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Tokayev proposes direct flights from Astana to Russian border cities

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Tokayev proposes direct flights from Astana to Russian border cities

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed opening direct flights from Astana to Russian border cities with populations over 500,000. The initiative, named "500+", was announced at the XXII Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum in Omsk. Russia ranks first in tourist arrivals to Kazakhstan, followed by China, India, and Turkey.

Key Facts

  • Tokayev proposed the "500+" program to develop air accessibility between Astana and Russian border cities with populations over 500,000.
  • The proposal was made at the XXII Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum in Omsk on July 26.
  • Russia ranks first in tourist arrivals to Kazakhstan, followed by China, India, and Turkey.
  • Tokayev called for joint cross-border tourist routes and closer cooperation between tourism industries of the two countries.

The Proposal

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the initiative at the XXII Kazakhstan-Russia Interregional Cooperation Forum in Omsk. The program, tentatively named "500+", envisions phased opening of direct flights between Astana and Russian border cities with populations exceeding 500,000. Tokayev stated that implementing the program would create favorable conditions for growth in mutual tourist flows.

Tourism Context

Russia currently ranks first in the number of tourists arriving in Kazakhstan for leisure and sightseeing. China, India, and Turkey follow in second, third, and fourth places respectively. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan's advantageous geography, diverse natural landscapes, and rich historical-cultural heritage as conditions for tourism development.

Regional Cooperation

Tokayev also proposed creating joint cross-border tourist routes and intensifying interaction between tourism industry representatives of Kazakhstan and Russia. The CIS countries previously agreed on a tourism development plan for 2027-2028.

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Tokayev proposes direct flights from Astana to Russian border cities

kt.kz

Kazakhstan Today