TRANSFORMING TOURISM EDUCATION IN UZBEKISTAN: AN INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PERSONNEL TRAINING SYSTEMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19156493Keywords:
tourism industry, institutional framework, Policy, education, program, regulations, model, learning.Abstract
The tourism industry in Uzbekistan is undergoing a significant transformation, driven not only by infrastructure
development and tourist flows but increasingly by the quality of human capital developed through professional training
systems. This article presents a comprehensive institutional analysis of the continuous training system for qualified
personnel in universities and private training centers serving Uzbekistan's tourism industry. The analysis reveals a
multifaceted educational landscape characterized by specialized public universities, multidisciplinary institutions, regional
training centers, and a growing private sector. While the system demonstrates considerable strengths—including strong
theoretical foundations, international partnerships, and innovative practical programs—it faces critical challenges in
competency standardization, regional equity, and alignment with international quality frameworks. The findings suggest
that modernization requires moving from a diploma-based approach toward a competency-verified model that integrates
academic training, professional certification, recognition of prior learning, and continuous skill development.
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