About Forum
On November 21-23, 2024, the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences and the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU), in collaboration with partner universities and organizations, will host the 2nd International Forum “Sustainable Tourism Development in Central Asia: Challenges, Opportunities, and Prospects.” This event commemorates the 90th anniversary of KazNU.
The forum is organized within the framework of the research program BR21882122 “Sustainable Development of Natural-Industrial and Socio-Economic Systems of the West Kazakhstan Region in the Context of Green Growth: A Comprehensive Analysis, Concept, Forecast Estimates and Scenarios.” For more information about the program, please visit https://ecokazwest.kz/en. This program underpins the forum’s focus on sustainable tourism, aligning closely with the broader goals of sustainable development in the region.
The forum is also organized in conjunction with the project 0358-18-GK “Modernization of Digital Tourism Content: Mobile Applications, Panoramic 3D Tours, Interactive Maps and QR Codes,” which aims to integrate advanced digital tools into tourism, aligning with the forum’s focus on innovation and sustainability in tourism practices.
The forum will gather leading experts, scholars, business representatives, and government officials to explore and develop strategies for sustainable tourism. The discussions will emphasize promoting environmentally responsible tourism, preserving cultural heritage, engaging local communities, adapting to climate change, developing sustainable infrastructure, and leveraging digital innovations.
We are committed to supporting and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The forum aims to contribute to these global goals by addressing key issues in tourism, such as promoting sustainable economic growth, fostering inclusive and resilient communities, encouraging responsible consumption and production, and taking urgent action to combat climate change. Our focus will be on integrating these principles into tourism practices to ensure a balanced approach that benefits the environment, society, and economy.
Participants will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, build valuable networks, and contribute to shaping effective policies and practices for sustainable tourism. The forum will serve as a platform for discussing innovative ideas and solutions that align with the SDGs, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts to achieve these goals.
Join us at this significant event to help define the future of sustainable tourism in Central Asia and beyond, and to contribute to global efforts in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals!
Plenary sections
Section 1: Sustainable Development of Tourist Destinations
Topic 1: Development of Ecotourism in Protected Areas: Examples and Prospects of Environmentally Responsible Travel.
Topic 2: Impact of Climate Change on Tourist Destinations: Adaptation and Mitigation Measures.
Topic 3: Water Resource Management in Tourist Destinations: Sustainable Practices and Solutions.
Section 2: Policy and Governance in Sustainable Tourism
Topic 1: Cross-Border Cooperation in Tourism: Initiatives and Projects for Sustainable Development in Central Asia.
Topic 2: Tourism Policy and Governance: Developing Effective Policies and Frameworks that Promote Sustainable Tourism Development.
Topic 3: Adaptive Management of Tourism Resources in the Context of Sustainable Development.
Section 3: Social and Cultural Aspects of Sustainable Tourism
Topic 1: Engaging Local Communities: Role and Participation in Sustainable Tourism Development.
Topic 2: Balancing Tourism Development and Cultural Heritage Preservation.
Topic 3: Health and Safety: Ensuring the Well-being of Tourists and Local Residents.
Topic 4: Gender Equality: Contribution of Women to Sustainable Tourism Development.
Section 4: Technology, Innovation, and Education for Sustainable Tourism
Topic 1: Education and Qualification of Personnel: Training Specialists for Sustainable Tourism.
Topic 2: Digitalization of Tourism: Implementing Modern Technologies for Management and Promotion.
Topic 3: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Tourism.
Section 5: Economic Aspects of Sustainable Tourism
Topic 1: Economic Impact of Tourism: Maximizing the Positive Economic Effects of Tourism while Minimizing Negative Consequences.
Topic 2: Infrastructure Development: Sustainable Practices and Projects in Tourism.
Topic 3: Financial Support and Investment in Sustainable Tourism Initiatives.
Section 6: Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Tourism
Topic 1: Application of GIS in Tourism: Modern Methods of Planning and Management.
Topic 2: Remote Sensing of the Earth: Monitoring Technologies for Tourist Sites.
Topic 3: Geographic Foundations of Sustainable Tourism Development in Central Asia.
Topic 4: Spatial Data Analysis: Importance and Potential for Sustainable Tourism Development.
