Southeast Asia Emerges as Preferred Holiday Destination for Tourists from Kazakhstan
Venturing Abroad: Why Kazakh Tourists Are Heading to Southeast Asia
ASTANA - The allure of exploring new horizons has lured an ever-increasing number of Kazakh tourists towards Southeast Asia. With China, Vietnam, and Qatar leading the charge, outbound tourism rates from Kazakhstan have surged by staggering margins: a sensational 300% increase for China, 200% for Vietnam, and 160% for Qatar [1].
Up, Up, and Away
The escalating interest in Vietnam is largely owed to the advent of unhindered skies, affording direct flights from Kazakhstan, and the marriage of affordable prices with top-notch service.
A Sea Change in the Travel Sector
Inna Rei, honcho of the Tourism Kamkor Corporate Fund, underscored the rapid expansion of tour operators embarking on large-scale charter programs and establishing direct flights - influences that directly impact tourists' travel choices [1]. Rei emphasized that modern Kazakh travelers crave comfort and seamless connections when making vacation plans.
"Tour operators are always attuned to demand. This year, we've witnessed an upsurge in flights to Vietnam and Thailand, while established favorites like Antalya, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt hold their own, particularly among families," said Rei [1].
Rashad Bunyadov, honcho of Anex Tour Kazakhstan, characterized the trend as a "full-blown Asian boom," highlighting that Kazakh tourists today jet abroad an average of 2.5 times annually, contrasted with 1.5 trips just two years ago [1].
"This bodes well for both tour operators and the overall market, opening up avenues for new growth opportunities," Bunyadov elaborated [1].
Average Costs
Experts estimate that a comfortable foray into Vietnam or other Southeast Asian destinations sets tourists back an average of $700 [1].
Thailand ambitiously aims to invite 40 million tourists yearly. Vietnam plans to profit from the introduction of twice-weekly direct flights from Hanoi to Almaty and Astana, set to commence in November [1].
Kazakhstan and Vietnam have also declared the creation of a joint airline, Vietjet Qazaqstan - a partnership between Qazaq Air and Vietnam's Vietjet, aimed at expanding air travel between the two nations [1].
Economic Waves
Rei also pointed out that soaring international travel expenses are primarily fueled by exchange rate fluctuations [1].
"Though we operate within the global economy, most transactions are carried out in foreign currency. This double conversion, combined with the volatile tenge, significantly impacts tour prices," she explained [1].
Although high competition in popular destinations, like Turkey, alleviates price pressure by keeping costs relatively stable, alternatives like Vietnam and Thailand stay within reach for travelers, ensuring their desired routes remain accessible [1].
Altay Omarov, director of Fun&Sun, noted that fluctuating exchange rates may not dampen the travel bug but affect spending patterns [1].
"The exchange rate acts on budgets rather than travel desires. Travelers continue to shell out the same amount in Kazakh tenge, but the dollar-based expenditure has decreased. Budget-friendly hotels, shorter stays, and fewer premium packages become more appealing while frequency of travel persists," he said [1].
In the limelight at Kazinform
The article was initially featured on Kazinform.
Added Insights:
The explosion in direct flights between Kazakhstan and Southeast Asian destinations, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, can be traced to several critical elements:
- Broadening Travel Appetites: Kazakh tourists are expanding beyond traditional travel haunts, enticed by the diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that Southeast Asia offers.
- Flight Simplification: Direct flights that reduce travel hassles and save time appeal to a broader audience, making international travel more accessible. The expansion of Air Astana's routes to Southeast Asia serves as a prime example.
- Visa-Free Facilities: Vietnam's visa-free policy for Kazakh citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days without a visa, boosts spontaneous travel and extended vacays.
- Economic and Cultural Magnets: Southeast Asia's affordability, rich cultural heritage, and enticing natural landscapes have much to do with its allure. Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, Mekong River Delta, and Thailand's vibrant cities, beaches, and historical sites exert a strong pull on travelers.
- Business Boom: The growing connectivity between Kazakhstan and Southeast Asia fuels business travel, as Kazakh entrepreneurs and investors seek out new regional opportunities.
Seeking New ExperiencesTraveling to Southeast Asia has become a popular choice among modern Kazakh tourists, with destinations like Vietnam and Thailand attracting an increasing number of visitors due to factors such as uncompromised services, direct flights, and visa-free facilities.
Global ConnectionsWith outbound tourism rates on the rise, tour operators are focusing on expanding charter programs, establishing direct flights, and forging partnerships like the joint airline, Vietjet Qazaqstan, strengthening economic ties between Kazakhstan and Southeast Asia.
