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OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING RURAL TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE IN
UZBEKISTAN
Agzamova Nargiza Gapurovna
Assistant teacher, Tashkent State University of Economics
n.agzamova@tsue.uz; Orcid:0009-0007-5655-1265
Abstract:
This scientific article discusses the main strategic directions for improving and
developing the infrastructure of rural tourism in Uzbekistan. Foreign experience is also analyzed
and proposals and recommendations suitable for national conditions are put forward.
Key words:
rural tourism, tourism infrastructure, recreational services, eco-tourism, economic
development, factors for increasing efficiency.
Introduction
Decree No. PF-5611 “On additional measures for the accelerated development of tourism in the
Republic of Uzbekistan” was adopted by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on January
5, 20191.
This decree is based on the following areas:
- development of tourism infrastructure and creation of an acceptable and comfortable tourist
environment;
- diversification of tourism products and services aimed at different segments of the tourism
market;
- execution.
- special attention is paid to improving the system of training, retraining and advanced training of
personnel for the tourism network, tasks to be completed are identified.
The development of tourism is one of the most promising areas of economic recovery, having a
stimulating effect on important sectors of the country's economy, such as trade, transportation,
communications, agriculture, construction and the production of consumer goods. Since the
beginning of the XXI century, the share of tourism in international trade in services is about 30%,
it provides the largest income from exports [1]. According to the World Tourism Organization
(UN Tourism), in 2019, the tourism industry accounted for 10.3% of world GDP, 7% of world
exports, 27.4% of service exports, 9% of capital investment, consumer spending 11%,
accounting for more than more than 5% of tax revenues, the tourism sector plays an important
role in employment, and in the pre-pandemic period, 1 in 11 people employed in the economy
worked in this sector [2]. However, the COVID-19 pandemic damaged the industry.
Nevertheless, tourism is a highly profitable sphere of economic activity, and it acts as a catalyst
for economic development in a number of countries and regions.
Literature analysis
In explaining the concept of development rural tourism we see the diversity of foreign authors
and international organizations. The International Tourism Organization has given the following
definition of rural tourism: Rural tourism is a segment of the tourism market, which is
characterized by recreational activities in nature in attractive rural areas and protected areas. This
segment includes a range of activities from scientific tourism to wildlife watching, photography,
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entertainment (fishing and hunting), and sports and adventure tourism[3]. According to a special
report of the International Tourism Organization in Madrid (2001), nature (rural) tourism in
Germany is considered as a segment of the tourism market whose main characteristic is
recreation in attractive rural areas and natural protected areas. This segment covers a wide range
of activities from wildlife photography to hunting, fishing, sports and adventure tourism[4].
Definitions, data from the “Development of rural Tourism” category
№
Authors
Definitions given
1
Utami D.Dhewanto W.
Lestari Y.
“The study used purposive sampling method to
ensure the sustainability of the tourist village...
ensures the successful development of the tourist
village.[5]”.
2
Sulistiowati R., Mulyana N.,
Yulianto., MeilindaS.
“In his study, the scholar examined the role of
women in conservation through the development of
ecotourism in tourist villages around Way Kambas
National Park (TNWK). The role of women in these
activities illuminated current events from an
ecofeminist perspective. Ecofeminism is a way to
restore nature to its proper level, that is, to conserve
and protect it.[6]”.
3
Alieshchenko L.
“Practical recommendations for the introduction of
youth entrepreneurship in the sphere of rural
tourism are developed, ways to solve the problems
of labor migration, youth unemployment and rural
decline are proposed. The development of youth
entrepreneurship in the sphere of rural tourism in
modern conditions, large amounts of funds flowing
into the state budget and their rational use.[7]”.
4
“Sustainable tourism development is crucial to the
revitalization of ancient villages of historical and
cultural significance in China. Despite the long-
standing recognition of the relationship between the
spatial distribution of rural areas and their
sustainable development, longitudinal studies on
rural tourism are lacking. The study explored the
spatial analysis method and spatial data analysis
model using Geographic Information System
(GIS).[8]”.
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4
Yanjun Liu
“The development of rural tourism has been unique
since ancient times. Chinese history and cultural
heritage promote local economic development.
Also, the process of rural tourism development in
ancient
villages,
the
relationship
between
neighborhood residents and tourism development is
becoming more and more prominent. The purpose
of this article is to explore a new method of social
participation in ancient villages. It is important to
promote the sustainable development of rural
tourism in ancient villages in China.[9]”
5
Zhanveng Guo, Li Sun
“Analyzes development issues using qualitative and
quantitative analysis derived from research in the
ancient village of Danjia, Shaanxi, China. It
identifies the changing supply of demand and the
changing methods of meeting that demand. Many
of these changes are related to the scarcity of local
social and financial capital. He has made
suggestions on ways to increase the sustainability of
rural tourism, which is more widely used nationally
and internationally.[10]”
6
.,
.,
.,
“Ethnic minority villages are an important part of
rural tourism in certain destinations, often attracting
local and foreign visitors to experience unique local
culture and authentic lifestyles. However, much of
the relevant literature has not explored the tourism
motivations, perceptions and attitudes of ethnic
minorities towards village tourism. This study
analyzed user-generated blogs uploaded by people
sharing their experiences of living in ethnic
minority villages in Guizhou Province, China.
ROST Content Mining 6 software was used to
identify the motivations, perceptions, and attitudes
of minorities toward rural tourism.[11]”.
As we noted in Table 1 above, development of rural tourism is currently recognized as one of the
most popular types of tourism in developed foreign countries. In modern international practice,
rural tourism is often combined with other types of tourism, including ecotourism.
Currently, the geography of rural tourism is expanding significantly in France, Italy, Central
Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, Germany, the UK, the USA and Canada. Also, rural tourism has a
positive impact on the inner world of tourists. Because the tourist has a feeling as if he came to
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visit the owner of the guest house [12]. There are no hired workers here, food is prepared at
home by the hostesses of the guest house. The main means of accommodation in rural tourism is
the guest house, which “is a small, often family-run, service of short-term accommodation,
catering, excursion programs, meaningful organization of guests' free time and other additional
services [13 ]”.
In the course of our research, we studied the work of our Uzbek economists along with
researchers from non-CIS and CIS countries. For example, economist E.V. Golysheva in her
textbook “Rural Tourism: Equestrian Theory and Practice” defined rural tourism as follows:
“Rural tourism (agrotourism, green tourism, ecotourism) is the activity of city dwellers (both
local and foreign) for the purpose of travel from the main place of residence to the countryside
and / or participation in agricultural work, but activities that do not generate income at the place
of temporary residence, aimed at the use of natural, cultural, historical and other resources of
rural areas, as well as the creation of a special tourism sector of the tourist product[14]”, - she
defined.
Rural tourism is one of the important areas of the modern tourism industry, which serves not
only economic development, but also the preservation of national heritage and familiarization of
the general population with cultural values. World experience shows that through the
development of rural tourism, it is possible to achieve growth in domestic and international
tourism. A number of resources play an important role in the development of rural tourism. They
consist of:
1. Historical and archaeological tourism resources – historical monuments, archaeological sites
and cultural heritage sites.
2. Ethnographic tourism resources – local traditions, folklore, customs, national games and
various rituals.
3. Agrarian and agrotourism resources – agricultural gardens, farming, cultural landscapes and
police activities.
4. Religious and pilgrimage tourism resources – holy places, graves of saints, healing springs and
religious rituals.
Ecotourism resources – mountains, deserts, water bodies and other natural and geographical
areas.
1. Recreational and health tourism resources – boarding houses, sanatoriums, mineral waters and
nature reserves.
2. Activities of rural farmers – processes of production and sale of agricultural products.
The above mentioned tourism areas are interconnected and by developing them collectively, it is
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possible to attract tourists for a longer period of time. This serves the economic growth of rural
areas and the improvement of infrastructure. Countries such as the USA, Canada, France,
England, Germany, Italy, Australia and Spain have achieved great success in the development of
rural tourism. Programs in this area are rapidly developing in Western European countries.
Eastern European countries have not been able to develop sufficiently in this area for many years
due to the influence of the former Soviet Union.
To ensure the development of rural tourism, the following measures must be implemented:
Improving the legal framework for rural tourism development;
Free delivery of all information and data on rural tourism to qualified tourists and information
bureaus of developing sectors;
Financial support for farms participating in the program at the address;
Allocation of targeted funds for improving rural infrastructure;
Application of incentive policies in subsidizing farmers and establishing preferential taxes;
We are looking for investors to implement projects;
Ensuring percentage participation of the state in the privatization of rural tourism enterprises;
Continuous monitoring of the state of rural areas.
Conclusion
So, based on our analysis we came to the following important conclusions: firstly, rural tourism
is a type of tourism that implies recreation in rural areas, interacting with natural areas and
traditional culture;
Secondly, accommodation facilities in rural tourism are: guest houses that have preserved ethno-
cultural features, hostels, private houses in farm or peasant households, small hotels that have
preserved the unique architecture of the region. Rural tourism leads to economic growth of the
region by creating new jobs for local residents and providing income-generating services;
Thirdly, the issue of rural tourism development in the republic has not been sufficiently studied.
Therefore, it is advisable to develop a national strategy for rural tourism by studying
international technologies and best practices. Organizing tourism in rural areas will create not
only economically profitable but also new jobs for the population, preserve cultural heritage and
increase competitiveness in the global tourism market. It is also possible to achieve socio-
economic development by organizing recreation for city residents in villages, developing
environmental culture and developing agriculture.
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