Almaty's Mountain Resorts: A Balancing Act of Development and Sustainability

Almaty's Mountain Tourism: Balancing Development and Environmental Concerns Almaty, Kazakhstan is a growing hub for tourism, particularly in its mountain regions. Evgeniy Muhamedzhanov, an ECOJER association member, recently highlighted the urgent need to improve the infrastructure of these areas. He stressed that development must be sustainable, respecting the environmental sensitivity of these protected areas. "It's crucial to develop infrastructure that's convenient, comfortable, and modern," Muhamedzhanov stated. He further emphasized the need for a human-centric approach, stating, "It's no longer just about business, but about comfort—creating conditions where people are in harmony with nature." Muhamedzhanov's comments underscore the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental protection in popular tourist destinations. His call for a human-centric approach points to a shift in priorities, placing the visitor experience at the forefront of development planning. This approach could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.