THE IMPACT OF PILGRIMAGE TOURISM ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM SECTOR IN UZBEKISTAN
Keywords:
Pilgrimage tourism, Uzbekistan, religious heritage, economic impact, cultural preservation, infrastructure development, sustainable tourism, sacred sitesAbstract
Pilgrimage tourism has gained significant momentum in Uzbekistan, a country rich in religious heritage and home to many historical Islamic sites. This research explores the role of pilgrimage tourism in driving the growth of the tourism sector and the broader economy. It investigates how the influx of religious tourists contributes to infrastructure development, job creation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the economic impact of pilgrimage tourism, while also addressing the challenges of balancing modern tourism demands with the preservation of sacred sites.
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