The current state and prospects for the development of geotourism in the Jeti-Oguz Valley in the Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

In recent decades, the tourism industry has become one of the key sectors in the global economy, which is related not only to the number of people employed in tourism services but also to significant revenues from tourism to state budgets. Along with the development of tourism and the increase in the number of tourists, the new so-called phenomenon of "overtourism" has appeared. It causes various negative effects on nature as well as on society. Therefore, in recent years sustainable development of regions in all areas of the economy has been emphasized, especially in the tourism industry. This process is mainly implemented in highly developed countries; however, the problem is likewise significant in developing countries, including Central Asia. Geotourism fits perfectly into this trend, as residents and tourists benefit from it, and public awareness of the environment is a positive side effect. In addition, geotourism can serve as a powerful tool in educating society about the protection of abiotic and biotic elements of the natural environment.The main aim of the study is to analyze the current state and prospects for the development of geotourism in the Jeti-Oguz Valley in the southern part of the Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan. This region is one of the most attractive destinations for tourists throughout Central Asia. The Jeti-Oguz Valley was selected as an area for detailed research based on geoinformation analysis of individual elements of the natural environment.The analysis of the current state and prospects for the development of geotourism is primarily based on a detailed inventory of georesources and tourist infrastructure of the Jeti-Oguz Valley. The inventory was supplemented by surveys among the local community. Based on the collected research material, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis was carried out regarding the further development of geotourism in the Issyk-Kul Region.