How to make business on travels?

In 2008 internal and entry tourism reduced, compared to 2007, almost twice. And it is only the beginning. Official bodies support another opinion, which deal with the development of tourism in the country.

Recently at the press conference in Almaty chairman of the Committee of tourism industry of Kazakhstan Evgeniy Nikitinskiy said, that his organization, on the contrary, expects an increase of visitors flow in 2009 up to 5 million people. In 2008 this figure made up 4,7 million people.

In committee they counted, that last year the guests of the country contributed to Kazakhstan KZT73 billion, this year the amount may be KZT64 billion. The optimism of the statesmen was not spoiled even after the period, when allocated for the current year sum for the support of the field was reduced twice.

In brief, economic crisis create a contradictory situation in tourism business. But there are in tourism field such spheres, which develop successfully, despite any difficulties and crisis. One of such direction is business-tourism, (or business-travel, as it is called worldwide). It is when a business trip is combined with different tourism programs.

Eduard Edokov, general director of Almaty tourism company, which deal with business-travel already not for the first year, consider, that namely this direction in any situation might be a way out for the Kazakhstani tourism business and for economy in general. Therefore, it brings to the treasury of the majority of states huge money.

"Business today became a very mobile. Consecuently, business trips will be continued in any situation. Business trips, despite any crises, continue to grow in the world. Without trips, travels there is no business. In China, for instance, they have grown for the lat year by 20 per cent, in Europe although growth reduced, but in general there are good 12 per cent.

"As for the local data: 82-84 per cent of people, coming to Kazakhstan, define goal of the visit as business trip! Said Eduard Edokov. It implies different conferences, congresses, seminars, and other types of business meetings. Creation of the best conditions for business tourists is the most topical goal for the state and tourism companies. It is well understood in other countries, because business tourism - is one of the beneficial directions in tourism in general. According to the experts, revenues from business tourism in the world per year exceeded in 2008 astronomic amount - eight hundred and forty billion dollars! Just imagine all normal tourism: a hundred of million people, having a rest at a sea, beaches, sightseeing around old cities, having fan at youth discos annually and etc … Well: all of them, taken together, bring only 40 per cent of revenue for the world tourism field! And 60 per cent go to business travel. Because business tourist, according to the World tourism organization, spend in average 1000-1500 Euro a day (including all services). It is six-ten times more, than any tourist spends.

From this colossal revenues, which exceeds the revenue of almost any field of the economy in the world, only scarce shares are meant for Kazakhstan … Why?

"We are all very inactive and not forward looking, our business got used to "quick," and easy money and revenues and do not always look ahead," sign Eduard Edokov.

"Just imagine: all over Kazakhstan one can count hotels of good "middle class" - not very expensive, but with the worthy level of the service on the fingers of one hand, but this is what exactly needed for businessmen-travelers. There is even less in the country conference-halls, which are ready to welcome a high level business forums, and there are no halls for a one thousand of people, which is equipped with appliances and all necessary infrastructure! Transport infrastructure is developed poorly, and sometimes governmental delegations are met on old buses …

"I compare our Kazakhstan with the South African Republic, Eduard said. The countries are alike, they both have survived the shock of the collapse of political system: socialism here, and regime of apartheid - there. Difficulties were alike. But they in the beginning of the nineties decided to construct in Durban a wonderful congress-center, having spent over fifty million dollars. Then it was big money, and it was clear, that they would be repaid in a year. Simultaneously all system of business tourism started to develop - airports, hotels, restaurants, tourism objects. And time showed that a strategic planning of the field development is important! The result is: that for ten years congress center brought to the budget of the city five hundred million dollars! For today tens of villages nearby "feed" due to tourists - make souvenirs, show exotic dances, provide food for restaurants …

In the SAR people understood very well a unique profitability of business-tourism and for today they have built three congress-centers in different cities of the country, with all infrastructure. And sometimes it is a real problem to find a decent hall, which would meet all at least average requirements for a one thousand of people. Actually, there are no such halls…

We within the framework of the development of tourism cluster have also planned to build a congress center in Almaty, and have even adopted a governmental decree. But all these good intentions remained only on the paper. But there could be a powerful push for development of all tourism sphere, from restaurant business to national parks and museums. And they could bring to the budget of the city hundreds of million of dollars.

The second important issue - human resources for business tourism. The paradox is that in the big country there is only one (!)expert, who is certified on international standards, as manager on business-travel. In Europe, Asia and USA managers of such level are prepared in tens of universities and colleges, special educational programs and courses are prepared, they got diplomas MBA and prepare for doctor dissertations. But in Kazakhstan experts of such level are not educated.

Business-travel in the world is advanced constantly, it refers almost everyone, who is on business trip. In Europe a businessman in a good hotel is offered a number of suggestions on spending evening after a difficult working day. Tour firms will offer him a rest in spa-center, and visit to the prominent museum, and panoramic walk around the city with visiting of exotic restaurant or show and many other joys.

In Kazakhstan business-tourism is still a 'sleeping beauty,' which waits for someone to wake it up…