The Kazakhstan tourism industry is having the last laugh on Borat as
Kazakhstan tourism announces the development of one of the world’s longest ski resorts and its aim to convert Kazakhstan into the "Land of Tourism Resorts."
The government has approved a plan for the creation of an international resort with total ski runs running 100 km in length, along with the construction of passenger cableways, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and golf courses; and the establishment of infrastructure - roads, parking, electricity, gas, and water supply. This ski resort will be a new addition in the neighborhood of Almaty where there are ten existing ski resorts.
The main attraction of Kazakhstan for European tourists today is still undeveloped nature but The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has already sent a request for allocation of strategic funds from the national budget.
There has been steady growth of tourism in the country with value of services provided by tourism industry standing at 74 billion tenge (or USD500). The new programme program includes the development of key tourist projects on an international level, the creation of a favorable tourist brand, and the necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the State will also establish a framework for training personnel.
Local NGOs however believe that the construction of a new resort in the national park contradicts not only with the national legislation on protected areas, environmental protection, water, forest and land resources, but with international law as well - in particular, with the Convention on Biological Diversity.
