Kazakhstan has approved unified rules for the activities of guides, tour guides, and tourism instructors. The new document aims to establish consistent requirements for tourism industry professionals and improve travel safety, according to the website infohub.kz.
The rules define the responsibilities of specialists, including accurate information provision to tourists, route accompaniment, and compliance with safety requirements. The document also distinguishes the roles of guides, tour guides, and tourism instructors.
To start their professional activities, specialists must be citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and submit a notification via the eLicense.kz portal in accordance with the legislation on permits and notifications. Subsequently, they will have the option to choose their own organizational and legal form of work. The inclusion of guide, tour guide, and tourism instructor activities in the list of self-employment categories is also being considered.
Based on the notifications, the ministry will create a state electronic registry of tourism industry specialists. Tourists can access it on the official websites of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Kazakh Tourism JSC, enabling them to choose professionals who operate in accordance with the established requirements.
A separate section of the rules addresses safety. Specialists must inform travelers in advance about route features, potential risks, and conditions for visiting sites. In the event of emergencies, prompt notification of authorities and tourists' relatives is required.
For high-risk routes, tourists must provide written confirmation that they are aware of the potential dangers.