| Ecotourism is now an increasing segment of tourism.This study announces the survey results based on a questionnaire conducted among national park visitors;conversation with ecotourism sphere managers and personal observation of nature tourists’ behavioral and demographic patterns,who have recently traveled to Eastern Kazakhstan’s Katon-Karagay National Park and "Emerald" Health resort.The park with area size of 6,434 sq.km and the highest peak of 4,509 m,became a habitat for mountain chains and thousands of acres of wild forest,covering them.This nature reserve is a shelter to members of the rare species of flora and fauna,which for mere ecotourists is very appealing.The awareness,attitudes and beliefs of visitors are the engines of ecotourism.While most of the works concentrated on general tourism characteristics,there were few who wanted to classify the behavioral features of travelers based on nature.A questionnaire survey was held through convenience sampling.Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS)edition and SmartPLS applications have been used to perform statistical analyzes.Using a total of 296 usable responses from tourists,visiting Katon-Karagay,the influence of few factors like,ascription of responsibility,efficacy,perceived value,denial of responsibility,awareness of environmental consequences and social norms have influence on ecotourists behavior.The results confirmed that behavior may be significantly different based on estimated controlling factors and demographic characteristics.The research results serve as a catalyst for improving future tourism planning of Katon-Karagay National Park,that can create developed recreational environment for attaching more tourists.It is also hoped,that the study results can be the core basis of future developing the national park into attractive and developed zone for ecotourists.So far,the paper also includes several guidelines,shortcomings and suggestions for future research studies. |
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