Золтан Сомоги Исполнительный директор
по вопросам программы и координации
Ladies and Gentlemen! Colleagues and friends! On behalf of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the specialized agency of the United Nations in the field of tourism, I am very
pleased to welcome the global tourism community to the 17th Kazakhstan International Exhibition for Tourism and Travel - KITF 2017.
In 2016, international tourism grew by 4%, the seventh consecutive year at above average rates. International arrivals surpassed 1.2
billion (1,235 million), bringing benefits to communities, economies and societies all around the world. And most importantly, despite all
challenges that we are currently facing, we are living the longest uninterrupted period of solid growth in international tourist arrivals since
1960.
Furthermore, we are proud to celebrate 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, designated by the
UN General Assembly. This year represents a unique opportunity for all of us to come together to promote the contribution of tourism
to a better future for people and planet. We are also shining light on what needs to be done for tourism to fulfil its potential as a pillar of
sustainable development.
In this context, it is essential the role that international tourism fairs and exhibitions are taking in significantly contributing to tourism
development.
The Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Exhibition KITF 2017 serves as a professional platform that brings together
representatives of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan and Central Asia and gives the opportunity to tourism stakeholders to showcase
new tourist products and services in the region.
UNWTO continues to support KITF in recognition of its value as a powerful platform to promote tourism products amongst the global
community and foster high-level bilateral cooperation in tourism between the public and private sectors.
I sincerely wish the participants and guests of the 17th Kazakhstan International Exhibition for Tourism and Travel success and
productive work during KITF 2017!