Ganyukova A.A., Rzaeva L. Kh., Rzaev A. Kh.

The Karaganda State University named after E.A. Buketov

THE ROLE OF PROTECTED NATURAL TERRITORIES (PNT)

IN DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM IN KAZAKHSTAN

In the article the relevance of the development of ecological tourism in Kazakhstan is shown, in particular, the basic parameters of protected areas by region, the activities for the development of eco-tourism in the country are suggested.

In the State program of development of the perspective directions of the tourist industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan ecological tourism gained recognition of one of the priority directions of development of tourism in the republic. As priorities in this direction development of national, regional and local policy on development of ecotourism taking into account measures for conservation, local culture and to preservation of national traditions and genetic resources is provided in partnership with local population, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

The ecotourism is not mass tourism, and it isn't focused on support of big flows of tourists on natural territories, and it is rather the alternative to the approach allowing to keep natural richness of Kazakhstan and bring benefit from tourism implementation to local population. Now in Kazakhstan recreational preferences of the modern tourist significantly change. The combination of rest with visit of the natural areas located far from the urbanized territories, i.e. natural tourism is more and more attractive now.

The researches and poll (about 10 000 questionnaires) which are carried out in Germany, Great Britain, France showed to South Korea and Japan that among foreigners there is a high interest in ecological tours to Kazakhstan. The target group of the tourists showing interest in Kazakhstan: fans of the wild untouched nature and surprising landscapes; fans of new tourist directions, inquisitive tourists wishing to be pioneers.

The Information and Resource Center of Ecotourism (IRCE) created by KTA in 2005 in Almaty with financial support of Eurasia Fund is the key point according to which the program for advance of ecotourism is realized. Within the program assistance to development to ten tourist directions located in rural areas is rendered: Korgalzhyn, Kokshetau, Ridder, Lepsinsk, Karkaraly, Zhabagly, Ugam, Aman-bukter, Saty, Talgar.

Expanding the network of the ecosites of Kazakhstan, IRCE pays special attention to development of ecological tourism in Almaty region in connection with the increasing interest of ecotourism in this region now.

The necessity of the solution of the following problem was the important prerequisite of an initiative of development of ecotourism in Kazakhstan: lack of reliable data about demand for ecotourism service in the republic. Two surveys that are the survey of potential tourists and the survey of tour operators were conducted as a result. The residents of Kazakhstan having the income higher than an average became focus of poll of potential tourists as well as the foreigners living in the republic. The survey was conducted in all large cities of Kazakhstan. These target groups were chosen because of the fact that they have income and certain mobility which give them the chance to participate in ecotourism.

The general conclusion on the survey of tourists:

- high interest in an outdoor recreation is observed among the wealthy Kazakhstan citizens living in big cities and the foreigners living and working in the country;

- - the Almaty region has the greatest tourist potential as here there is the highest "ratio" between the level of knowledge of natural zones and level of their visit. Shymkent and Karaganda are also the suitable target markets for potential tourists since they are the most known and can accept the greatest volume of tourists;

- for increase of level of the trips made by this target group it is necessary to remind them of existence of the protected territories;

In general, it is possible to allocate the following key questions from the point of view of development of ecological tourism in Kazakhstan:

- - inclusion of questions of development of ecotourism in the state, branch and regional strategy;

- - definition of criteria concerning ecotourist products, and also activity of PNT and tour operators who are carrying out activities for formation, advance and realization of ecotourism;

- development and deployment of schemes of voluntary ecocertification of the tourist products and tour operators realizing activities for ecotourism;

- - rendering information and methodical help with development and advance of ecotours at the market;

- informing and involvement of local population, including by means of the organization of the ecotourism based on local communities;

- - training the staff of the organizations providing tourist services for ecotourism.

Kazakhstan can be compared to the tourist diamond having magnificent tourist opportunities and which is looking forward further changes for creation of world competitiveness.