Defense of the dissertation of Berdibekova Amina for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the specialty «8D11105 - Tourism»
In fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the “Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov” NPO JSC, Amina Shukurkalikyzy Berdibekova will defend her dissertation entitled “Development of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan” under the educational program «8D11105 – Tourism».
The dissertation was completed at the Department of Tourism of the “Eurasian National University named after L.N. Gumilyov”.
The language of defense is English
Official reviewers:
- Nasanbekova Samalgul Tileugeldievna – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associated professor of the School of digital public administration at Astana IT University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);
- Baiburiyev Ruslan Muratovich – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), acting Associated professor; Al-Farabi Kazakh national university Head of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism (Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan).
Temporary members of the Dissertation Council:
- Tamara Gajić - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” SASA (Belgrade, Serbia);
- Sadykov Zhasulan Amangeldyevich - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Social Work and Tourism of the institution “Yesil University" (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);
- Mukatova Rabiga Askarovna - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Teaching Professor, Maqsut Narikbayev University (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan).
Scientific advisors:
Mutaliyeva Lyailya Maratovna – candidate of economic sciences, professor, head of the department of Tourism of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian national university (Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan);
Ibragimov Nutfillo Salimovich - Doctor of economics, Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Tourism of Bukhara State University (Bukhara, Republic of Uzbekistan).
The defense will take place on April 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Dissertation Council for the training direction «8D111 – Service sector» in the specialty «8D11105 – Tourism» of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The defense meeting is planned to be held online.
Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/41049554006957?p=NtPs1lzLsoo9Sz3DC7
Address: Astana, Kazhymukan, 11, aud. № 518.
Abstract (English): Abstract on the dissertation work of Berdibekova Amina Shukurkalikyzy entitled «Development of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan» submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the educational program «8D11105 – Tourism» The relevance of the topic. The modern tourism industry is becoming increasingly important in the system of socio-economic development, forming value chains involving many sectors of the economy. In Kazakhstan, despite certain successes and attention from the state, the potential of the tourism industry has been insufficiently realized, which requires the development of scientifically sound approaches to managing its development. Lack of consistency, poorly developed methodological framework for evaluating effectiveness and unstable strategic planning hinder the growth of competitiveness and sustainability of the industry. This necessitates a comprehensive scientific study. In the dissertation work, a comprehensive scientific study of the problems and prospects of the development of the tourism industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan was conducted through the study of macroeconomic processes and using macroeconomic indicators. The analysis shows that, despite the adopted government concepts and programs, the potential of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan remains largely unrealized. This is due to the lack of systematic approaches to the management of the industry, the lack of a scientifically sound methodology for assessing the effectiveness of its development, as well as weak institutional elaboration of strategies in the long term. The aim of the research is to assess the macroeconomic processes of the development of Kazakhstan's tourism industry and to determine the impact of key tourism indicators on the national economy. The realization of this multifaceted aim necessitates the accomplishment of the following objectives: - to study contemporary theoretical approaches and analyze the development of the tourism industry; - to conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of tourism industry management and to identify methodological features at the macro-, meso-, and microlevels; - to summarize international experience and demonstrate the potential of the tourism industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan; - to analyze the current state of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan by examining macroeconomic processes, current trends, challenges, and development prospects, as well as to identify the factors influencing the sector’s performance; - to improve methodological approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of the tourism industry and determine key methods for analyzing and forecasting its development; - to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of tourism industry development using macro-indicators of tourism sector performance; - to formulate strategic directions for the development of the tourism industry and to develop recommendations and mechanisms aimed at enhancing its sustainability; - to determine state support measures for the tourism industry. The object of the research is the tourism industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the processes of its development at the macroeconomic level. The subject of the research is the study of macroeconomic indicators (GDP, GVA, VTUR, FINTUR, KZTUR, MMR, KOT, KMR, KOR, KONR) characterizing the development of the tourism sector of Kazakhstan and their impact on the country's economic development. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research was the works of classics on the development of the concept of tourism and the scientific and methodological work of a wide scientific and expert community in the field of developing theory and practice of solving issues related to the development of the tourism industry. The methodological base of the research includes a set of scientific approaches, theoretical concepts and methods that allow for a comprehensive analysis of the development of the tourism industry, assess its effectiveness and develop strategic directions to increase competitiveness. To achieve the research objectives, the following methods were used: analysis and synthesis — to study aspects of tourism development and form a holistic picture; induction and deduction — to summarize data and formulate conclusions; comparative analysis — to identify effective international practices applied in Kazakhstan. Statistical analysis methods were used to assess the dynamics of tourist flows and the industry's contribution to the economy; SWOT analysis was used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of tourism, as well as its opportunities and threats; economic modeling and forecasting were used to assess development prospects. Questionnaires, surveys, and content analysis were used to study the opinions of industry participants and evaluate marketing strategies. These methods allowed us to identify the macroeconomic, political, social and technological factors affecting tourism, while benchmarking allowed us to compare Kazakhstan's experience with the best foreign practices and objectively assess the current state of Kazakhstan's tourism industry and develop scientifically sound recommendations for its development. When considering specific issues on the problem under study, Kazakh legislative and regulatory legal acts in the field of tourism, materials of the Committee of the Tourism Industry of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “Kazakh Tourism” National Company” JSC, documents and materials of international organizations were used. The information base of the study was reference materials and thematic collections of the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, analytical research materials of international organizations in the field of tourism, as well as materials published in official periodicals. Scientific Novelty: - The functional content of the tourism industry has been refined, arguing that tourism is an independent area of socio-economic activity, expanding individuals’ opportunities for self-realization beyond traditional living and working environments; - Developed a generalized methodological framework for organizing management at macro-, meso- and micro- levels, considering specifics of interaction between state, business and society; identified factors influencing management effectiveness, critical control zones, and proposed evaluation indicators; - Through analysis of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry compared with foreign countries, revealed the underdevelopment of regulatory tools; benchmarking-based recommendations were formulated; - Enhanced methodological approaches for evaluating industry effectiveness by developing a 5-level set of interrelated economic-mathematical models; - Conducted comprehensive evaluation and forecast-analytical calculations using major macro-indicators, demonstrating the special significance of tourism for the national economy; - Carried out forecast analysis including calculation of tourism’s multiplicative effect; - Based on SWOT-analysis, strategic goals, long-term directions and objectives for tourism development were substantiated; proposed rationalization of state support measures. Provisions submitted for defense: 1. A theoretical conceptualization of the socio-functional role of the tourism industry as an environment that provides individuals with opportunities for self-realization beyond the boundaries of everyday life activities. 2. A methodological framework for the systemic organization of tourism management, reflecting the interconnections across the entire vertical of managerial influences on the development of the tourism industry. 3. Economic and mathematical tools that enable the assessment of tourism industry performance through the application of macro-indicators of tourism sector development. 4. A strategic vision for the future development prospects of the tourism industry. 5. Proposals for the formation of a system of state support measures aimed at advancing the development of the tourism industry. Practical Significance. The research results can be used by the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, by the “Kazakh Tourism” National Company” JSC, as well as by relevant central and local executive and representative bodies, and by business associations (e.g., the “Atameken” National chamber of entrepreneurs) engaged in regulating small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector. In addition, the theoretical and statistical material presented in the dissertation is recommended for use in the development of lecture and seminar sessions for courses such as "Tourism Economics," "Business Planning in Tourism Enterprises", and others, as well as for professional development courses for specialists of the tourism and recreation sector in the regions of Kazakhstan. Testing and Approval. The main findings were discussed at several scientific-practical seminars and symposiums, and reflected in the materials of four scientific conferences. Certain research results — including the methodological framework for tourism management in assessing the effectiveness of activities in rural areas, SWOT analysis, and tools for evaluating economic, social, and environmental efficiency — were implemented in the operations of LeSoleil (private enterprise). Proposals for the development of MICE tourism, the improvement of business tourism infrastructure, methods for enhancing the attractiveness of regions for business tourism development, and a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of business tourism support programs at the regional level were integrated into the activities of SHAZAM Media LLP. In total, 10 scientific publications (6,4 printed pages) have been published on the dissertation topic. Conclusions and Key Results. The conducted research formed a comprehensive view on the current state, challenges, and strategic perspectives for the development of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry. The results are supported by modern methodology, economic-mathematical tools and extensive analytical material. 1. The tourism industry is a complex, multi-component system involving a broad spectrum of inter-sectoral and inter-level relationships. For a long time, Kazakhstan lacked a coherent, scientifically justified system for managing its development. This dissertation demonstrates the need to shift away from a fragmented perception of tourism toward a systemic approach aimed at sustainable socio-economic development. 2. A methodological scheme was proposed for organizing management at macro-, meso- and micro-levels, emphasizing the central role of regions in implementing tourism policy. The need for regular monitoring of service quality with comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessments was substantiated. 3. It is argued that the effectiveness of tourism should be evaluated not only by economic, but also by social and environmental criteria. For the first time for Kazakhstan, a 5level set of economic-mathematical models was proposed, making it possible to predict GDP growth, employment increases, social program funding and environmental impact. 4. Based on SWOT-analysis, strategic directions, mission and long-term vision were developed; tourism was recognized as a tool for improving quality of life and strengthening the country’s international image. 5. Proposed strategic directions include: promoting Kazakhstan’s tourism potential in domestic and international markets to raise awareness of the country’s destinations; developing tourism resources to improve their attractiveness and accessibility for different categories of tourists; enhancing the competitiveness of the national tourism product through service quality improvement and innovative approaches; diversifying the tourism industry by forming new types of tourism resistant to geopolitical and economic fluctuations. Implementation of these directions will ensure comprehensive and sustainable development of the tourism sector, increase its socio-economic contribution, and strengthen the country’s international reputation.
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