Regional differentiation of tour operator activity in Uzbekistan: comparative analysis of the tourism clusters of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of tour operator activities in three major tourism clusters of Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. The relevance of this work is driven by the need to identify the competitive advantages of each cluster and develop differentiated strategies for tourism industry development within the context of implementing the state tourism development program. A mixed methodological approach, incorporating statistical analysis of data from 185 licensed tour operators and a sociological survey of 420 tourism business representatives, revealed significant differences in the structure, specialization, operational models, and efficiency of tour operator activities across the studied regions. Quantitative analysis demonstrates that Samarkand holds a dominant position with 42.7 % of the total number of tour operators, serving the largest tourist flow due to its well-developed transport infrastructure and status as the cultural capital. Bukhara exhibits the greatest diversification of tourism services, offering a wide range of products from cultural to gastronomic tourism. Khiva has successfully specialized in the niche of cultural-­historical tourism, positioning itself as a unique open-air museum. An econometric model using fixed-­effects panel regression shows that infrastructure availability (β = 0.387, p < 0.01) and transport accessibility (β = 0.312, p < 0.01) have a statistically significant substantial impact on the efficiency of tour operator activities and the volume of tourist flow served. Development forecasts through 2028 indicate that Samarkand will maintain its leading position in the country’s tourism industry, while an accelerated growth of the tour operator sector in Khiva is expected (CAGR 18.4 %), driven by the active development of hotel infrastructure and the launch of high-speed rail service. Practical recommendations are aimed at strengthening inter-­cluster cooperation and establishing a unified tourist route known as the “Golden Ring of Uzbekistan.”