Extracurricular class at the KITF International Tourism Exhibition
Second-year students of the “Tourism” educational program of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management, took part in the international tourism exhibition KITF held in Almaty as part of their academic process in the format of an extracurricular class.
The event was aimed at enhancing students’ professional training, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, and familiarizing them with current trends in the international tourism market.
During the exhibition, students became acquainted with the activities of tourism organizations from various countries and studied the tourism products and service solutions they offer. International participants presented new directions in the tourism industry, innovative service models, and features of digital technology application. This contributed to students’ understanding of ongoing changes in the global tourism landscape.
In addition, domestic tour operators and tourism companies presented the prospects for the development of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, competitive advantages in the market, and the specifics of the national tourism product. This provided students with an opportunity to analyze the structure and development trends of the domestic market.
During the event, students practically realized the importance of professional skills such as promoting tourism products, working with clients, and establishing international cooperation. The business atmosphere of the exhibition also had a positive impact on the development of their communication skills and increased their professional motivation.
The extracurricular class was organized by the department’s faculty members, Aliyeva Zh.N. and Nuruly E.
As a result, the event contributed to the integration of theoretical knowledge with practice, the development of students’ professional competencies, and a deeper understanding of modern trends in tourism. Exposure to international experience also helped shape their professional orientation and increased their interest in the tourism industry.