Abstract
To consider the resource potential of bitter-salty sulfide lakes for the development of ecological and balneological tourism in the territory of the North Kazakhstan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Field studies, a sociological survey were conducted, methods of statistical and mathematical processing were used. The cartographic method made it possible to visualize the studied material. Bitter-salty lakes contain sulfide mud, which is a unique natural resource. Mud can be used in combination with salt water to create the foundations of ecological and health tourism in the North Kazakhstan region. Research has revealed the most promising lakes of the region. The analysis of the obtained field research data and cartographic material made it possible to assess the resource potential of the lakes. These data were confirmed by the results of a sociological survey, which confirms the possibility of developing the tourism industry on the basis of unique local bitter-salty lakes. The cartographic material created in the course of the study visually demonstrates the prospects and possible problems of the development of the health tourism industry in the territory of the studied region. The resources of bitter-salty sulfide lakes have sufficient potential for the development of tourism in the North Kazakhstan region. The bitter-salty lakes of the North Kazakhstan region selected on the basis of a comprehensive score have criteria confirming their resource potential. This assessment shows the possibility of developing health and ecological tourism in the region. The border position of the region makes it possible to develop not only internal, but also external tourism.