THE IMPACT OF TOURISM ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN AND A COMPARATIVE INTERNATIONAL ANALYSIS

Tourism is a powerful driver of socio-economic development worldwide, creating jobs, stimulating investment, and strengthening cultural dialogue. For Uzbekistan, located at the heart of the Silk Road, tourism is both an economic priority and a means of preserving and promoting its unique cultural heritage. This article examines the socio-economic effects of tourism in Uzbekistan, analyzing its contributions to GDP, employment, regional development, and cultural diplomacy. Furthermore, it compares Uzbekistan’s trajectory with international best practices, identifies systemic challenges, and proposes strategic recommendations for building a sustainable and competitive tourism industry.