DIVERSIFICATION OF REGIONAL ECONOMY BASED ON MEDICAL TOURISM AND MECHANISMS TO ELIMINATE TOURISM SEASONALITY (A CASE STUDY OF JIZZAKH REGION)

This study examines the role of medical and wellness tourism as a strategic instrument for regional economic diversification and a mechanism for mitigating seasonal fluctuations in the tourism industry, using the Jizzakh Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan as a case study. The seasonal concentration of tourist flows leads to economic instability, structural employment challenges, and underutilization of tourism infrastructure during periods of low demand. The study assesses the natural and balneological resources of the Zaamin and Bakhmal areas, as well as the existing capacity of the regional healthcare system, and develops an integrated economic model for the development of medical and wellness tourism. Using empirical data, comparative analytical methods, and a cluster-based approach, strategic proposals are formulated to transform seasonal ecotourism flows into a year-round flow of tourists seeking medical and wellness services. The findings demonstrate that the establishment of a specialized regional medical and wellness tourism cluster can mitigate seasonal fluctuations in tourism demand, increase gross regional product (GRP), ensure greater employment stability, and stimulate private investment in specialized medical facilities, health resort infrastructure, and the hospitality sector.