Saga Continues in the «City of Alatau Mountains»
26-28 April 2013
The “Mega Tourism Road Show” continues in Almaty. Almost 150 years have passed since the first settlements were established in Almaty. The city is situated in the centre of the Eurasian continent, in the south-east of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, the northernmost ridge of the Tien Shan. The city occupies an area of over 170 square kilometers. It stands in the valleys of the Bolshaya and Malaya Almatinka rivers Talgar (5017 m), Nursultan (former Komsomol 4376 m) and Bolshoi Almatinski (3684 m) peaks prevail over the range of picturesque summits surrounding the city from the south.
The climate in the city is sharply continental, with considerable fluctuations in temperature not only in different seasons but also between day and night. From a height of 500 meters the city climate is closer to the steppe and semi-deserts, coming close to the hot Kaskelen Moyunkuins. In the southern areas, at an altitude of 1520- 1750 meters above sea level, in the Medeu Tract and the Kamenski Plateau, you can feel the breath of “Arctic mountains”. Average annual wind speed is twice as less as in Moscow. Average temperature of July is the same as on the islands of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) or Java. Average temperature of January can be compared with that in the north of Norway.
Rich and diverse is the animal and vegetable kingdom of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The Almaty precincts are part of the Ili-Alatau National Park in the territory of which nature reserves and wildlife are arranged. They are the habitat of many rare birds and animals listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Among them is the snow leopard, now embellishing the emblem of Almaty.
At the foothills of the mountains grain, melon and gourd, and tobacco plantations and vineyards are interchanged by orchards and berry fields. It was here where famous “aport” Almaty apple breed was first cultivated. Once this very apple became not only the city’s symbol but also gave it its name (“alma” is the Kazakh for “apple”).
Gardens and parks, public gardens and boulevards occupy over 8 hectares of the city territory. The vicinity of Almaty can boast rare representatives of the local endemic flora. Long forgotten names of our countrymen, men of science, are now eternalized in the names of many Almaty plants: Nedzvetski apple-tree, Fetisov onion, Kushakevich saffron, etc.
Many names of honorary citizens have been preserved in the names of mountains and valleys of the Trans-Ili Alatau: Palgov, Bryzgalov, Dmitriev, Poyarkov, Shnitnikov and Wojcehowski glaciers; Ryskul, Kolokolnikovs, Zimin Valleys and Kuderin summit. Many old names were changed to new ones.
The Mega Al-Mata is located in the south of the city of Almaty, and is one of the most popular and largest shopping malls. It is widely patronized by all groups of shoppers at all age categories, mostly of the higher income level category. The Mall includes a large food hypermarket Ramstor, many shops, restaurants, cafes, leisure areas and entertainment, promoting well-known international brand names.
At the start of the activation, introduction and promotion of Sri Lanka was carried out with description of places of tourist attractions and other interesting information. A mini spa conducted by the masseur from Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa, and a demonstration of traditional mask making was given by the mask maker. Both items were very popular among the visitors. Competitions to promote knowledge and interest in Sri Lanka were conducted with enthusiastic participation from the crowd. Prices were given out to winners.
The cultural dance items presented by the dancing troupe “Chandana and the Dancers’ Guild” proved to be a major attraction as in previous events and were able to draw a significant crowd of around a thousand visitors counting both days. The stall for the liquid Ceylon tea service and promotion was well patronized. Distribution of tea sachets and promotional leaflets, Tourism catalogue and Audio Guide CDs were also conducted extensively at the mall.
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Shymbulak Ski Resort
24 April 2013
Ski resort “Chimbulak” is located in the picturesque gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2260 m above sea level, 25 km from the center of the city of Almaty. The average temperature in summer is + 20C in winter -7S. Average snow depth to 150 cm, the number of sunny days per year to 90%. Time of snow cover from November to May. The ski slopes are served by two twin-chair lifts, one chair and a yoke cableways and free tow lift. In 2003 came into operation 4 local road, opened a new area for lovers of extreme skiing. Aerial lift you to a height of 2260 m above sea level to Talgar Pass (3163 meters), altitude difference 903 m. Trails are preparing three groomers machines (Rathrak).
At an altitude of 3163 meters above sea level start up lifts. Right and left vamiShimbulak appear before the majestic mountains with snowy slopes and evergreen Tien Shan firs. Business Card Chimbulaka – a variety of routes, including the gentle and soft slopes for beginners and long runs for advanced skiers, FIS-runs for downhill, wild valley with pristine snow and half-pipe for snowboarders, extreme bends for the pros, a special track for mogul . Every year there are new routes Chimbulak. Ski slopes Chimbulaka certified by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Downhill and slalom giginta rightly among the top ten most difficult routes in the world.
Features Kurota:
The length of the plateau – 3800 meters;
Width – from 100 to 600 meters;
Elevation – 943 m;
Ski Area – 2260 – 3163 m;
The average slope – 12-28 degrees;
The maximum slope of the slope – 45 degrees;
Total area of skiing – 99 acres.
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Kazakhstan Fair 2013
11th Kazakhstan International Fair Travel & Tourism “KITF 2011”
24th -28th April 2013
The Kazakhstan International Travel and Tourism exhibition (KITF) is one of the most important travel industry events in the country. It attracts key international travel industry players looking to promote their products and increase their presence in the Kazakhstan market. Development of new international channels to increase the volume of tourism and investment in their respective countries is a key outcome of the Fair.
The Embassy in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau arranged the Sri Lankan stand with participants Concord Exotic Voyages, Aitken Spence Travels, Nkar Travels & Tours, Jetwing Travels, Delux Holidays, and Bernard Tours.
Sri Lankan dancers of the group “Chandana and the Dancers’ Guild” also performed at the stage in the Sri Lanka stand attracting wide attention of visitors and other stand-holders alike.
Liquid Ceylon tea was served among visitors to the stand and promotional leaflets, Tourism catalogue and Audio Guide CDs too were distributed.
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Shopping Mall, ADK- Almaty
Showcasing Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in Almaty
24 – 25 April 2013
Showcasing Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in Almaty the previse capital city of Kazakhstan, the Mega Tourism Caravan 2, the tourism promotion campaign on wheels launched by the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Russian Federation continued its promotional campaign providing a unique opportunity to people of this city of sun and light to savor the very essence of Sri Lankan culture.
The tourism promotion activities on both days included Shopping Mall Activation programme at the ADK- Almaty Mall in the center of Almaty city. “ADK- Almaty Mall” is the largest multi-functional shopping complex in Almaty. A wide selection of shops, entertainment, cafes and restaurants, modern design, a perfect combination of the latest architectural and engineering solutions, convenient location center – everything is provided for the comfort of visitors. Thus on both days large crowds flocked to witness the Shopping Mall Activation programme.
The events on both days commenced with an elaborate introduction to Sri Lanka by the HE Udayanga Weeratunga, which proved to be a crowd-pleaser. Thereafter the gathering was entertained through a variety of cultural and other activities which included; Sri Lankan traditional dancing performances together with a “Perehara”. Apart from these performances, leaflets/souvenirs, tourism promotional videos and T-shirts were distributed amongst those who were present in the mall. In addition more than four thousand Ceylon teacups were served to all those who had gathered to witness the event.
Amongst the Sri Lankan traditional items on display at the ADK- Almaty Mall handicrafts produced by the State owned Gift and Souvenir Boutique “Laksala” attracted a large number of visitors. Living up to its reputation Laksala, the renowned Gift and Souvenir Boutique in Sri Lanka not only exhibited the items but also explained the production process of these items including the cultural relevance. The demonstration of carving of a mask by an expert craftsman created intrigue amongst the spectators who showed keenness to get to know the nitty-gritty of the art of carving masks.
Apart from all these activities the distribution of leaflets/souvenirs, tourism promotional videos and T-shirts were carried out whilst more than four thousand Ceylon teacups were served to all the visitors.
Once again of the key contributory factor for the tremendous success of this event was the untiring efforts of HE Udayanga Weeratunga, the Ambassador to Russian Federation. His meticulous planning coupled with the extensive knowledge of CIS countries was the key to successful execution of the MEGA Tourism Caravan 2 programme in Kazakhstan.
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Tourism Workshop in Almaty
Tourism Workshop in Almaty
24 April 2013
A workshop on Sri Lanka was held 24 April in Almaty as a part of the Mega Tourism Roadshow in Almaty and coinciding with the KITF 2013. Workshop was organized by the Embassy The event was attended by more than 100 tour agents interested in comprehensive and reliable information about Sri Lanka as well as being educated to sell and promote this attractive and promising destination.
The turn-up for the workshop exceeded 100 participants. During the workshops the participants were issued with tourism promotional materials such as leaflets, booklets, and audio CD’s and many more. The package of two Audio CD’s gives an exclusive commentary on 49 important tourist locations and covers Colombo, Kelaniya, Pinnawela Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Mihintale Polonnraruwa, Euwara Eliya, Kandy, Yala nad Galle. The package which is been published in Russian language is an excellent tour guide to the tourist from Russia and CIS countries.
During the workshop having very warmly welcomed all participants His Excellency Udayanga Weeratunga conducted a very informative and educative presentation on Sri Lankan Tourism. During the presentation he covered salient points such as history, climatic conditions, major tourist attractions, major cities, visa procedures and recent infrastructure developments in the spheres’ of socio – economic and tourism. The tantalizing dancing performance of the Dancers Guild directed by maestro Chandana Wickramasinghe was a major attraction at the workshop.