Abstract
In spite of picturesque landscapes, natural beauties and authentic traditional lifestyles to be seen in East Kazakhstan, tourism is far from being developed. The Kazakh Altai (called the Kazakh Switzerland) is one the most colourful parts of the country and, indeed, all Central Asia. The attractiveness of this geographically isolated region (formerly a part of the Imperial Russia), consisting of rocky semi-deserts, vast parkland-steppes, and rugged mountain terrains, is reflected in its distinctive geological and geomorphological character, its pristine nature, and its extraordinary geodiversity and biodiversity. This study presents a roster of geotourism and ecotourism loci for the broader Altai area within a framework of sustainable development. The modelled assessment of the tourism and recreation potential is based upon multi-proxy analyses of GIS, DEM, and cartographic data. It integrates the most appealing natural (biotic and abiotic) site-specific natural features across all physiographic zones within a broad region. The most significant and representative geosites fall within three geographic sectors suitable for geo- and ecotourism. Prospects for travel to these places are enhanced by the presence of numerous prehistoric archaeological sites and historical monuments, which document the rich, multi-ethnic background of Kazakhstan and the ancient Silk Road that traverses it. These geological, environmental and cultural resources, and the regional geoheritage and environmental conservation concepts have been figured into strategies for economic growth of rural Kazakhstan. Visitors travelling to this most appealing region are constrained by climate of pronounced continentality, seasonality, geographic accessibility, the international border-zone regulations and a lack of services of an international standard.
Highlights
Kazakhstan, as the largest country of the post-Soviet Central Asia is endowed with immense natural and cultural riches that from far have not been explored and exploited
This study provides a modelled territorial assessment of travel differentiation and rural recreation sustainability in the Kazakh Altai and the adjoining parts of eastern Kazakhstan foothills from the integrated geo/ecotourism perspective
The present study defined the principal places for the shared geo- and ecotourism on the broader Southern Altai territory representing, along with the Tian-Shan Mountains, physiographically the most varied geographical region of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Summary
Kazakhstan, as the largest country of the post-Soviet Central Asia is endowed with immense natural and cultural riches that from far have not been explored and exploited. This study provides a modelled territorial assessment of travel differentiation and rural recreation sustainability in the Kazakh Altai and the adjoining parts of eastern Kazakhstan foothills from the integrated geo/ecotourism perspective [37] The tourism research concept combines the most distinctive physio-geographic features along with rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area under investigations historically occupied by the traditional pastoral communities These regional assets offer in a unity the best predispositions for the modern recreation and international tourism development in balance with the traditional social and cultural environment, and nature (including the local Kazakh customs’ conservation and the landscape relief protection, respectively)
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