SHAPING THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF ECOTOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN: KEY DETERMINANTS AND STRATEGIC PATHWAYS

Khayrullaeva Nilufarbegim Nematillo kizi

Authors

Khayrullaeva Nilufarbegim Nematillo kizi Lecturer of BukhSU, Faculty of Economy and Tourism, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Keywords:

ecotourism, sustainable infrastructure, community-based tourism, tourism governance, environmental policy, institutional reform, digital monitoring, SDGs.

Abstract

In the 21st century, ecotourism has emerged as a strategic vehicle for sustainable development, balancing ecological preservation with socio-economic advancement. This study critically examines the current state of ecotourism infrastructure in Uzbekistan and identifies the key institutional, spatial, and regulatory determinants shaping its development trajectory. Despite possessing rich biodiversity, protected landscapes, and increasing tourist arrivals, Uzbekistan’s ecotourism remains underdeveloped due to fragmented institutional frameworks, insufficient community integration, and the absence of real-time data monitoring systems. Employing a mixed-methods approach—combining policy analysis, comparative case studies, and geospatial evaluation—this research reveals significant potential for Uzbekistan to emerge as a regional ecotourism leader through coordinated reforms and digital innovation. A conceptual framework is proposed based on three pillars: ecological integrity, community empowerment, and governance innovation. Policy recommendations include legal reform, centralised data systems, community-based infrastructure, and the launch of a national branding strategy (“EcoUzbekistan”). The findings align with global best practices and contribute to Uzbekistan’s broader commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 8, 11, 13, and 15. This research thus offers a roadmap for embedding sustainability, inclusivity, and competitiveness in Uzbekistan’s ecotourism agenda.

References

Fennell, D. A. (2020). Ecotourism. Routledge.

Gretzel, U., Sigala, M., Xiang, Z., & Koo, C. (2015). Smart tourism: foundations and developments. Electronic Markets, 25(3), 179–188. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-015-0196-8

Goodwin, H. (2016). Responsible Tourism: Using Tourism for Sustainable Development. Goodfellow Publishers.

Honey, M. (2008). Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? (2nd ed.). Island Press.

Jumaniyazova, M. (2024). Infrastructure Development for Tourism in Uzbekistan: Definitions and Approaches. Tourism and Development Journal, 7(1), 45–57.

Khayrullaeva, N. (2024). Strategic Planning of Ecotourism Routes Based on International Methodologies. Uzbekistan Journal of Sustainable Tourism Studies, 3(2), 60–77.

Khayrullaeva, N. (2024). THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN USING INTERNATIONAL METHODS. University Research Base, 560-564.

Khamidov, O., & Khayrullaeva, N. (2021). IMPROVING MANAGEMENT MECHANISMS FOR ECOTOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN.". Экономика и туризм" международный научно-инновационной журнал, 1(1).

Kilichov, M. (2023). The silk road heritage enhancement for local sustainable tourism development in Bukhara (Uzbekistan). Analysis and diagnosis about the current situation (Doctoral dissertation, Universitat Politècnica de València).

Norchayev, B. (2021). Uzbekistan’s Tourism Infrastructure: Challenges and Opportunities. Regional Development Bulletin, 5(3), 18–29.

Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the Empowerment of Local Communities. Tourism Management, 20(2), 245–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(98)00069-7

Qizi, X. N. N. (2025). MUHOFAZA QILISH VA BARQAROR RIVOJLANISH: EKOTURIZMNING ILMIY JIHATLARI VA MONVISO TRANSCHEGARAVIY BIOSFERA QO ‘RIQXONASI TAJRIBASI TAHLILI. Raqamli iqtisodiyot (Цифровая экономика), (10), 759-774.

Stronza, A., Hunt, C. A., & Fitzgerald, L. A. (2019). Ecotourism for Conservation? Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 44, 229–253. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-110615-085547

UNWTO. (2023). Tourism Data Dashboard. United Nations World Tourism Organization. Retrieved from https://www.unwto.org/statistics

Weaver, D. B. (2005). Comprehensive and minimalist dimensions of ecotourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 32(2), 439–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2004.08.003

Xayrullayeva, N. (2024). Ekoturizm tadqiqot yo ‘nalishlari-bibliometrik tahlil. YASHIL IQTISODIYOT VA TARAQQIYOT, 2(12).

Nematilloyevna, K. N., Khabibulloyevna, K. S., & Mahbuba, K. The Economic Essence of the System" Natural and Recreational Areas in Tourism Sphere”. JournalNX, 7(03), 21-28.

Хайруллаева, Н. Н. (2017). CONDITIONS AND FEATURES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE NATURE-BASED TOURISM. In СОВРЕМЕННОЕ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ ПРИРОДНОЙ СРЕДЫ И НАУЧНО-ПРАКТИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ РАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ПРИРОДОПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ (pp. 174-177).

Xayrullayeva, N. (2021). THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE AND EDUCATIONAL TOURISM IN THE INTERNATIONAL PANDEMIC PERIOD (ON THE EXAMPLE OF UWTO AND UZBEKISTAN). ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz), 8(8).

Xayrullayeva, N. (2021). The essence and main directions of innovative development of the uzbekistan economy. ЦЕНТР НАУЧНЫХ ПУБЛИКАЦИЙ (buxdu. uz), 8(8).