ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL AND THE ROLE OF GUIDES IN REGIONAL TOURISM GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE NAVOI REGION OF UZBEKISTAN
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19648257Keywords:
ecotourism, Navoi region, tour guides, sustainability, tourism developmentAbstract
This study examines the ecotourism potential of Navoi region in Uzbekistan and evaluates the role of
professional tour guides in ensuring sustainable tourism development. Using national and regional statistical data
along with international ecotourism research, the paper identifies key natural and cultural assets such as Sarmishsay
petroglyphs, Nurata Mountains, and Sentob village. The findings indicate that trained local guides significantly enhance
visitor satisfaction, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to local economic development. The study concludes
with policy recommendations aligned with the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy
References
1. Kılıç, B., et al. (2023). Environmental Awareness and Ecological Sensitivity in Tourist Guides. Journal of Ecotourism,
22(3), 198–215.
2. State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan. (2024). Tourism Statistical Bulletin 2024. Tashkent: SSC.
3. UNWTO. (2024). Best Tourism Villages 2024 – Sentob, Uzbekistan. World Tourism Organization.
4. Navoi Regional Administration. (2024). Tourism Development Report: Navoi Region 2024. Navoi.
5. Zhang, Y., et al. (2025). Tour Guide Professionalism and Visitor Experience in Ecotourism Destinations. Tourism
Management Perspectives, 49, 101–112.
6. International Ecotourism Society (TIES). (2023). Ecotourism Best Practices: A Guide for Tour Operators. Washington,
D.C.: TIES.
7. Abdullaev, R., & Mirzayeva, D. (2023). Ecotourism Potential of Navoi Region: Heritage, Landscape, and Visitor Trends.
Central Asian Journal of Tourism, 5(2), 44–59.
8. Yusupov, K. (2024). Regional Tourism Policy and the Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy. Tashkent Economic Review, 11(1),
12–28.
9. Alimova, N. (2022). Tourist Satisfaction in Ecotourism Destinations: A Factor-Analytic Approach. Tourism and Hospitality
Research, 18(4), 301–317.
10. Kasimov, O., & Toshmatov, S. (2023). Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Ecotourism Infrastructure: Lessons from
Central Asia. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(6), 1420–1436.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 GREEN ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.