Abstract
his article examines the economic and geographical factors influencing tourism development in the Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan. The study focuses on the region’s strategic location on the Caspian Sea, its distinctive desert and coastal landscapes, cultural and historical heritage, transport accessibility, settlement patterns, infrastructure conditions, investment potential, and regional economic specialization. The research shows that Mangystau’s tourism potential is shaped by the interaction of natural, cultural, infrastructural, and socio-economic resources. The region has significant opportunities for the development of coastal tourism, ecological tourism, pilgrimage routes, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism. At the same time, several constraints continue to limit the full realization of this potential, including insufficient infrastructure, seasonality of demand, uneven service quality, limited accessibility of remote attractions, and the need for stronger marketing and investment mechanisms. The article argues that sustainable tourism development in Mangystau requires an integrated approach combining economic diversification, spatial planning, environmental protection, community participation, and the modernization of tourism infrastructure. Effective use of the region’s economic and geographical advantages can strengthen its competitiveness, increase tourist flows, create employment opportunities, and support the integration of Mangystau into national and international tourism markets.