The capital's businesswoman shared that she graduated from the university of international tourism and hospitality in 2002 and worked for a while at travel agencies as an employee. After gaining the necessary experience, in 2011 Gulnara opened her own agency and has been successfully running her tourism business since then.
“I have many regular clients, and most of my business comes through word of mouth. I don’t actively use social media, as I’m used to clients coming to me directly. While I was still an employee, I often went on familiarization trips with colleagues, which were provided by the company. At that time, I had already visited almost all Asian countries, including Turkey, the Emirates, Thailand, and Egypt. Now I don't make such trips because I have enough experience to provide all the necessary information about hotels to my clients. Moreover, I have personally visited many of the hotels and know them almost by heart. Recently, I visited Georgia with my family, which I also really liked,” she shared.
Gulnara spoke about trends in tourism. She noted that while many Kazakhstanis prefer to vacation in European countries during the summer, Asian destinations become popular in the fall and winter.
“In the fall and winter, we often sell trips to Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, the Maldives, Cambodia, and the UAE. For example, the temperature in Egypt is currently around 30-33 degrees, and Thailand has comfortable weather almost year-round. However, the best months are considered to be from October to April. In the Maldives, from November to April, the weather is hot and dry, with temperatures between +25-30 degrees. Vietnam is also becoming a popular destination, especially Phu Quoc, where it is quite warm and dry in the fall. The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to February. During this time, it is dry, sunny, and not too hot. The best months for vacationing in the UAE are October, November, and December. During these months, temperatures do not rise above +30-35 degrees,” the speaker explained.
Among the main reasons tourists choose these countries, she mentioned direct flights. Tourists prefer vacations without layovers. Additionally, of course, the weather, level of service, and tour costs are important.
“If we consider average prices for tours, a 5-star hotel in Egypt with an ‘all-inclusive’ system for 7 days can be booked for 400-500 thousand tenge, while we sold tours to Vietnam starting from 450 thousand tenge on a breakfast basis. For Thailand, you can travel starting from 450-490 thousand tenge per person, which also includes only breakfast. Prices for the Maldives range from 1 to 4 million tenge per person if you book a villa or a premium hotel, but there are also budget guesthouses where you can manage with 400-500 thousand tenge. We sent tourists to Cambodia starting from 350 thousand tenge and above, depending on the hotel star rating. The same situation applies to vacations in the Emirates. Here, prices range from 326 thousand tenge for accommodation in a city hotel to 2 - 2.5 million tenge in premium hotels,” the speaker shared.
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She also mentioned that she recently started working with two new destinations: Qatar and Sri Lanka.
“Qatar is a very wealthy small country with beautiful sandy beaches, where the favorable season lasts from December to March, and temperatures warm up to 25-30 degrees. Tourists usually come here for brand-name items at pleasant prices and to admire the unique architecture. Direct flights from Astana to Doha have been operating for two years now. You can purchase a tour to Qatar starting from 439 thousand tenge. Sri Lanka, with its golden sandy beaches, welcomes tourists from December to April. During this period, the air temperature rises to 30-35 degrees. This country is famous for its precious stones and delicious tea. Tours to this destination start from 538 thousand tenge.”
The interviewee noted that more and more Kazakhstanis are celebrating winter holidays on tropical beaches.
“One of the most popular destinations has become the Maldives. For example, during the New Year holidays, which are considered peak season, one can spend up to 8 million tenge for two people over 10 days. It is important to note that prices reach their maximum from December 28 to January 15. The cost of a trip to the Emirates for the New Year can vary depending on the chosen hotel, duration of stay, and class of service. On average, two people can spend up to 1 million 200 thousand tenge. For celebrating the New Year, you can choose either a luxurious resort or a more modest accommodation, depending on your preferences and budget,” the interviewee added.
She pointed out that as the cold weather sets in, traveling to warm countries becomes increasingly relevant, as Kazakhstan, with its harsh winters, does not promote comfortable relaxation. Warm countries offer a pleasant climate, which becomes an important factor for those wishing to escape the winter gloom.
“Recently, Vietnam has been becoming increasingly popular among tourists due to its picturesque landscapes and affordable prices. The main advantage of the country is that many hotels are located on the first coastline, making it easy to reach party spots. Local restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes, including exotic fruits and seafood. Vietnam is famous for its unique nature and rich history, which attracts tourists looking for new experiences,” the interviewee shared.
She believes that a vacation in the Maldives is perfect for those seeking solitude and comfort.
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“The Maldives remain a symbol of luxurious vacations. This destination is suitable for those seeking peace and solitude. The white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean create ideal conditions for relaxation. Many hotels offer accommodation in private villas, allowing for maximum comfort. Of course, one should be prepared for the fact that your budget will take quite a hit. But it's worth it,” the businesswoman noted.
She added that travelers to Egypt are fans of entertainment and the ‘all-inclusive’ system.
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“Egypt remains popular among family tourists, as there is always animation for children at hotels, allowing parents to relax. The crystal-clear waters and rich underwater world are another reason why Kazakh tourists travel to this country. Vacationers have the opportunity to visit ancient monuments and enjoy the culture of Egypt. A wide selection of hotels and reasonable prices make this country desirable for most tourists,” the speaker noted.
She added that people travel to the Emirates for shopping and beach vacations.
“The UAE offers a wide selection of hotels, from budget to luxurious, with various types of meals and numerous entertainment activities for every taste. Shopping in Dubai and cultural excursions make the vacation especially diverse. After all, it is here that you will find the tallest skyscraper in the world, the largest theme park, and everything that is the most expensive and luxurious,” the interviewee continued.
According to Gulnara, tourists travel to Thailand for its beautiful beaches and untouched islands.
“Here, you will find a rich underwater world, diverse flora and fauna, magnificent cuisine, and hospitable, smiling Thais. The nightlife in the country is a separate world with its extreme shows that walk the line of what is permissible. Exotic fruits like mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans, and lychees, which you won’t find at home in stores, are sold at every corner here,” Gulnara explained.
Travelers go to exotic Cambodia for its beautiful beaches and low vacation prices.
“This country has a unique history. Cambodians have survived mass repression and the death of millions of people. But despite this, they strive for economic development and the restoration of their cultural heritage. The main attraction of the country is the Angkor Wat temple complex. Traditional Cambodian cuisine is very exotic and surprises our compatriots. For example, dishes made from crickets, snakes, and frogs are popular here. Fried spiders are a true delicacy in Cambodia,” the speaker shared.
In conclusion, she noted that each of the mentioned destinations – Vietnam, the Maldives, Egypt, the Emirates, or Cambodia – offers something special. In some places, one can enjoy exotic cuisine, while in others, solitude on the beach or cultural experiences. It all depends on the tastes and preferences of travelers. The main thing is to set yourself up for a great vacation, pack your suitcase, and head off into sunny adventures.