage traditions and crafts of village life . Our group was also treated to some fine horsemanship and acrobatics by the
42 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 125