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international tourism events are also used for advertising the tourism po-
tential of the country.
An analysis of the current status of the tourism industry in Kazakhstan
(e.g., Kaygorodtsev, 2009; Langedyjk, 2012; Macerinskiene and Sakhano-
va, 2011; Mukanov, 2012; Manaseryan, 2012; Naizabekov and Kunchayev,
2009) and the results of the present study reveal that tourism in the coun-
try remains underdeveloped in spite of favorable conditions for competi-
tive cluster development and significant future growth potential. According
to Kaygorodtsev (2009), this situation results from administrative barriers
(lengthy procedures for obtaining permits in the border zone, a long registra-
tion procedure for foreign tourists); ineffective promotion of tourist product
into the world market; lack of financing; lack of tourism infrastructure that
meets international requirements, including poor road condition and lack of
communication means; lack of coordination of intra and interdepartmen-
tal activities on the development of tourism infrastructure; lack of skilled
professionals, including guides who speak foreign languages. Langedyjk
(2012) also indicates that there is a shortage in guides with excellent knowl-
edge and with foreign language skills, lack of good accommodations, in
particular outside the main cities, and visa problems. He suggests legislating
one Central Asian Tourism Visa in order to attract more tourists and inves-
tors to Kazakhstan. Low quality of tourist services and infrastructure, and
inadequately high prices in hotels also do not lead to increase in inbound and
local tourists, the latter often preferring foreign countries to have value for
money instead of contributing to domestic tourism growth.
CONCLUSION
Kazakhstan can significantly improve its competitiveness by diversifying
its economy, in particular, by developing the competitive tourism clusters
in different regions of its vast territory with rich tourism potential. Al-
though the country's rank is rather low today there is a persistent positive
trend in the dynamics of changes in the international competitiveness of
Kazakhstan since 2007 (Table 4). It is expected that the implementation
of the State Program of Forced Industrial and Innovative Development
for 2010-2014 will contribute to the development of Kazakhstan's tourist
facilities in accordance with international standards found in the western
countries. Authorities in the country intend to promote tourism through
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