FROM ALTAI TO LIGURIA: INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOR TOUR LEADERS OF THE FUTURE

S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University and the University of Genoa (Italy) launched an innovative joint educational Master’s degree program 7M04111 “Tourism Destination Management and Sustainable Development”.

Earlier, the President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev noted that tourism should become the new point of economic growth.

-Tourism acts as a catalyst for the dynamic development of the world economy. In addition, this industry is one of the most attractive for investors. About 10% of jobs in the world are provided by tourism. Every fourth new job is created in this industry. 30% of world exports, 7% of investments and 5% of tax revenues come from the sphere of tourist services. Kazakhstan has everything necessary for the development of all types of tourism: from ecological to business tourism,” the President said.

The new educational program is aimed at training highly qualified specialists with systemic knowledge and practical skills in the field of sustainable tourism development, capable of effectively managing tourist destinations based on modern technologies, scientific research and international standards. Master’s students will study advanced methods of tourism resource management, minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

According to Mukhtar Tolegen, Rector of East Kazakhstan University, this MA is especially relevant for East Kazakhstan University and Abai region, which are rich in natural and cultural heritage.

-In East Kazakhstan and Abay regions, a tourist cluster is rapidly developing, combining attractions and tourist services. Our regions have unique opportunities for ecotourism, ethnographic routes and historical tours, including such iconic places as Lake Alakol, Berel mounds, the birthplace of Abai, etc., as well as a number of other tourist attractions. Thanks to the new educational program, our master’s students will be able to be specialists in the field of cultural branding. We combine international experience with local specifics, opening new horizons for students and contributing to the development of tourism infrastructure at a qualitatively new level,” the rector said.

It should be noted that the partner of Amanzholov University – University of Genoa – is one of the leading universities in Italy, which meets the best international practices in the field of tourism and hospitality. Cooperation with the University of Genoa opens up opportunities for participation in joint research and internships in Italy.