Tucson and Kazakhstan share other traits beyond the challenge of limited direct flights. Many of their outdoor attractions are similar. Geography and outdoor natural beauty is one of our main attractions. The difference, however, is Tucson can rely on some city, county and state funding to market the region. Walker urged government officials to fund tourism promotion so the KTA can start marketing the country.
Tourism can have an immediate impact.
Tucson Chamber President Camper, on the other hand, advised the Almaty Association of Entrepreneurs to resist government funding. He said Almaty's equivalent of a chamber of commerce must find funding from the private sector. Camper advised the Entrepreneurs to find the right people to handle political action and government affairs for the association. McKnight Guymon, who specializes in bringing the travel media to Tucson, taught the Kazakhstanis how to put together itineraries for travel writers and how to set up tour operators. We're in a global market.