THE POTENTIAL OF PILGRIMAGE TOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
Religious tourism, pilgrimage, Uzbekistan, Islamic heritage, shrines, spiritual travel, tourism development, cultural sites, international visitors, Halal tourism.Abstract
Religious tourism, or pilgrimage tourism, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global travel, connecting spiritual seekers with sacred sites. Uzbekistan, as a land rich in Islamic heritage, hosts numerous historical shrines, mausoleums, and religious centers that are significant to the Muslim world. This article examines the current potential of pilgrimage tourism in Uzbekistan, highlighting its historical and spiritual assets, infrastructure development, and government support. It also analyzes the key challenges that hinder the growth of this sector, including marketing limitations, accessibility issues, and the need for better international cooperation. The study offers practical suggestions for promoting Uzbekistan as a prominent destination for Islamic pilgrimage tourism.
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