EAST KAZAKHSTAN REGION, November 12 – On September 27, World Tourism Day, East Kazakhstan opened its first regional tourism centre.
The region is at a global crossroads with vast potential for future tourism growth. East Kazakhstan is located at the intersection of the nation’s borders with China and Russia. The major part of the region is occupied by the Ore and South Altai, Kalby and Saur-Tarbagatai mountain ranges.
The highest peaks of the Altai range, especially Mount Belukha at 4,506 meters (14,784 feet) are reputed to have a special magnetic power and magical aura. The Markakol Nature Reserve is a true gem. It was established in 1976 to preserve the South Altai Range in its natural state.
The Rakhmanov underground river contains radon and its thermal waters are used for treating joints, spinal problems, nerves and skin diseases.
At the opening ceremony of the new centre, East Kazakhstan Akim (Governor) Berdibek Saparbayev rewarded tourism workers with diplomas and letters of thanks for their years of service and contributions to building tourism in the region.
World Tourism Day was celebrated with a Welcome Day Campaign in which major historical and cultural sites in the region including museums, nature reserves and recreated traditional ethnic villages were opened to the public free of charge.
The new Tourism Information Centre is a non-profit organization that offers information on the East Kazakhstan region and its tourist potential to visitors and foreign tour operators. It promotes the region around Kazakhstan in the international tourist market.
The centre’s staff provides tourists with information about the heritage of the region, its natural monuments, tourist routes, transport services, hotels, sports and cultural events.
The centre will also organize an electronic database about the region.
