The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and National Company "Astana Expo-2017" have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote sustainable tourism at the international exhibition under the theme ‘Future Energy’.

The partnership was signed at UNWTO Headquarters in Madrid, Spain, on June 13 by UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai and Akhmetzhan Yessimov, chairman of Board for Astana Expo 2017 National Company.

The memorandum provides for participation of NC Astana Expo-2017 representatives in the UNWTO task force meetings under the Silk Road program, education of instructors who will be training Expo-2017 guides and arrangement of training sessions for tour operators.

The parties are also working on the organization of a joint conference on "Tourism and Future Energy", which will take place in June 2017 and will be attended by the ministers of tourism of UNWTO member states. Within the framework of the exhibition, "We hope that all member states of UNWTO will take part in the event and showcase innovative solutions in sustainable tourism," said Yessimov.

Specific areas of cooperation in the MoC include the promotion of the Hotel Energy Solution initiative among hotels in Kazakhstan and the organization of a Conference on Tourism and Future Energy.

The exposition is expected to include about 3,000 themed and entertainment events.  EXPO-2017 will become a new fascinating destination for tourists from all over the world.

The Expo-2017 tourism product encompasses visits to the exposition, the country's natural and cultural attractions, including 12 nature parks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also has special destinations, such as the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The sale of package tours including tickets for the exhibition is due to start in July 2016. - TradeArabia News Service