Keywords
Abstract
This article discusses the potential for the development of agro-tourism, which is an industry of the national economy that requires significant investment. Agro-ecotourism is one of the most popular forms of modern recreational activity. Depending on their specific characteristics, natural and climatic conditions, and management practices, various countries of the world organize this activity in different ways. It has been determined in this work that recreational activities are based on agro-landscapes and natural recreational resources. A systematic approach was the basic methodological foundation for this research, specifically the method of factor analysis, which enabled the identification of key questions for surveys that form the basis for prospects for agro-ecotourism development. A sociological survey conducted by KAZTOUR based on the author’s questionnaire revealed population preferences in the field of agrotourism. Among the organisers of tourist trips, 30.9% chose hiking, 24.4% chose enjoying nature, 15.5% wished to get acquainted with agriculture and care for animals, and 13.6% expressed a desire to receive diverse impressions from a business trip. The majority of people (70.4%) preferred a foothill landscape, 26.1% preferred a river-steppe landscape, and only 3.4% preferred a desert landscape. Most respondents, 47.6%, preferred two-day trips with overnight stays, another third, 33%, chose one-day trips without overnight stay, and only 7% of respondents chose a week-long vacation. A program has been proposed for the successful development of agritourism in Kazakhstan at the city or even country level, reflecting factors that will lead to a high demand for agritourism among the population. These factors are listed in the results of the article. As part of the development of the tourism cluster in the republic, priority areas for tourism have been identified: business tourism, ecological tourism, cultural and educational tourism, active and adventure tours. The main tasks have been identified and necessary methods have been proposed to address the issues of popularization and development of agritourism on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.