Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.30.3.4
Can tourism be a way to diversify regional economies: The case of the Ulytau region of Kazakhstan
Dinara Salauatova
; PhD, Postdoctoral student Karaganda University of Kazpotrebsoyuz, Karaganda
Aizhan Tleuberdinova
; A, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor, Chief Researcher Institute of Economics Science Committee of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Stephen Pratt
; University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Abstract
Purpose –Tourism development can provide a sustainable path through which to diversify the
economy. The aim of this research is 1) to assess the current economic diversification of a
potential tourism region in an emerging economy, that of the Ulytau region of Kazakhstan; 2) to
detail the impediments to economic diversification through tourism development, and 3) to
recommend ways to foster economic diversification.
Methodology/Design/Approach – The research uses secondary data to assess the current situation
of the region and in-depth interviews with tourism and economic development experts to
understand the current obstacles to economic diversification.
Findings – This rural region of Kazakhstan is relatively concentrated in terms of its economic
diversification and investment in infrastructure such roads, airports, and telecommunication as
well as marking and promotion of the natural and cultural attractions will be a path to diversify
the economy through tourism development.
Originality of the research – This research uses evolutionary economic geography as a useful
framework through which to view how destinations change over time. The research provides a
model through which other destinations, dominated by non-renewable resource extraction can
pivot towards tourism as a way to diversify the economy.
Keywords
diversification; specialization; innovation; Kazakhstan; Evolutionary economic geography
Hrčak ID:
318206
URI
Publication date:
21.6.2024.
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