UZBEKISTAN’S TOURISM REGIONS’ POTENTIAL FOR INTEGRATION INTO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRACTICES
Keywords:
sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, regional development, ESG, cultural heritage, uneven regional developmentAbstract
Uzbekistan is rapidly establishing itself as a key cultural and historical tourism hub in Central Asia. With five UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 7,000 historical monuments, and a growing tourism sector that contributes 4.5% to national GDP, the country has significant potential to integrate sustainable tourism practices. However, inequalities in regional tourism development, weak governance structures, and limited implementation of ESG principles remain significant challenges. This article assesses Uzbekistan's regional tourism potential for sustainable integration, analyzing statistical indicators, regional case studies (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent) and international best practices. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, local authorities and the private sector.
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