THE ROLE OF TOURISM IN THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UZBEKISTAN: CURRENT STATE, CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC PROSPECTS

Uzbekistan's transformation into one of Central Asia's most ambitious tourism development projects represents a significant case study in state-directed economic diversification and heritage-based development strategy. Following the substantive policy reforms initiated by the government of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev from 2017 onward, the country has experienced extraordinary growth in inbound international tourism, accompanied by large-scale investments in tourism infrastructure, visa liberalization, and the systematic promotion of the country's extraordinary cultural and natural heritage assets. This article examines the multi-dimensional role of tourism in Uzbekistan's socioeconomic development trajectory, drawing on official statistical data, sectoral reports, and comparative regional analysis. The paper analyzes the evolution of Uzbekistan's tourism policy framework; quantifies the sector's contribution to GDP, employment, and foreign exchange earnings; examines the country's principal tourism resources — including the World Heritage cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva — and evaluates the challenges of infrastructure development, human capital formation, digital transformation, and sustainable heritage management that the country must address to realize its ambitious tourism development goals. The article concludes by proposing strategic priorities for consolidating Uzbekistan's position as a premier international destination and argues that tourism, if properly managed, can serve as a powerful engine of inclusive economic development and cultural diplomacy