CURRENT STATUS OF ECOTOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN
Keywords:
Key words: Ecotourism, sustainability, Aral Sea, protected areas, Tourism infrastructure, Tourist arrivals, economic impact, government policies.Abstract
Abstract. Ecotourism in Uzbekistan is emerging as a key sector within the broader tourism industry, driven by the country’s diverse natural ecosystems, mountainous regions, deserts, and rich biodiversity. This article analyzes the current trends, government initiatives, statistical data, and challenges in the development of ecotourism in Uzbekistan. The study is based on recent government reports and international tourism data to provide an evidence-based assessment of the sector.
References
1. GIZ & UNDP Ecotourism Project Report (2023), pp. 22–26.
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa Policy Briefing (2023), p. 3.
3. Saidmamatov, O., Matyakubov, U., Rudenko, I., Filimonau, V., Day, J., & Luthe, T. (2021). Employing Ecotourism Opportunities for Sustainability in the Aral Sea Region: Prospects and Challenges. Sustainability.
4. State Committee of Tourism, Annual Report (2023), pp. 14–16.
5. UZA.uz (2024). 6.6 million tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2023. Retrieved from https://uza.uz
6. UzDaily.uz (2024). Tourism sector exports top $1.83 billion. Retrieved from https://www.uzdaily.uz
