CURRENT STATUS OF ECOTOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN

Аннотация

Ecotourism in Uzbekistan is emerging as a key sector within the broader tourism industry, driven by the country’s diverse natural ecosystems, mountainous regions, deserts, and rich biodiversity. This article analyzes the current trends, government initiatives, statistical data, and challenges in the development of ecotourism in Uzbekistan. The study is based on recent government reports and international tourism data to provide an evidence-based assessment of the sector. Key words: Ecotourism, sustainability, Aral Sea, protected areas, Tourism infrastructure, Tourist arrivals, economic impact, government policies. Annotatsiya. O‘zbekistonda ekoturizm mamlakatning turli xil tabiiy ekotizimlari, tog‘li hududlari, cho‘llari va boy biologik xilma-xilligi tufayli turizm sohasining muhim yo‘nalishlaridan biriga aylanmoqda. Ushbu maqolada O‘zbekistonda ekoturizmni rivojlantirishdagi mavjud tendensiyalar, hukumat tashabbuslari, statistik ma’lumotlar va muammolar tahlil qilinadi. Tadqiqot so‘nggi hukumat hisobotlari va xalqaro turizm statistikasi asosida sohaning holatini dalillarga tayangan holda baholaydi. Kalit so‘zlar: ekoturizm, barqarorlik, Orol dengizi, muhofaza qilinadigan hududlar, turizm infratuzilmasi, sayyohlar oqimi, iqtisodiy ta’sir, hukumat siyosati. Аннотация. Экологический туризм в Узбекистане становится ключевым направлением в рамках широкой туристической отрасли благодаря разнообразным природным экосистемам страны, горным регионам, пустыням и богатому биоразнообразию. В статье анализируются текущие тенденции, правительственные инициативы, статистические данные и проблемы в развитии экотуризма в Узбекистане. Исследование основано на последних государственных отчетах и международных данных по туризму для представления обоснованной оценки состояния сектора. Ключевые слова: экотуризм, устойчивость, Аральское море, охраняемые территории, туристическая инфраструктура, туристический поток, экономическое влияние, государственная политика. Introduction. Uzbekistan, nestled in the heart of Central Asia, has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and historical Silk Road cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. However, in recent years, the country has increasingly turned its attention to ecotourism, leveraging its diverse natural landscapes – ranging from arid deserts to towering mountains – to attract environmentally conscious travelers. As of https://scientific-jl.com/new 33 11 55 Volume–74_Issue-1_April-2025 JOURNAL OF NEW CENTURY INNOVATIONS 2025, ecotourism in Uzbekistan is gaining momentum, supported by government initiatives, international partnerships, and a growing global interest in sustainable travel. Uzbekistan's geographic diversity – including the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges, the Kyzylkum desert, and a variety of protected natural reserves – makes it a strong candidate for ecotourism development. As global tourism trends shift toward sustainable and experience-based travel, Uzbekistan is positioning itself to attract ecologically minded tourists. In 2023, Uzbekistan recorded over 6.6 million foreign tourists, with 773,200 (approximately 11.7%) citing vacation as their primary purpose, a category that includes nature-based and ecotourism activities [5]. This marks a steady recovery from the pandemic downturn and suggests a revived interest in the country's natural attractions. Average tourist stay increased to 4 days. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, export earnings from tourism services reached $1.83 billion in the first ten months of 2023 [6]. Ecotourism is a key contributor, particularly in rural and mountainous regions such as Surkhandarya, Fergana Valley, and Jizzakh. The government has recognized ecotourism’s role in sustainable development. The “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy, launched in 2023, emphasizes environmental protection and sustainable economic growth, with tourism – including ecotourism – playing a pivotal role. This aligns with global trends, as the Travel & Tourism market in Uzbekistan is projected to grow by 9.91% annually from 2024 to 2029, reaching a market volume of US$720.60 million by 2029. While this figure encompasses all tourism sectors, ecotourism’s contribution is increasingly significant as the country diversifies its offerings beyond historical sites. To understand the scale and impact of ecotourism in Uzbekistan, several key statistics stand out: 1. Foreign Tourist Arrivals: In 2022, Uzbekistan welcomed 5.2 million foreign tourists, a sharp rise from 1.88 million in 2021, though still below the pre- pandemic peak of 6.75 million in 2019. While cultural tourism dominates, ecotourism is gaining traction, particularly in regions like the Aral Sea and the Chatkal Biosphere Reserve. 2. Tourism Revenue: Tourism exports reached US$1.6 billion in 2022, with a target of US$2.5 billion by 2024. Ecotourism contributes a growing share, driven by activities like desert safaris, birdwatching, and mountain trekking. 3. Protected Areas