GASTRONOMIC TOURISM AS A FACTOR IN DEVELOPING UZBEKISTAN’S TOURISM POTENTIAL

This article examines the importance of gastronomic tourism as one of the promising directions for developing Uzbekistan’s tourism industry. It explores the role of national cuisine, hospitality traditions, and regional culinary heritage in shaping an attractive tourist image of the country. Particular attention is paid to the development of gastronomic routes, the organization of culinary master classes, the promotion of local products, and the expansion of small businesses’ participation in tourism activities. The main challenges facing gastronomic tourism are identified, and practical measures to improve its effectiveness are proposed. The article argues that integrating national cuisine into tourism products contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage, the expansion of employment opportunities, and the strengthening of the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s tourist destinations.