This study aims to assess the environmental sustainability and carbon footprint of tourism in Bayanaul State National Park (Kazakhstan) using the GSTC criteria and the Protocol on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. As part of the work, surveys and interviews were conducted with representatives of the tourism industry, administration officials and environmental organizations to analyze awareness of the principles of sustainable tourism, existing barriers and opportunities to increase sustainability. The results showed that the main contribution to the carbon footprint (530 tons of CO₂-eq.) is made by indirect emissions (57%) related to procurement and logistics as well as coal heating (20.5%). Based on the expert assessment method, key factors were identified, such as increased energy efficiency, the introduction of renewable energy sources, separate waste collection and recycling, the transparency of financial management and educational programs for tourists and employees. Based on these factors, a model of sustainable tourism management has been developed, adapted to regional peculiarities. This model provides for the active involvement of the state, business and the local community, and introduces mechanisms to reduce the carbon footprint and increase environmental sustainability. The theoretical contribution of the study is the adaptation of GSTC standards to the conditions of Kazakhstan and the development of a sustainable tourism management model that takes into account local characteristics. The results obtained provide a practical basis for reducing the negative impact of tourism on the environment, improving environmental sustainability and creating conditions for further research and the introduction of sustainable practices.

The study presents the first detailed carbon footprint assessment of tourism businesses in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar region, aiming to establish a baseline and identify decarbonization pathways that align with the country’s 2060 carbon neutrality target. Using the GHG Protocol methodology, we calculated the footprint for two tourism properties in the Bayanaul district: a year-round holiday home and a seasonal summer hotel. Two pilot sites were selected to be representative of the region’s tourism businesses, exhibiting distinct operational and energy consumption patterns. The analysis revealed distinct emission profiles and significant contributions from indirect sources. The year-round facility, reliant on coal for heating, generated a total of 529 tCO ₂ -eq. in З, whereas the seasonal hotel produced 185 tCO ₂ -eq. A critical finding for both businesses was the dominance of Scope 3 emissions, which accounted for 57% to 62% of their total footprints, primarily driven by tourist transportation, waste generation, and food procurement. Scope 1 emissions from on-site fuel combustion were significant only for the year-round property, while Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity were a key factor for both. Based on these findings and guided by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and Kazakhstan’s national strategies, such as the Concept for Transition to Green Economy and the Strategy for Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2060, we propose a decarbonization roadmap. The targets include an absolute emissions reduction of 15% by 2030, 25% by 2040, and 50% by 2050. Key recommendations include phasing out coal by 2050, transitioning to low-carbon electricity by 2035, and implementing strategies to mitigate value chain emissions, including those associated with transportation, nutrition, and waste. This research provides a replicable framework for tourism operators in Kazakhstan and similar regions to measure and manage their environmental impact, contributing to a more sustainable tourism sector.