Factors shaping demand for nuclear tourism at the Semipalatinsk Test Site: an empirical analysis

Abstract

Modern research on nuclear tourism considers the Semipalatinsk test site as a high-risk and at the same time educational destination. The present study is aimed at the empirical identification and quantification of the factors determining the willingness of potential tourists to participate in tours to the territory of the test site. Based on an online survey (n=948) of respondents from the Republic of Kazakhstan and foreign countries, the study evaluated the level of awareness about the test site, the degree of interest in visiting it, and the importance of key characteristics of the tourism product. The summary results showed that 52.9 % of respondents (496 people) identified an interesting excursion program, 51.2% (485 people) – safety of routes, 44.6 % (418 people) – affordable cost of the tour, 33.7 % (316 people) – the opportunity to get acquainted with history and science in depth, 27.6 % (259 people) – the presence of a professional guide. Integral ranking revealed that “route safety” ranks 1st among development factors, “engaging excursion program” ranks 2nd, “opportunity to learn more about history and science” ranks 3rd, “affordable tour cost” ranks 4th, and “presence of a professional guide” ranks 5th. The study confirms that the perception of nuclear tourism is determined by a combination of safety and cognitive value, while the price factor and the accompaniment of a professional guide play a supporting role.