Tourism in the Kyrgyz Republic : Social and Economic Development of the Issyk-Kul Region

This book aims to identify the impact of tourism on social and economic development in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan, and to predict the development of the tourism industry and identify any limiting factors for the development of the tourism industry in the Republic as a whole. The impacts of tourism on the region have been poorly understood since the country gained independence in 1991, and so improved methods for identifying and increasing the contribution of the tourism industry to the economic and social development of the region are needed. The book assesses the impact of tourism on the socio-economic situation in the Issyk-Kul region is assessed on the basis of statistical modelling and GIS mapping, provides a comparative analysis of the categories and types of tourism in the regions of the Republic, in particular in the Issyk-Kul region, and identifies factors that have a negative impact on the country’s tourism potential, as well as the shortcomings and prospects for future development. The book's primary audience will be scholars and researchers whose research focuses on the socio-economic impacts of tourism, as well as students and planners. It is expected that it will become a source of information and inspiration for all readers who feel responsible for initiating sustainable development and sustainable use of tourism resources in Kyrgyzstan and other countries. Preface Content and Structure of the Book Acknowledgments Contents About the Authors Abbreviations Chapter 1: General Introduction and Background on Tourism Development 1.1 Background of Research on Tourism and Its Development 1.2 Factors in the Development of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan References Chapter 2: Physical and Geographic Characteristics of Kyrgyzstan and Data Sources on Tourism 2.1 Kyrgyzstan and the Issyk-Kul Region 2.2 Data Sources on Tourism and Research Methods References Chapter 3: Theoretical Foundations of the Tourism Sphere 3.1 Concepts and Theoretical Foundations 3.2 The Tourism System and the Impacts of Tourism on Regional Development 3.3 Economic and Social Impacts of Tourism References Chapter 4: Statistical Analysis of the Economic Effects of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan 4.1 Potential for Tourism Development 4.2 Strategies and Concepts for Tourism Development in Kyrgyzstan 4.3 Stages of Tourism Development in Kyrgyzstan 4.4 Kyrgyzstan as a Country of Tourism and Its Economic Development 4.4.1 Object and Scope of the Investigation 4.5 SWOT Analysis of Tourism Development in the Kyrgyz Republic References Chapter 5: Tourism Potential and Zoning: Categories and Types of Tourism 5.1 Zoning by Category and Type of Tourism in Kyrgyzstan 5.2 Zoning of the Main Categories and Types of Tourism in the Issyk-Kul Region 5.3 Main Categories and Types of Tourism in Different Regions 5.3.1 The Chui, Naryn, and Talas Regions 5.3.2 The Jalal-Abad, Osh, and Batken Regions 5.4 Analysis of Tourism Potential in Different Regions 5.5 Recreational Zoning of the Issyk-Kul Region References Chapter 6: Assessment of the Impacts of Tourism on the Socio-economic Sphere in the Issyk-Kul Region 6.1 The Economic Impacts of Tourism 6.2 Social Impacts of Tourism 6.3 Forecasting the Socio-economic Impacts of Tourism References Chapter 7: Specially Protected Natural Areas as a Resource for Ecological Tourism in Kyrgyzstan 7.1 State Nature Reserves and National Nature Parks 7.2 State Natural Monuments and Sanctuaries 7.3 The Issyk-Kul Lake as a Biosphere Territory References Chapter 8: Ecological Problems in the Issyk-Kul Region 8.1 The Ecological Situation in the Issyk-Kul Region 8.2 The Threat of Pollution of the Issyk-Kul Lake and the Felling of Rappoport Alley 8.3 The Balykchy Oil Depot and the Kumtor Gold Mine References Chapter 9: Conclusions and Recommendations for Tourism Development Appendix 1A. Questionnaire on Kyrgyzstan as a Country of Tourism Index