The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

During the defense, 26 innovative and relevant initiatives developed by 29 students were presented, all aimed at advancing the tourism sector. The projects covered areas such as digital technologies, eco- and ethnotourism, infrastructure development, service enhancement, and destination (territorial) tourism. A key feature was that each project was designed with the specific potential of individual regions in mind.

Particular interest was generated by projects including: the ArtisanTour model, focused on integrating craftsmanship and tourism in the Fergana Region; the creation of the Sardoba tourist zone in the Karaulbazar District of the Bukhara Region; the establishment of an astronomical zone near the Maidanak Observatory in the Kamashi District of the Kashkadarya Region; the development of the Ustyurt tourist zone in the Republic of Karakalpakstan; and the organization of international tourism exhibitions in the Aral Sea region. Proposals to develop eco-safaris, birdwatching, hiking routes, glamping sites, and eco-houses were also noted as contributing to the sustainable development of tourism.

Students also presented projects focused on digital platforms and mobile applications. These included the UzTour online platform, a digital guide, a travel companion-finding app, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting ethnographic tourism—demonstrating the potential for integrating modern technologies into the tourism industry.

Following the defense, the projects received positive evaluations from experts, and prospects for their practical implementation were discussed. The event plays an important role in strengthening the research skills of master’s students and in supporting new ideas and initiatives aimed at developing Uzbekistan’s tourism sector.