The Ministry of Culture and Sports proposes to introduce tourist cashback in Kazakhstan — compensation based on the visitor’s stay length in the country. Acting Chairman of the Tourism Committee Nurtas Karipbayev described how the compensation mechanism will work, QazMonitor reports citing the press service of the Ministry.
How much tourist cashback will you get in Kazakhstan?
It is proposed to determine the amount of cashback depending on how many days a tourist spends in the country within a package tour. For one overnight stay, a tourist should receive compensation in the amount of 5% of the cost of the tour; 10% for a two-day vacation; 15% for a 3-day stay. Those resting for four days or longer should expect a maximum cashback amount – 20% of the tour's cost. It is planned that this mechanism will operate during the off-season to support businesses and the population.
Eligibility requirements
The agency explained that the tourist cashback will be paid for tours purchased from tour companies and on marketplaces. A marketplace – if it has its own funds – will pay the cashback immediately after the tour. The state then will reimburse these expenses.
For tours purchased from companies in an offline format, the state will send the cashback directly to the tourist after the visitor fills in and sends an application form with the relevant documents.
Participating companies
The mechanism imposes minimal requirements on the project’s participants. Tour operators will need to hold a license for tour operator activity in the sphere of domestic tourism. Participating marketplaces will need to be a domestic product of Kazakhstan, convenient for both the tourist and the tour operator.
In order to further stimulate domestic tourism in Kazakhstan, it is proposed to introduce tourist cashback. This is a global practice known for its effectiveness. Citizens vacationing inside the country will be able to return up to 20% of the cost of the tour. This will help develop the culture of organized recreation and increase the availability of travel within the country.
