ALTO’s first ever Roadshow, held last May in Almaty, the commercial centre of Kazahkstan, and its capital Astana, introduced members from all over the globe to one of the world’s most rapidly growing new markets for language travel.

 

In addition to presenting ALTO members with a first-hand experience of this beautiful and dynamic country, and demonstrating its potential as an important source market for student travellers, the Roadshow—held in conjunction with a2’s student fair—proved to be an effective venue for networking. In part, this was due to the large turnout. “I was impressed by number of competitors and students who came for the fair,” says Olga Demina, Marketing Director of Vancouver English Centre.

 

But a more important factor, perhaps, was the easy, collegiate environment the Roadshow provided. According to ALTO Chairman Mauro Biondi, “Kazakh agents were able to get to know representatives from the different schools in a familiar, cordial atmosphere.”

 

“Meeting our partners face-to-face is the right way to do business,” says Tom Areton, Co-Director of Cultural Homestay International, a non-profit educational exchange programme. “Showing them the fair, our booth and our materials made them feel more trusting.”

 

Plus, he adds, “seeing excited Kazakh youngsters mob our booth warmed our hearts. They all want to study in America!”

 

Many new partnerships could result from the show. “We are signing a contract with ILAC Canada,” says Laura Jakitova, Marketing Director of LLP Fattah Travel, a recruitment agency based in Almaty. “And we are planning to make an appointment to meet with the Emerald Cultural Institute, Ireland.”

 

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