A LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN UZBEKISTAN

Davlatova Maftuna Sadriddin qizi

Andijan Regional Institute of Economics and Pedagogy 2nd-year student of Primary Education

ANNOTATION

The article focuses on the efforts made to develop tourism in Uzbekistan. It explains the stages of tourism development and emphasizes that the main progress was achieved during the first years of independence.

Keywords: tourism, development, practice, foundations, political and socio-economic importance, people, economy, industries, sphere of influence, the Great Silk Road

INTRODUCTION

At present, Uzbekistan is in the process of forming a national model of tourism. According to this model, the tourism market being developed in the country, like any other market, influences the socio-political and economic situation of the state. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening cooperation between countries and attracting investment and capital flows.

In countries with developed market economies, private and commercial companies mainly provide services to tourists. However, tourism can only develop if the state creates an optimal economic and legal foundation. If the state does not address issues such as professional training, environmental and cultural preservation, information promotion, and simplification of formalities, tourism cannot reach the desired level of development.

Therefore, the state’s role is vital in developing tourism, forming a tourism services market, reforming economic regulation mechanisms, improving organizational management structures, increasing export potential, and, most importantly, attracting foreign investment.

MAIN PART

The foundation of tourism infrastructure in Uzbekistan was laid during the Soviet era. However, the distribution of income from this sector was controlled by the central government. From 1985 to 1989, the number of local and regional tourists was around 1.4–1.6 million, while foreign visitors numbered only 130–180 thousand.

By comparison, in 1985 Turkey received 1.5 million tourists, in 1992 — 7 million, and by 2003 — about 11 million. Hungary hosted 14.2 million tourists in 1981, and by 1991 this number increased to 19.1 million. In 1992, Uzbekistan offered only 27 types of tourism services to foreign visitors, while by 2003 this number rose to over 50. In contrast, countries like Turkey, Italy, and Spain offered 250–400 types of services.

After gaining independence, Uzbekistan made tourism development a national priority under the direct initiative of the President. The development of the tourism infrastructure can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 (1992)The establishment of the national company “Uzbektourism” marked the beginning of national tourism development.

Stage 2 (1993–1995)A national tourism development model was created. During this phase, new destinations were introduced, service quality improved, and the material-technical base expanded. “Uzbektourism” opened representative offices in Frankfurt (Germany), London (UK), New York (USA), Sharjah (UAE), and Moscow (Russia).

Stage 3 (1995–1997) Privatization began in the tourism sector. By early 1996, nearly 90% of facilities under “Uzbektourism” were privatized.

Stage 4 (1998)This period aimed to increase export capacity, stabilize currency flow, and align national tourism with international standards. Border, customs, and airport services were restructured to improve tourism infrastructure.

Stage 5 (1999–Present)The Presidential Decree “On the State Program for Tourism Development” laid a solid political and economic foundation for tourism. Tax incentives were granted to tourism companies, and a “Law on Tourism” was adopted, strengthening the legal framework of the industry.

RESULTS

Uzbekistan is currently divided into four main tourism regions: 1. Fergana region – archaeological sites, architectural monuments, traditional crafts, and industry. 2. Samarkand–Bukhara region – cultural and historical tourism centers.3. Tashkent region – business and international tourism hub. 4. Khorezm region – ancient historical heritage and eco-tourism.

The state plays a central role in improving the legal and economic foundations of tourism, simplifying the visa system, encouraging traditional goods production, and training professional personnel.

DISCUSSION

Today, tourism is one of the fastest-growing non-production sectors in the world, including in Uzbekistan. People increasingly seek to spend their leisure time effectively, restore their health, and learn about other nations’ traditions and values.

Since ancient times, the Great Silk Road has linked Asia and Europe, facilitating trade, knowledge, and cultural exchange. Even now, its historical significance continues through modern transportation and information networks. The “TRACECA” project and the revival of the Silk Road aim to establish trans-Asian transport routes connecting Japan, China, India, Uzbekistan, and Europe. This initiative enhances cooperation and creates new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the “Great Silk Road” tourism initiative, supported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), contributes to international recognition and economic progress.

CONCLUSION

Ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure are yielding positive results. However, due to transitional economic challenges, some issues still remain. These will be addressed in future studies.

REFERENCES

1. Ibroimov, S. I., & Mirzarahimova, S. Z. (2021). Geographical Naming and Transcription. Academic Research in Educational Sciences, 2(1), 789–798.2. Ibroimov, S. I. (2020). Methods of Assessing Students’ Knowledge in Geography Lessons. Academic Research in Educational Sciences, (4), 412–417.3. Rajabov, F. T., & Olimova, A. A. (2020). The Role of the Innovation Cluster in Solving Educational Problems (Based on Geography Teaching). Academic Research in Educational Sciences, (3), 697–702.4. Ibroimov, S. I., & Yusupova, G. K. (2021). Features of Organizing the Educational Process in Primary Classes (Example of Natural Science). Academic Research in Educational Sciences, 2(Special Issue 1), 370–378.5. Abdimurotov, O. U. (2021). Using the “Case Study” Method in Teaching the Eurasian Continent.

Maftuna Davlatova was born on January 24, 1997, in Andijan region. Currently, she is a bachelor’s student in the Primary Education Department at the Andijan Regional University of Economics and Pedagogy. During her studies, she has been paying special attention to continuous self-development and improving her knowledge and skills.

So far, she has been the winner of several national and international grants. Her research mainly focuses on desertification processes and climate change. Through her studies, she aims to highlight the importance of education and youth awareness in solving ecological problems. Her main future goal is to contribute to the development of a sustainable educational environment, the enhancement of ecological culture, and guiding the younger generation to adapt properly to climate change.