DEVELOPMENT OF INCLUSIVE TOURISM IN THE REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: REGIONAL PECULIARITIES OF SOCIAL NEEDS

Abstract

. This study aims to examine the socio-demographic prerequisites and institutional frameworks for the development of inclusive tourism across 20 regions of Kazakhstan. The relevance of the research is driven by the dynamic growth in the number of people with special needs and their increasing demand for high-quality tourism services. The study advocates for the necessity of regional differentiation, proving the inefficiency of the "one size fits all" principle. For instance, in regions with a high social load, such as Turkistan and Ulytau regions, priority is given to creating "seamless" inclusive routes to historical and cultural sites. Meanwhile, the metropolises of Astana and Almaty are considered multimodal hubs for digital accessibility and high-tech services. Within the framework of the research, four strategic directions (technological, infrastructural, managerial, and marketing) are proposed to harmonize the international standard ST RK ISO 21902-2024 with national legislation. This integrated approach involves not only the removal of physical barriers but also the modernization of the "eQonaq" system and the standardization of service ethics. The development of inclusive tourism in Kazakhstan is not merely a tool for social integration but also a strategic factor for diversifying the non-resource sector. The provided evidence-based recommendations allow for the transformation of domestic tourism into a competitive industry based on the principles of equal opportunities and universal design for all citizens.