Digitalization of tourism objects as a tool for the development of cultural tourism in Kazakhstan

Relevance. In the process of the decomposing of the social and economic relations in the 21st century, it is necessary to note that they are increasingly formed and modified on the basis of the digitalization process. Obviously, this factor has also affected the tourism sector, especially as a result of the spread of acute respiratory disease COVID-19, since Kazakhstan and in all the world has introduced quarantine restrictions referred to procedures for entry and exit from the country, as well as visits to public places and a certain list of places. Purpose. The goal of this research is the study of the process of cultural tourism development in Kazakhstan by digitalizing the objects of such tourism. Methodology. In order to achieve the performance targets in the article various methodological tools were used, including functional and dialectical approaches, also a method of synthesis, analysis, comparison, deduction, generalization. Results. The study produced a number of important results that can be divided into two categories, specifically, theoretical and practical. Subsequently, the theoretical part elaborates on the main properties of signs of the general-theoretical concepts that formed the basis and the object of the research. In the practical part elaborates on direct ways and tools for digitization of various touristic units, and also analyses the impact of this process on the development of cultural tourism in Kazakhstan and in other developed countries. Conclusions. The study can form the basis of key government programs that set sights on the development of the tourism sector and the potential of Kazakhstan. A priority area for further scientific development on the subject is the identification of approaches and ways to increase the popularity of domestic tourism in Kazakhstan. Keywords: information and communication technologies; tourism platforms; tourism services; digital transformation; pandemic; cultural tourism