Problems and Prospects of Sustainable Ecotourism Development: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The purpose of the research. In this research work, considering the previous research works, it is proposed to identify and group the common problems encountered during the development of ecotourism and future development prospects.Methodology. In the conduct of this literature review, the aim of the research work was determined and its main tasks were formed. Research questions were formed based on the study goals, and papers from Scopus and Science Direct sources were reviewed based on the keywords composing the research questions. Articles from 2017 to 2022 were evaluated for relevance to the study topic using the BULIN OR/AND operators. Furthermore, materials were gathered through publications written by domestic scholars, books, and government websites.Originality / value of the research. In the course of the study, the authors, based on the goals of the state program for the development of tourism in Kazakhstan for 2019-2025, reviewed and analyzed the problems that countries face in the development of ecotourism, and combined the most common problems. At the same time, as a result of the review work, the positive impact of ecotourism on the state and development prospects was determined.Findings. As a result of the research, the lack of support from the government and local administration, the low level of infrastructure, as well as the lack of knowledge of the local population on the implementation of ecotourism services, and the lack of specialists in this field were shown as the main common problems in the development of ecotourism. It was determined that the development of ecotourism has a positive economic, ecological and sociological impact on the local territory and directly contributes to sustainable development. The study's findings will be valuable to future researchers and stakeholders interested in ecotourism development.