Analysis of Factors Influencing Tourist Services in Uzbekistan
Abstract
Tourism is a vital driver of economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange globally, and Uzbekistan is no exception, particularly in the post-COVID recovery phase. With its rich cultural heritage and state-backed initiatives like the "Uzbekistan – 2030" Strategy, Uzbekistan has experienced a revival in tourist inflows, reaching 5.2 million visitors in 2023. However, disparities in infrastructure and service quality persist across regions. Despite state efforts, there remains insufficient empirical analysis on the combined impact of infrastructural, economic, and technological factors on the tourism services sector in Uzbekistan. This study aims to quantify and assess the effects of key variables tourist numbers, transportation quality, service costs, and digitalization on the volume of tourism services. Econometric modeling using 2019–2023 data reveals that tourist volume (r = +0.85), transport infrastructure (r = +0.79), and digitalization (r = +0.70) positively influence the sector, while service costs (r = –0.63) have a detrimental effect. The model explains 81% of service volume variation (R² = 0.81). The research uniquely integrates regional analysis and highlights post-COVID trends, identifying territorial disparities and proposing actionable recommendations including service certification, IT integration, and regional brand development. Implications: The findings offer critical guidance for policymakers in crafting equitable and sustainable tourism development strategies aligned with national objectives, enhancing Uzbekistan's competitiveness in the global tourism arena.
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