Modeling the community-based ecotourism development in the Ulytau National Park

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to study the factors influencing the support of the local community in the development of ecotourism in the Ulytau National Park. In the course of the study, a mixed approach to the study was employed, including qualitative and quantitative methods, an official survey of residents of the Ulytau region was conducted in the period from November to December 2023. A total of 389 respondent responses were analyzed using the SMART-PLS statistical package with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test hypotheses. In addition, the study used a quantitative research method, the Sustainable Tourism Attitudes Scale (SUS-TAS), to collect data. The study aims to understand residents’ attitude towards the development of ecotourism in the region.

The results of the study based on structural equation modelling (SEM) show that maximizing local community participation, perceived benefit, ensuring environmental sustainability, and creation of a community-centric economy have a direct and positive impact on supporting the development of ecotourism in the region, while negative perceptions of the social cost of tourism development have an adverse impact.  The formation of a community-centered economy is becoming the most influential factor in supporting the sustainable development of ecotourism. Locals are generally positive about the development of ecotourism, especially in terms of environmental sustainability and resource protection and conservation. However, there are concerns about the social costs of tourism development.