IMPROVING ECONOMIC MECHANISMS TO REDUCE SEASONALITY IN TOURISM (THE CASE OF BUKHARA REGION)

This article analyzes the structural dynamics of the tourism sector of Bukhara regionbased on official statistical indicators for 2017-2026 and develops economicmechanisms aimed at mitigating seasonal fluctuations in tourism. The study finds thatthe number of visitors to the region grew by an average of 24.8 percent per yearbetween 2017 and 2025, while the number of foreign tourists grew by 41.3 percent peryear, and the share of foreign tourists in the total flow increased from 13.4 percent to36.1 percent; however, this growth is concentrated mainly in the peak season (springautumn), so the problem of uneven year-round utilization of accommodation capacityand the workforce persists. Since official annual statistics are reported only as a singleyearly figure, seasonal fluctuation was assessed indirectly rather than directly, throughnational-level monthly data, the volatility of growth rates (-93% in 2020, +806% in2021), and the degree of diversification within the sector's structure. Based on thefindings, the article proposes mechanisms for seasonal price differentiation, a calendarof events targeted at the low season, tax and investment incentive mechanisms,diversification of the tourism product, and public-private partnership mechanisms foremploying the workforce outside the peak season. The findings of the article are ofpractical relevance to government bodies shaping regional tourism policy, localauthorities, and tourism sector entrepreneurs.