Abstract
The article is devoted to the study of the key economic and social challenges faced by rural areas of the Almaty region, as well as the analysis of the potential of rural tourism as a tool for their sustainable development. It is emphasized that the development of this area of tourism plays an important role in strengthening the economy and social sphere of rural regions. Considering that rural tourism in Kazakhstan is still at the stage of formation, the work focuses on identifying existing barriers and defining strategic directions for its further growth. Currently, we are witnessing the massive development of rural tourism around the world. This is because it allows rural tourism to develop and hinders its development. The development and problems of its solution are being studied, paying special attention to the state of rural tourism in the Almaty region.