TOURISM POTENTIAL INDEX AS A TOOL FOR REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS: EVIDENCE FROM THE BUKHARA REGION OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

Tourism has emerged as a strategic driver of regional development, particularly in
developing economies where diversification and competitiveness are policy priorities. This study
introduces the Tourism Potential Index (TPI) as a methodological tool for evaluating and
comparing tourism potential across the districts of the Bukhara region in Uzbekistan. The index
integrates six dimensions—cultural and natural resources, infrastructure, tourism demand,
business environment, sustainability, and human capital—into a composite score.
Using statistical data from 2020–2023, the study identifies clear disparities: Bukhara city
demonstrates the highest competitiveness due to its UNESCO heritage and advanced
infrastructure, while peripheral districts such as Karakul and Alat lag behind but hold niche
opportunities in eco- and desert tourism. The findings confirm that cultural heritage and
infrastructure are decisive for high scores, whereas weak human capital and limited SMEs
constrain underdeveloped districts.
The TPI not only highlights spatial imbalances but also provides a practical framework for
policymakers to design differentiated strategies: consolidating strong hubs, upgrading mediumpotential districts, and activating low-potential areas through cluster-based and sustainabilityoriented approaches. By adapting existing models of tourism competitiveness to a sub-regional
context, this study contributes both theoretically and practically to evidence-based tourism policy
and regional development.