Problems of transition to innovative development of tourism sector in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The research aims to identify the features and key problems, as well as the prospects for innovative development of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan. The authors revealed the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry, investigated the tourism industry management models, conducted a content analysis of state programs for the development of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan and abroad. The study provides a country-specific comparative review according to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index Report-2019, highlights the factors hampering innovation. The authors also have performed another comparative analysis of the largest tour operators in the world and destination management companies to transfer their experience. Finally, after the obtained research results, the authors proposed recommendations and solutions to the identified problems.