Exploring the Resource Potential for the Development of Ecological Tourism in Rural Areas: the Case of Kazakhstan
Keywords
Ecological tourism; Kazakhstan; Resource-based theory; Rural development; Rural tourism; Tourism resources
Abstract
Tourism can play an important role in rural development. Rural tourism can help diversify the rural economy, slow urbanization, and contribute to the economic viability and revitalization of these places. However, rural destinations need to audit the different resources they have to better understand what they can offer. Using the case of Kazakhstan, we adapt resource-based theory and use expert opinions and publicly available secondary data to assess the resource potential for the development of tourism in the rural areas of Kazakhstan. We use a range of methods such as descriptive analysis, cluster analysis, and correspondence analysis to show the resource potential of the 14 rural provinces in Kazakhstan in terms of transport infrastructure, housing & household amenities, communal services, natural & climatic, and cultural & historical resources. The findings reveal that rural Kazakhstan lags behind urban Kazakhstan in many indicators of socioeconomic development. However, experts agree that rural Kazakhstan is endowed with a multitude of natural, cultural, and historical resources. Investment in infrastructure in the areas of transportation, medical care, and communal amenities is needed so that the resources in these rural communities can be accessible for tourists. This type of analysis can be used in other emerging destinations to help them develop tourism and improve the lives of those in rural areas.
Publication Date
12-2022
Original Citation
Tleuberdinova, A., Kulik, X. V., Pratt, S., & Kulik, V. B. (2022). Exploring the Resource Potential for the Development of Ecological Tourism in Rural Areas: the Case of Kazakhstan. Tourism Review International, 26(4), 321–336. https://doi.org/10.3727/154427222X16716277765989
Document Type
Paper
Language
English
Source Title
Tourism Review International
Volume
26
Issue
4
Copyright Status
Publisher retained
College
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Location
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
STARS Citation
Tleuberdinova, Aizhan; Kulik, Xeniya V.; and Pratt, Stephen, "Exploring the Resource Potential for the Development of Ecological Tourism in Rural Areas: the Case of Kazakhstan" (2022). Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 1149.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/ucfscholar/1149