Forecast Indicators and Priorities of the Tourism Industry: A Study of Akmola Region, Kazakhstan

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of tourism development in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan, as one of regional segments of the tourism industry within the domestic tourist market. This study aims to identify those main factors that restrict a process of the formation of regional economy, including the tourism industry. Despite the positive socio-economic impact of tourism on the economy, its contribution to the gross domestic product is very low and equals to about 1.0% in 2013.Tourism in Akmola region has great potential for development and could have a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the region. Akmola has considerable natural resources, occupies territory extremely favorable for development of tourist business.Thus, priorities of tourism industry development at the regional level were assessed. Forecast indicators of tourism development and its future directions were identified.