Cultural and geographic drivers of tourism cluster development in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan

U. A. Tokbergenova

2026

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DOI 10.51889/kijge.2026.1.1.001
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Globally, tourism clusters play an important role in improving the economic competitiveness and investment attractiveness of a country, sustainable development of local culture and recreational resources, tourism enterprises and tourism in regions. After all, tourism clusters mainly provide for the development of tourism infrastructure systems and allow for the optimisation of environmental, social and economic impacts. In this regard, the issues of environmental, technological and socio-economic interrelation in the sustainable development of tourism in the regions of Kazakhstan can be solved through tourism clusters. In particular, the Turkestan region has great opportunities for the development of cultural and cognitive, medical and health tourism throughthe creation of a tourism cluster and achieving economic growth through the creation of modern tourist complexes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the cultural and geographical prerequisites and opportunities for the formation of a tourism cluster necessary for the sustainable development of the Turkestan region. The study used the interview method to identify the main problems and the opportunities for the creation of a tourism cluster were assessed using SWOT analysis. As a result of the research, the need to improve infrastructure (40%), improve the quality of service (27%) and strengthen marketing efforts (17%) to increase the tourism potential of the Turkestan region was identified. At the same time, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (61%) was recognised as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in the Turkestan region. In addition, the historical and cultural objects of the Turkestan region, participating in the tourist cluster, were identified and the structural model of the tourist cluster formation was developed. Thus, this study shows that the formation of a tourism cluster in the Turkestan region contributes to the improvement of infrastructure and economic development of the region and increases the international tourist flow between Turkic countries.