Development of competitive advantages of domestic tourism along the Kazakhstani section of the Great Silk Road

Abstract

The article examines the competitive advantages of domestic tourism along the Kazakhstani section of the Great Silk Road (GSR). The study aims to identify opportunities for expanding domestic tourism along the GSR Northern Corridor, develop an infrastructural and logistical model of a tourist route, and propose an econometric approach to estimating gross value added (GVA) in the tourism industry. The study applies systemic and factor approaches, comparative analysis, and econometric modeling using official statistical data of Kazakhstan for 2015–2025 and international statistics. A tourist route covering Khorgos–Zharkent–Almaty–Taraz–Sairam–Shymkent–Otrar–Sauran–Turkistan was developed, with its key infrastructural and logistical parameters identified. The study also proposes digital solutions and route performance indicators. A multivariate econometric model was developed to assess the relationship between tourism GVA and tourist flows, expenditure, investment, and accommodation infrastructure. The proposed route, performance indicators, and econometric approach can inform measures aimed at developing domestic tourism and enhancing the attractiveness of the Kazakhstani section of the GSR.