Choosing Between Turkey and Borovoy?
In the ever-evolving landscape of tourism, Kazakhstan presents a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, attracting an increasing number of tourists. However, a vacation in Kazakhstan may come with a higher price tag compared to popular destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey, UAE, and Montenegro.
The reasons for this price disparity are manifold. Kazakhstan's less developed tourism infrastructure, with fewer options for accommodations, transportation, and tour packages, contributes to the increased costs for travelers. Additionally, the prices for accommodations, such as budget hostels or average hotels, are relatively high, with a double room in a budget hostel costing around 6,467 KZT ($15 USD).
Transportation costs within Kazakhstan are also significant due to limited public transportation options, making internal travel more expensive. Food and local experiences, while offering unique cultural and natural experiences, can also be pricier than in more tourist-friendly destinations where economies of scale reduce prices.
All-inclusive packages, common in destinations like Turkey and Egypt, are less prevalent in Kazakhstan, leading to higher overall costs for travelers. Furthermore, the demand for vacations in Kazakhstan is lower compared to more popular destinations, which can lead to higher prices due to lower competition and economies of scale.
Visa and travel requirements can also add to the overall cost and complexity of planning a trip to Kazakhstan, compared to destinations with simpler entry requirements.
On the other hand, Kazakhstan is witnessing a growing trend towards health-oriented vacations. Popular destinations within the country, such as Borovoye and Issyk-Kul, are secondary choices compared to overseas vacations. However, treatments and sanatoriums in Georgia (Borjomi) and Azerbaijan (Naftalan, Gabala) are increasingly popular, particularly among women over 40 and those with chronic illnesses or COVID-19 recovery.
Meanwhile, the demand for Asia and the Middle East is on the rise, especially if the tenge does not strengthen. For many tourists, price becomes the top priority, making these destinations more attractive.
It's essential to note that banks do not provide the same level of protection as tour operators in case of emergencies, such as trip cancellations or country closures. Many people purchase tours through banks on installment plans, often unaware that banks are not tour operators and do not provide the same level of protection in such situations.
Direct flights to popular destinations like Vietnam, Turkey, and the UAE are now available from Kazakhstan, making overseas vacations more accessible. For instance, a tour to the UAE with flights and accommodation in a three-star hotel can cost as low as 200,000 tenge per person, while a vacation in Aktau or Borovoe in a good hotel can cost 300,000 to 350,000 tenge or more.
In conclusion, while Kazakhstan offers unique experiences, the combination of less developed infrastructure, higher accommodation costs, and limited all-inclusive options contribute to its higher prices compared to more traditional tourist destinations. However, the growing trend of health-oriented vacations in Kazakhstan and the increasing accessibility of overseas destinations provide a diverse range of options for every traveler's budget and preferences.
The high costs associated with traveling in Kazakhstan can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the lack of developed infrastructure, increased prices for accommodations, and limited transportation options. Moreover, the absence of widely available all-inclusive packages further increases the overall cost for travelers.
In contrast, cheaper travel options can be found in popular destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey, UAE, and Montenegro, where economies of scale often reduce prices for food, local experiences, and accommodations.
