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.
