The Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism Conducted an Outreach Seminar for Residents of the Bostandyk District of Almaty

On 17 November 2025, the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences held an informational and educational seminar for local residents as part of the university’s ongoing community outreach initiatives. The event was specifically organized for residents of the Bostandyk District of Almaty and represents one of the department’s regular efforts to strengthen engagement with the local community.

This seminar aligns with the university’s strategic goals to enhance societal impact and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 “Quality Education” and SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” In accordance with the university’s outreach policy, such seminars are conducted once every quarter to promote tourism literacy and support the development of community-oriented education.

During the seminar, special emphasis was placed on the importance of learning about tourism as a modern educational field. Tourism is closely connected to local history, cultural heritage studies, and interaction with international visitors. It was highlighted that every resident of Almaty becomes an informal “ambassador” of the city when communicating with foreign tourists. Providing accurate, meaningful, and culturally rich information about the city plays a vital role in enhancing its tourism appeal and strengthening its international image.

Despite the late evening schedule and participants' busy routines, the seminar took place in an active and engaging atmosphere. Attendees demonstrated strong interest, actively asked questions, shared observations, and expressed willingness to participate in future educational activities. Their positive feedback reaffirmed the significance of such outreach initiatives in fostering tourism awareness and advancing community–university collaboration.

The Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism will continue to organize educational programs for the residents of Almaty, contributing to the promotion of sustainable development principles and increasing tourism literacy within the local community.