Abstract
The article examines tourism's role as a tool for economic diversification in Uzbekistan. In recent years, the country has increasingly promoted tourism as a strategic sector to reduce dependence on traditional sectors such as agriculture, natural resources, and manufacturing. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of secondary data, including government reports, statistical data, and previous academic research. The findings indicate that tourism has contributed to economic diversification by generating employment, increasing foreign exchange earnings, stimulating small and medium-sized enterprises, and supporting regional development. However, the sector experiences several obstacles, including sensitivity to external shocks, seasonal fluctuations in demand, infrastructure limitations, and differences in service quality.
Keywords
Tourism developmentEconomic diversificationTourism-Led Growth HypothesisSustainable tourismEconomic growthEmployment Tourism has become one of the world’s largest industries and an important source of income for many developing countries. In recent years, Uzbekistan has increasingly recognized tourism as a strategic opportunity to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on traditional sectors. Uzbekistan has significant potential for tourism expansion. While approximately 1 million tourists visited the country in 2016, the number increased to 2.7 million in 2017 and to more than 5 million in 2018. In 2025, Uzbekistan welcomed over 10 million foreign visitors.
References
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