According to Kazakh news station Tengri News, Kazakhstan is planning to sign an agreement on visa-free group travel with China. The report cites comments by Mukhit Saimassayev, deputy chairman of Tourism Commision of the country's Ministry of Industry and New Technologies.
“This initiative is included in the draft joint declaration and further development of strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China, to be signed by Presidents of both countries during the visit of Chinese President to Kazakhstan,” said Saimassayev.
There are currently 32 flights per week between the two countries, and the plan is to increase this number to 35 flights by 2014. New charter flights will be commencing in September from Kazakhstan to Sanya in Hainan – China's own "Hawaii".
Kazakhstan has been emerging as a major player on the global stage, with cities like Almaty and Astana being increasingly vibrant business destinations (see story here).
Clement Huang
