Sport tourism as a Driver of Soft Power and Regional Growth

Khodjaeva Dildora^1,*, Khaydarova Marjona¹

¹Tashkent State University of Economics Uzbekistan, 100066, Tashkent city, Islam Karimov street 49, Uzbekistan

Emails: dil.khodjaeva@gmail.com; marjona.2643@gmail.com

Abstract

The research shows the currently increasing role of the industry of sport tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan and how it impacts on the economic and social development of the state from 2018 to 2025. Based on secondary data from international and national organizations and analytical think centres, the paper analyses trends in tourist arrivals, tourism revenue and the impact of government reforms: visa liberalisation and investment in sport facilities. The results of this study shows that sport tourism is a crucial factor in economic diversification, aiding job creation, regional development and the growth of small and medium businesses. The different international competitions such as boxing or judo championships raise the country's status globally and also contribute to strengthening its strength and cultural interaction. Because of different reforms and because more people are now interested in active travel, tourism in Uzbekistan has recovered after the pandemic. However, scientists still have not studied enough how sport affects the economy of the country and small businesses. Overall, the results indicate that sport tourism is very important for the development of Uzbekistan. It can help the country to reach its long term goals and become one of the best places for active and sport tourism in Central Asia.

Keywords: Sport tourism; Economic development; Visa liberalization; Soft power