REGIONAL TOURISM AS A CATALYST FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN CENTRAL ASIA

Аннотация

The five Central Asian republics of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are increasingly promoting tourism as one of the main factors of local economic growth. Rich in Silk Road heritage sites and natural scenery ranging from desert to high mountain lakes, the region has seen rapid growth in tourism in recent years. This article explores the impact of regional tourism in Central Asia on local economies and draws on recent (post 2020) and historical data. Economic indicators such as tourism income, employment rate and small business growth are analyzed, as well as tourism policies and Border-back initiatives such as the proposed Silk Visa. In addition, the cultural and environmental consequences of tourism are considered, and on the example of each state of the region, these influences are illuminated through real situations. The analysis was based on Reliable Sources the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Bank, the national tourism authorities and recent research.