Tourism Promotion in Practice: Students’ Field Visit to a Tourist Information Center
On April 4, 2026, an off-site practical lesson was organized for 3rd-year students (Kazakh group) of the “6B11101 – Tourism” educational program within the course “Promotion and Commercialization of Tourism Services.” During the session, students visited a Tourist Information Center located in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where they explored the features of service in the tourism sector. The main objective of the event was to integrate students’ theoretical knowledge with practical experience, demonstrate real mechanisms for promoting and commercializing tourism services, and analyze opportunities for tourism development based on historical sites. The event was organized under the supervision of senior lecturer of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism, Pazylkhair B.M..
During the excursion, students also learned about a nearby historical building constructed in 1904. This building had previously served various purposes and held significance in the city’s history. Although the Tourist Information Center is not currently located in this building, its historical value was thoroughly explained. Students showed great interest in understanding the role of such architectural heritage sites in the development of cultural and educational tourism. The center’s consultant provided detailed explanations about working with tourists, delivering informational services, developing tourist routes, and effective ways of guiding visitors around the city. In addition, the specific features and advantages of tourist centers located in historical areas were highlighted.
During the session, students conducted a comparative analysis with a previously visited Tourist Information Center located near the Atakent Exhibition Center. It was noted that the Atakent-based center is equipped with modern infrastructure, situated near an exhibition complex, and mainly focused on business tourism, whereas the center in the Panfilov Park area is more oriented toward cultural and heritage tourism. This comparison helped students better understand the differences in functions and target audiences of various tourist information centers.
In the practical part, students analyzed tourist service scenarios and reviewed real-life cases, which contributed to the development of their professional skills and improved their ability to communicate effectively with clients. Additionally, discussions were held on how to effectively utilize historical sites as tourism products, as well as their promotion and commercialization.The event generated strong interest among students and contributed to expanding their professional outlook. Such practical lessons enhance the quality of education and play an important role in preparing competitive specialists ready for the labor market. At the end of the event, students shared their impressions and expressed their gratitude to the center’s staff.
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