Autobahn to be built from Almaty to Kapshagai

An autobahn similar to the one connecting Astana and Borovoye is going to be built between Almaty and Kapshagai, presidential website reports. Kapshagai is a popular resort near Almaty. The area around the artificial lake will be developed to better meet the beachgoers' needs. The resort needs a better infrastructure, high-speed transport, hotels, camping sites and a well-organized beach zone, Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the meeting with Almaty Akim (Mayor) Akhmetzhan Yessimov. He said that Almaty has high potential as a regional tourist center. Comprehensive tourism development is possible only through a package approach. Image and development of Kazakhstan tourism depend on high quality and accessibility of services, he said. The President noted that ski tourism should also be developed and gave a task to the Ministry of Tourism and Sport to prepare a special program for it. President Nazarbayev also instructed Akims of Almaty city and Almaty oblast to create a special work group for tourism development in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport to study international experience and come up with detailed proposals within three months.