CULINARY TOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF NATIONAL CUISINE AS A CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC ASSET

Culinary tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of global tourism, driven 
by rising demand for authentic cultural and gastronomic experiences. Globally, the culinary 
tourism market was valued at approximately USD 1.24 trillion in 2025 and is projected to exceed 
USD 4.25 trillion by 2034, reflecting the rapid growth of experiential travel. Uzbekistan, located on 
the ancient Silk Road, has a rich culinary heritage shaped by intercultural exchange, traditional 
lifestyles, and regional diversity. This study examines Uzbek national cuisine as both a cultural 
heritage asset and an economic resource for tourism development. Based on descriptive qualitative 
analysis of secondary data, the paper explores the cultural value, economic contribution, 
opportunities, and challenges of culinary tourism in Uzbekistan. The findings show that traditional 
dishes such as plov, somsa, shashlik, lagman, and non attract international tourists while 
supporting local businesses, employment, and regional development. Tourism growth in Uzbekistan 
has accelerated, with international arrivals increasing from 6.6 million in 2023 to about 8 million 
in 2024, while tourism revenues exceeded USD 3.5 billion. The study concludes that culinary 
tourism can strengthen Uzbekistan’s global tourism competitiveness through integrated marketing, 
digital promotion, culinary festivals, and sustainable tourism policies.