Almaty, April 25, 2025 — Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages, in collaboration with Kazakhstan's leading exhibition company ITECA, held the business project competition “I CHOOSE TOURISM!” The event was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Edward Strachan, the founder and first director of ITECA LLP.
The competition was aimed at supporting and promoting youth initiatives in the tourism sector, as well as strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the industry. Participants included undergraduate students who presented innovative ideas for the development of domestic and inbound tourism in Kazakhstan.
The primary goals of the competition were to engage young people in the development of innovative tourism projects, nurture entrepreneurial thinking, and foster patriotic values through a deep understanding of Kazakhstan’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The objectives of the competition included: Identifying creative, economically-minded, and professionally competent young talents capable of implementing innovative projects in a competitive environment; Finding creative solutions to promote Kazakhstan’s tourist destinations and shape a positive image of the country; Popularizing socially significant ideas through the creation of symbolic visual imagery; Stimulating students’ creative potential and enhancing their awareness of its significance to society; Utilizing promotional materials to advance spiritual values and promote Kazakhstan’s tourism resources both nationally and internationally.
Students from the 1st to 4th years of the Faculty of International Relations and Mass Communications (Tourism and Restaurant and Hotel Business programs) participated, presenting a total of 15 business projects. Each submission adhered to competition guidelines, standing out for its innovation, originality, and reflection of modern trends in the tourism industry.
Jury Panel:
- Boris Alexandrovich Danilenko — Chair of the Jury, Director of LLP "ITECA";
- Ainura Erbolatovna Jumataeva — Director of the International Markets Department, JSC NC "Kazakh Tourism";
- Rashida Rashidovna Shaikenova — President of the Kazakhstan Tourism Association (KTA) and the Kazakhstan Hotel and Restaurant Association (KAGiR);
- Viktoria Sergeevna Karatsupa — Project Manager, LLP "ITECA";
- Mayra Ualieva Uspanova — Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, KazUIR&WL;
- Gulzamira Djoldasbekovna Aitbayeva — Head of the Department of International Tourism Management, KazUIR&WL named after Ablai Khan;
- Saltanat Serzhanovna Rakhymzhanova — Head of the Department of Hospitality Management, KazUIR&WL named after Ablai Khan.
Thanks to the professionalism and high competence of the jury, the evaluation process was objective and comprehensive, highlighting the most promising and creative projects.
Competition Results:
First Place — Karina Zhumabay and Aiganym Akynkozha (300,000 KZT)
Supervisor: PhD, Assistant Professor E. Besekey
Second Place — Enlik Kasibayeva, Musa Musabekov, Madiyar Atemov, and Adilzhan Daryn (200,000 KZT)
Supervisor: PhD, Senior Lecturer A.M. Uaisova
Second Place — Madiyar Kadirov (200,000 KZT)
Supervisor: Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor A.B. Zamanbekova
Third Place — Akerke Zekenkyzy and Nurayym Zhanibekova (100,000 KZT)
Supervisor: PhD, Assistant Professor E. Besekey
Third Place — Janayim Zakir and Aldana Kalabay (100,000 KZT)
Supervisor: Master of Humanities, Lecturer A.D. Nugmanova
Third Place — Akmaral Ualikhanova (100,000 KZT)
Supervisor: Master of Humanities, Lecturer M.K. Undibayeva
We warmly congratulate the winners and wish them great success in their future professional endeavors!
We also express our sincere gratitude to all participants, partners, and organizers, emphasizing the importance of such joint initiatives for the sustainable development of the tourism sector and the training of future professionals.
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