On February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the ceremonial opening of the branch of the Department of “Tourism and Service” at the travel company “DS Travel” took place. This event marked an important step in the development of practice-oriented education and the strengthening of cooperation between the university and the tourism business sector.

The opening of the branch symbolizes the integration of academic knowledge with real professional practice. The new format of cooperation provides students with the opportunity to develop professional competencies, acquire practical skills, and build a conscious career path already during their studies.

The welcoming speech was delivered by the Head of the Department of “Tourism and Service,” Zhunsova Aliya Anarkhanovna, who emphasized the strategic importance of opening the branch, outlined its goals, and highlighted the introduction of new educational formats involving company employees in the academic process.

The participants were also welcomed by the Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs, Sayat Berdigalyuly, and the Dean of the Faculty of “Economics and Business,” Makish Moldir Kikbaevna, who stressed the importance of integrating education and business in training competitive specialists.

The General Director of the travel company “DS Travel,” Alimbekova Dana Abdykhanovna, presented the company, speaking about its main areas of activity, tourism products offered, and prospects for cooperation with students within the framework of internships and practical training. As part of the event program, students of the department delivered speeches expressing their interest in developing professional skills on the basis of an operating travel company.

The key moment of the ceremony was the signing of the official cooperation agreement, as well as the symbolic ribbon-cutting and the formal handover of the branch plaque. From that moment, the branch of the Department of “Tourism and Service” at the travel company “DS Travel” was officially declared open.

Following the official part, guests were invited to an info tour of the Monte Bianco Hotel Astana complex, where the hotel rooms and restaurant facilities were presented. The event concluded with words of gratitude to the partners, the presentation of letters of appreciation, and a commemorative group photo.

The opening of the branch contributes to the further development of practice-oriented education, strengthens cooperation between the university and the tourism industry, and promotes the training of competitive specialists in the field of tourism and service.