SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE TOURIST POTENTIAL OF NATURAL SITES IN EAST KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Abstract. The article presents a spatial analysis of the tourism potential of natural sites in East Kazakhstan, aimed at identifying prospects for ecotourism development in the region. The study includes a review of existing tourist destinations, their natural, infrastructural, and geographical characteristics, as well as an analysis of factors influencing tourism development. As part of the research, a survey of more than 800 respondents was conducted, the results of which helped determine the tourism attractiveness of eight key natural sites in the region based on nine evaluation criteria. It was found that the main limitations for tourism development are the low transport accessibility of certain areas and the lack of infrastructure, while the most popular sites experience environmental pressure due to high visitor numbers. Based on the obtained data, recommendations have been proposed for optimizing tourism infrastructure, regulating tourist flows, attracting investments, and improving spatial management mechanisms, ensuring the sustainable development of the tourism industry in East Kazakhstan.