On October 2, 2025, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the mountain resort «Oi Qaragai» hosted the large-scale event «Almaty and the World: New Horizons of Tourism», organized by the Almaty Tourism Bureau. The forum served as a key platform for discussing the future of tourism in Central Asia, strengthening Almaty’s position as a leading regional destination, and fostering the exchange of knowledge and experience among representatives of business, education, and culture.
Program and Atmosphere
The event’s diverse program included presentations of strategic initiatives, success stories, innovative projects, expert talks, partner sessions, as well as vibrant cultural and gastronomic showcases. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the mountains, participants explored global tourism trends, innovative collaboration models, and opportunities to integrate tourism with culture, sports, and education.
Key Speakers
- Ruslan Zhanabayev (Almaty Tourism Bureau) — on the strategic development of the Visit Almaty brand and the city’s international promotion plans;
- Rus Biketov (Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture) — on cultural projects connecting artists and researchers across the region;
- Alisa Keen (Almaty Museum of Arts) — on the achievements of the museum, which has welcomed more than 60,000 visitors in just 18 days.
- Yerzhan Brimzhanov («The Courage to Be First» Foundation) — on the growth of sports tourism and the success of the Almaty Marathon, the largest running event in Central Asia;
- Artyom Yakupov (Oi Qaragai) — on the resort’s potential as a hub for active and eco-tourism;
- Zhanar Nurlybek (Gastro Expert) — on the rising importance of gastronomy as a key component of Almaty’s tourism appeal.
AlmaU’s Contribution
The Head of the «Management and Tourism» program at AlmaU, G. K. Iskendirova, together with lecturer E. A. Kaliaskarova, shared insightful cases from the hospitality sector and emphasized the importance of integrating the tourism industry with academic research. AlmaU’s participation underscored the university’s commitment to bridging academia and practice. Engaging in such industry forums allows students to stay updated on the latest tourism trends, enhance professional competencies, and build valuable connections with leading experts in the field
