Elena Kalashnikova is the founder and director of Ak-Sai Travel company. The company was founded in 1998 and for 22 years has made significant contributions to the development of tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic. Ms. Kalashnikova is a Board member of the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO) and previously held the position of KATO President for 3 years. She is an experienced tourism expert recognized by the government of the Kyrgyz Republic and has played a key role in developing the marketing strategy of the country, classification models of accommodation, the Law on Tourism of Kyrgyz Republic, etc.

Ms. Kalashnikova is an early proponent of alpinism in Kyrgyz Republic and she makes an effort to promote and develop winter tourism in the country. Elena Kalashnikova is an active participant in different international exhibitions and forums. She works hard on marketing and promoting Kyrgyz Republic as an attractive tourism destination and always shares her knowledge about the tourism potential of the country.