Hong Kong, China, June 26, 2017 /ChinaNewswire.com/ - During ITE Hong Kong 2017, a special roadshow provided details to international travel agents about the newest destination on the Silk Road; ASTANA EXPO 2017. This included over 70 popular tourism hotspots in Kazakhstan including picturesque national parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, ski and health resorts, and more. The jewel in the crown was a presentation on ASTANA EXPO 2017; a spectacular and must see destination on the Silk Road.

Open now until 10 September 2017 and themed as the ‘Future of Energy’, ASTANA EXPO 2017 features participants from 115 countries and 22 international organizations who are showcasing and discussing global issues relating to developing renewable energy sources.

According to Roza Assanbayeva, President, Kazakhstan Tourist Association, the exhibition in Astana will become a new point on the route of the great Silk Road, and added:

"In 1889, the Eiffel Tower became the symbol of the Paris Expo. Now this is a tourist attraction not only in France, but throughout Europe. The symbol of Astana EXPO 2017 is Nur Alem, a beautiful spherical building.”

Nur Alem is the architectural symbol of the ASTANA EXPO 2017, and is the world's largest spherical building with an 80 metre diameter and 100 metres high. Inside, the Kazakhstan Pavilion is on the first floor and features history, culture, traditions, places of interest and recent milestones.

The sphere has the Museum of Future; an important research and innovation hub that will be a cultural centre after the Expo. The other floors showcase digital, multimedia and interactive technologies where different energies are demonstrated such as space, sun, biomass, wind, water and kinetics.

For tourists from China, who arrive in the country via Astana and Almaty airports, there is a visa-free scheme of up to 72 hours if visitors are in transit. There is also an agreement on visas between Kazakhstan and the HKSAR (although travelers are advised to check on the conditions prior to departure).