The growing popularity of ecological tourism has led to a significant increase in tourist flows and, consequently, a rise in anthropogenic impacts on the ecosystems of natural areas. This phenomenon poses challenges to the delicate balance of these ecosystems, requiring detailed study and intervention. Studying the dynamics of this process is essential to assess its impact and develop effective measures to prevent critical stress that could lead to irreversible negative changes in the natural environment. The transition to circular tourism is also a major challenge. Using the example of the State National Natural Park “Kolsai Lakes,” located in the southeast of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, the authors proposed a comprehensive approach to determining the maximum permissible tourist and recreational load. This approach includes expert assessments, calculation methods, and systematic monitoring observations to evaluate the capacity of the park's ecological routes and paths. The research focused on ensuring that these natural areas can sustain their ecological integrity while accommodating visitors. The practical outcomes of the research included the development of recommendations aimed at reducing anthropogenic impacts on the park's routes and paths. These recommendations encompass a combination of technical solutions, organizational strategies, and managerial measures designed to balance tourism with environmental preservation. The measures proposed align with global principles of sustainable tourism and reflect the need for integrated approaches to managing natural resources. The main results emphasize the critical importance of sustainable management methods in maintaining the ecological integrity of the “Kolsai Lakes” State National Nature Park. These findings were derived from field research, where the authors conducted on-site evaluations to gather data and analyze the environmental conditions. The insights gained were systematically organized and presented in tabular form within the article. The study underlines the necessity of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to address the evolving challenges posed by ecological tourism. By implementing the recommended measures, the park authorities can mitigate potential environmental risks while fostering a harmonious relationship between tourism and nature conservation. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of sustainable tourism, offering practical strategies that can be applied to other natural areas facing similar challenges.

In the current conditions of sustainable development, the main reason for the importance of creating tourism clusters in mountainous areas is determined by competitiveness, the availability of attractive tourist facilities, and the possibility of achieving economic development by increasing the number of tourists. This is due to the fact that recreational resources and landscape features of mountainous areas significantly increase the tourist potential of the territory and contribute to the development of tourism. In connection with this, Almaty agglomeration is one of the most favourable regions for the creation and development of the first mountain tourism cluster in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities and prospects of mountain tourism cluster development in Almaty agglomeration. The study began with a literature review of the theoretical and practical foundations of mountain tourism cluster formation. The main problems of the enterprises-participants of the mountain tourism cluster and ways to solve them became known in the course of a specially conducted interview. The interview was based on 4 questions pre-designed for tourism industry entrepreneurs participating in the cluster located in the agglomeration and 63 business managers voluntarily participated. As a result of the research the main problems of enterprises-participants of mountain tourism cluster in Almaty agglomeration are revealed and the structural model of mountain tourism cluster development is developed. The model was aimed at mobilising tourism and recreational facilities and service organisations into a unified environment that would form the basis for the formation and development of a mountain tourism cluster. As a competitive advantage of Almaty agglomeration the presence of unique picturesque wildlife, as well as the occupation of such types of active recreation as sports tourism and extreme tourism is defined. Thus, having studied the development potential of mountain tourism cluster in Almaty agglomeration, natural resources and attractions, as well as the current state of the tourism industry, the need to develop a state strategic plan for the development of tourism cluster in Almaty agglomeration was determined. The said plan should fully incorporate marketing strategies, infrastructure development, socio-economic development, environmental cleanliness and safety, and protection of stakeholder rights. The results of this study will be effective in creating a mountain tourism cluster in the Almaty agglomeration, attracting visitors from around the world and stimulating the local economy.