ANALYSIS OF THE TOURIST SPACE OF KATON-KARAGAY NATIONAL PARK USING THE WALKABILITY INDEX METHOD

Abstract

This article examines the assessment of the tourist and recreational territory of the Katon-Karagai national park using the walkability index. The purpose of the study is to determine the connectivity, safety and level of infrastructural provision of routes in the tourist area of the national park. The practical significance of the research lies in providing factual data for planning decisions to improve tourist routes, safety and infrastructure in the national park. The authors adapted the pedestrian accessibility index based on field research conducted in the summer months of 2025. The methodology is based on field observations, expert assessments, and geographic data processing. The assessment was conducted according to five criteria (connectivity of routes, navigation, safety, infrastructure, aesthetic appeal). Each of the listed criteria was calculated according to an expert point scale and determined by the integrated index formula. As a result, Rakhman Springs has the highest rates, Lake Yazevo has the lowest level of pedestrian accessibility. This indicates the uneven development of the tourism space in the national park. The value of the study lies in presenting the WI as a new tool for analyzing the pedestrian movement of tourists in any tourist destination using the Pedestrian Accessibility Index (WI). The results obtained can be used by local governments in the field of tourism to make decisions on optimizing tourist flows.