YOUTH INNOVATION TOURISMKAZ - TECHNOLOGICAL TREND

Our university implements new projects using the potential of innovation in any field. Among them is the mobile application TOURISMKAZ. This platform, which is beneficial for both tourists and tourist service providers, is the first digital trading platform in the country. In order to find out the details of the application, we talked to the project manager Aliya Aktymbayeva.

He is the head of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism in November. According to the expert, this is a convenient platform for travelers. Because here you can look in your pocket and buy a tour that suits your taste. You can also book directly at the hotel and choose a driver. It also allows you to see the tourist object on the online map, get acquainted in advance, view panoramic 3D images and scan the QR code to get interesting information about this object.

The structure of all information in the mobile application is integrated into one system. Thanks to this, it is not difficult to find a tour you like, add it to your profile and buy it right away. At the intuitive level, the design and structure of the platform is very clear.

Probably a companion on the trip

Travel agencies, hotels, national parks, resorts and sanatoriums can sell their products through this digital platform. Therefore, the mobile application TOURISMKAZ is another channel for marketing services in the market. You can also choose a guide or guide, change the language, scan a QR code, buy tickets, take a virtual tour. With this in mind, we can say with confidence that the mobile application meets international standards.

- We plan that this mobile application will be a single system that will increase the popularity of domestic tourism among foreign and domestic travelers. In addition, with the help of this platform, travel business entities can automate some business processes and monitor the market through a system of ratings and ratings, - said Aliya Sagyndykovna.

The project manager also shared his thoughts on the impact of the mobile application on the development of the domestic tourism market.

- Tourism business is a mobile business, - he said. - Entrepreneurs in this field should be in constant contact with the client. Must be able to remotely coordinate any situation and respond to questions and comments as quickly as possible. In the event of an offer, you must be ready to offer cold tours. Please note that this list can be continued.

Innovative technologies have significantly changed the structure of the tourism market. Any service for travelers is now very active in the use of mobile applications. This directly contributes to the development of tourism. As a result, a ready-made information environment has been created for citizens who want to learn about the world. It is clear that over time the demand for mobile "assistants" will increase, without which it is impossible to imagine the rapid development of the tourism business. Unfortunately, despite the development of information systems, these technologies do not play a significant role in the modern tourism business in the country. And abroad it is an integral part of major tourism and socio-cultural projects. Information systems play a special role in the development of projects for long-term planning of tourism development in the region.

- The mobile application TOURISMKAZ, which we are developing, can make a big difference in the way travel search and booking in the future. Offering a modern system and a package of useful features for travelers, our additional time and money will help you to find attractions. So, it is safe to say that he will be an indispensable assistant during the visit, - said A. Aktymbayeva.

It turns out that travel managers can increase the range of services provided to the client through this project. This application will be developed for the first time in the domestic tourism market. It unites domestic tourist subagents and farms providing agro-tourism services and promotes the development and expansion of tourist services.

(There is prosperity in unity)

"Where did the idea of ​​uniting all tourist services come from?" The head of the department answered our question:

- In the tourism market of Kazakhstan there is no mobile application where you can get all the information a traveler needs in one place. Today, all tour operators offer the same tour packages, ie the most popular attractions. At the same time, it is necessary to expand the range of proposals and increase access to information through creative innovative solutions. This will increase the number of return visitors to the country.

According to the expert, there are problems with the creation of a favorable information environment for tourists in the country. For example, the integration of modern domestic tourism technologies and the low level of digitization. Second, the country is less aware of real tourist facilities. Third, the available tourist segments do not work as a whole tourism product. Each provides its own services. Fourth, there is a lack of Internet infrastructure, as well as low Internet access in remote areas. Fifth, market participants lack the professional skills to use the digital platform.

The above is very important for our country. It's time to use a professional mobile application, especially combining the main functions of marketing and booking. In the future, it is necessary to consider ways to bring it to the international market.

- Thus, we decided to develop a mobile application TOURISMKAZ to provide visitors to the region with all the necessary information. In it you will find all the information about the location of tourist facilities, description of services and list of services for visitors. It will be prepared separately in two additional directions: for providers of tourist services and for customers, - said Aliya Sagyndykovna.

(Monetization of the mobile application)

- We act as an intermediary (agent) between tourists who want to book or buy tourist services and providers of these services. This business approach is also known as the "agency model". Unlike other travel booking / purchase applications, we do not participate in agreements between travel service providers and travelers. This allows suppliers to independently manage tariffs and availability of places or services, as well as to provide transparent information about their rules and general offers. It is also planned that in the future some tourist routes and information will be provided for a fee, - said the project manager.

(The digital world without borders)

According to him, the same applications as such a complex mobile application have not been encountered yet. However, the expert said that "when analyzing the impact of mobile applications, it should be borne in mind that digital platforms have no boundaries."

There are many vivid examples of how mobile applications affect the development of tourism not only in a particular country, but also in the region. There is no doubt that global platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor, 2Gis, Google maps, Aviasales, Anywayanyday, Skyscanner have a direct impact on the development of tourism. After all, the simplification of ticket purchases, the creation of different routes, the formation of the image, the rapid acquisition of the necessary information will help to adapt to the market and stay ahead. And the more tourists become mobile and travel, the more the entrepreneur's income increases.

- Countries such as France, the United States, Spain, Italy, China, Turkey, which are leaders in terms of the number of tourists and their income, are actively using various mobile applications. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tourism in Kazakhstan based on world experience and the use of various digital technologies, - said A. Aktymbayeva.

Last year, the head of state said that priority should be given to the IT and tourism sectors, which are new directions. "These industries will create about 300 thousand new jobs," K. Tokayev said. Indeed, these sectors have a lot to offer to the economy and a lot of innovative potential. We often hear that the pandemic was just the beginning. However, it should be noted that Covid-19 slowed down the pace of international tourism, but also contributed to the development of domestic tourism.

For example, the number of tourists visiting Mangistau region alone reached 177 thousand. This is the figure for the last year. And the number of flights exceeded the pre-Kovid period. Of course, after the removal of quarantine restrictions. The public has increased the number of walks in nature and mountaineering. Ecotourism has gained momentum in the country. According to Say's economic theory, where there is a growing demand, any quality product will find a consumer. Therefore, it is necessary to provide maximum support to domestic products that are currently working to meet the needs of the tourism market.

Camilla Duisen