Neo-nomadic Culture as a Territorial Brand for ‘Authentic’ Tourism Development in Kazakhstan

Abstract

The article explores the concept of neo-nomadic culture as a territorial brand for ‘authentic’ Kazakhstan’s tourism development. Using a qualitative methodology based on two case studies of eco-cultural tours, the article examines stakeholders’ perceptions of authenticity of several heritage dimensions of nomadic culture and how these perceptions intersect with the notion of ‘terroir’. The article argues that constructing ‘authentic’ tourism products and experiences based on contemporary Kazakhstani nomadic culture and traditions enables local stakeholders to reaffirm their territorial and cultural identities in the post-Soviet era and fosters international recognition of authentic eco-cultural tourism practices among similar tourism destinations in Central Asia.

Notes

1 For Crouch, ‘leisure and tourism include encounters with place and space. Space can be a background, a context, a “given” objective component of leisure and tourism, and in that way it is seen as a location where particular leisure/tourism happens. Place can be a physical image that can be rendered metaphorical as the content of brochures for what people might imagine they do. In this way it may be that place is understood to be a cultural text that people read and recognise directed by the particular intentions of a producer or promoter’ (Crouch 2000, p. 64).

2 Free independent travellers (FITs) are travellers who plan their own trips and prefer to travel alone or in small groups, and for whom unique experiences are most important.

Additional information

Funding

The research for the article was conducted as part of the author’s PhD study at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

Notes on contributors

Guillaume Tiberghien

Guillaume Tiberghien, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Rutherford/McCowan Building, Crichton University Campus, Dumfries, UK. Email: [email protected]