The international tourism innovation platform TOURISM NEXT 2026 was held at KNUS

The Kazakh National University of Sports hosted the international tourism innovation platform TOURISM NEXT 2026.

The event brought together representatives from government agencies, business, and education on a single platform. Attendees included representatives from the hotel and restaurant industry, ethnotourism, outdoor recreation, tour operators, and other members of the tourism industry.

As part of the event, a ceremony was held to sign memoranda of cooperation with representatives of the hotel business, ethnotourism, outdoor recreation, and tour operators. Specifically, memoranda of cooperation were signed with KenDala, Drive Forum, KazZhol Hotel, the Association of Tourism Industry Development (CRGT), the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs, QAZAQ UY, Crocos Systems, and St. Regis. Notably, immediately following the signing of the agreements, The St. Regis Astana and other partners accepted KNUS students for internships with the possibility of future employment.

For KNUS, this is more than just an expansion of its partner network. Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, the university has launched a new educational program, "Hospitality and Tourism."

The goal is to create opportunities for students to gain practical competencies through direct interaction with the tourism industry, the hotel business, organizations, and the professional community. This approach integrates education, travel, sports, culture, digital technologies, and real market demands.

The event was attended by the Rector of the Kazakh National University of Sports, Tursynzada Kuangalieva, and the Deputy Chair of the Tourism Industry Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Venera Prnazarova.

The format of TOURISM NEXT 2026 was built around four interconnected pillars: science, youth, industry, and technology and practical experience. The program featured a panel discussion on tourism trends, digital tourism and artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and training new personnel for the industry.

An exhibition was also organized as part of the forum. The main goal was to introduce students to the real industry, show them various areas of tourism, and highlight opportunities for practice, internships, and future employment.

Thus, KNUS is gradually changing the very logic of training specialists for the tourism industry, moving from academic learning to an "education + industry + travel + practice" model.