A Eurasian giant positioning well for meetings and events

Paul Colston steppes out in Kazakhstan and finds a land fast developing as a meetings, events and incentives destination Despite it being the world’s ninth largest country, many might struggle to place Kazakhstan on a map. Is it in Europe or Asia? Well, the identity has certainly been through periods of crises, with the capital changing from Alma-Ata to Almaty, then moving to Astana (which changed its name to Nur-Sultan and back again to Astana in recent years, with a few other variations along its more ancient historical journey). What is not in doubt is that a new heady mix for meetings and events has emerged of late as this new Eurasian identity has formed. In an era where bragging rights for travel are hard-won, it may be the time is right for the seasoned meetings and events traveller and organiser to check out this destination that is much more than the classic Borat phrase ‘Very Nice!’ – and one that the country’s marketers were not too proud to borrow for a while. I took the direct route into Almaty from London, the plane stopping briefly to refuel in the western Kazakh city of Aktau, rapidly developing as a resort on the Caspian with key investment from the Middle East.

On my way out of the country, I broke ranks at this fuelling stop for a few days to experience a unique jeep safari into the Kazakh steppe and wondered at the incredible rock formations during a trip which I can imagine would be an ideal add-on to any conference for geologists that may come to the country. (Do visit the www.www.c-mw.net website for some spectacular views of that lunar-like steppe landscape). With national airline Air Astana winning awards for the best start-up airline and expanding rapidly through a 49% shareholding with British Aerospace, and Turkish Airlines also offering multiple routes into Kazakhstan, the country may be huge but is also hugely accessible. Almaty is a vibrant city offering a fusion of cuisines and cultures. The so-called home of the apple, the city has survived earthquakes, flooding and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since independence in 1991, the city has grown quickly but also fast reached its limits as it is rather hemmed in by geography, preventing the kind of opportunities for future growth that Astana has a plenty. While the political classes now inhabit Astana, Almaty has a far more relaxed and creative vibe, partly due to the heady mix of 130 ethnic groups, and it is a short drive from the city to the nearby mountains and ski resort of Chimbulak. A new ski lift can whisk visitors far away from the daily hustle and bustle and, even in summer, as per my own visit, it offers a big shot of pure Nature and a welcome escape into the wild heights. While Almaty has many chain hotels established – such as the Rixos, Ritz-Carlton, Rahat Palace, InterContinental, Grand Mildom, Novotel and DoubleTree – all suitable for that big corporate conference, the mountain resorts offer that spectacular add-on for the delegates wishing to mix some pleasure with their business. Almaty’s environs also offer some unique attractions for incentive groups, including the Sunkar Falconry Centre, where large birds of prey are on show, including falcons, vultures and owls. A trip out to The Huns’ Ethno Village offers an exciting chance to see inside a yurt and observe some of the heritage traditions and crafts of village life. Our group was also treated to some fine horsemanship and acrobatics by the Kazakh villagers. Local dishes like Plov and Beshbarmak were also on offer at lunch as we also digested the stunning scenery, along with some traditional mare’s milk (kumys). For a full Kazakh fine dining experience with music, try the Sandyq Restaurant, in Almaty, where traditional hearty food can be washed down with the local tea and fresh kiwi lemonade.

Astana

Kazakhstan’s main business, political and administrative centre claims to be the youngest capital in the world. Astana (the word literally means ‘capital’) has seen many incarnations from Akmolinsk to Akmola, Tselinograd to Astana via Nur-Sultan. Shiny skyscrapers now mirror the architectural style of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and many of the key buildings were designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Sir Norman Foster has also made his architectural mark on the city.

The Sphere, or Museum of Future Energy Nur-Alem, was commissioned for the 2017 Expo in Kazakhstan, a landmark event that opened to the world this gateway to Central Asia. The Sphere can also be hired for events and is particularly suitable for special receptions. The legacy of the 2017 World Expo is a modern capital with its own Expo City, which embraces QazExpo Congress Centre and the International Exhibition Centre – spread over 23,000sqm – as well as hotels including the Hilton. Organiser Astana-Expo KS welcomes over 10,000 visitors a year and has hosted 76 major congresses and exhibitions in its 17 years of working in this market. In the centre of the city there is also the Sheraton Astana, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and another Rixos. Symbolic of this new capital standing tall is the Baytarek tower, a 97m monument with commanding views from the top. And did you know they make wine in Kazakhstan? Well, you can experience a degustation of wines produced by the Arba Winery which started planting vines at an altitude of 1,000m, despite very low winter temperatures. The soil at the foot of the Ile Alatau Mountains proved favourable and flavoursome Rieslings and Pinot Noir varieties have won industry awards. Astana may be home to the politicians but it also boasts many parks and a Botanical Garden and Zhetisu Park. There is definitely a feeling of space in this young and fast-growing city. And the country is clearly equipped and ready to take up even more of the global meetings space and business in future.