THE POTENTIAL OF SURKHANDARYA REGION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ZIYARAH TOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The region possesses considerable scope for ziyarah tourism, but the volume of pilgrimage tourists and their economic significance cannot be derived from general tourist figures. This paper evaluates heritage documentation, tourism literature, statistical publications, and regional policy. It finds evidence of a rich Islamic heritage resource and evaluates the figures on the flow of visitors, hotel accommodation and development targets. There is evidence of growing tourism, but conflicting figures and inadequate definitions make it impossible to construct a consistent regional time series. A report of November 2023 suggests that around 85% of the reported number of foreign visitors come from two adjacent countries, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This reveals market focus, but not the religious motivations. The findings point towards an integrated pilgrimage route, improved services to visitors and co-ordination of tourism with recreation infrastructure. They do not prove that the region is limited by visitor yield or that its long-term targets have been reached. The priorities are adequate statistics, direct study of travel motivations and expenditure, sensitive development of the route and evaluation of the economic benefits to the region.