TOWS analysis for sustainable ecotourism development and state support during the pandemic: The Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan

Olimjon Saidmamatov; Umidjon Matyakubov; Elbek Khodjaniyazov; Jonathon Day; Ergash Ibadullaev; Sanat Chuponov; Dilmurad Bekjanov; Murodjon Matniyozov; Bunyod Matyusupov

doi:10.18778/0867-5856.31.1.16

Authors

Olimjon Saidmamatov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0046-5521
Umidjon Matyakubov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4888-3044
Elbek Khodjaniyazov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2937-3148
Jonathon Day Purdue University, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8207-9650
Ergash Ibadullaev Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7059-2510
Sanat Chuponov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7388-9224
Dilmurad Bekjanov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8851-2240
Murodjon Matniyozov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6233-2383
Bunyod Matyusupov Urgench State University, Faculty of Tourism and Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8094-2126

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/0867-5856.31.1.16

Keywords:

ecotourism, sustainable development, pandemic, Aral Sea region, Uzbekistan, exploratory study

Abstract

Evaluating the current ecotourism situation in the Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan and offering strategies for its sustainable development are the main objectives of the study. The threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths (TOWS) analysis was applied to identify the required management strategies. The article aims to review the literature on ecotourism promotion in the Aral Sea region. Based on TOWS, the results show that state support during the pandemic should be strategically coordinated to secure the sustainability of the ecotourism industry in Uzbekistan.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alimov, A. (2018). Main directions and prospects of development of ecological tourism in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. PhD thesis. Nukus, Uzbekistan: Karakalpak State University.
Google Scholar

Allanazarov, K., Alimov, A. (2019). The model of the development of ecotourism in special protected areas. Uzbekistan in the Central Asia Region. Geography, Geoeconomics, Geoecology. In Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2, 34–39.
Google Scholar

Asadpourian, Z., Rahimian, M., Gholamrezai, S. (2020). SWOT-AHP-TOWS Analysis for sustainable ecotourism development in the best area in Lorestan Province, Iran. Social Indicators Research, 152 (1), 289–315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02438-0
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02438-0

Azam, M., Alam, M.M., Hafeez, M.H. (2018). Effect of tourism on environmental pollution: Further evidence from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Journal of Cleaner Production, 190, 330–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.168
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.168

Bekjanov, D. (2020). Assessment of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. Finance and Banking, 2, 225–237.
Google Scholar

Bekjanov, D., Matyusupov, B. (2020). Influence of innovative processes in the competitiveness of tourist destination. In: J.R. Rodrigues Soares (ed.), Innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities in community tourism (pp. 243–263). Madrid: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4855-4.ch014
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-4855-4.ch014

Berdiyorov, B. (2010). Ecotourism and place in the market of tourism services of Uzbekistan. PhD thesis. Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Google Scholar

Ceballos-Lascurain, H. (1996). Tourism, ecotourism and protected areas. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. The World Conservation Union. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.1996.7.en
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.1996.7.en

Das, M., Chatterjee, B. (2015). Ecotourism: A panacea or a predicament? Tourism Management Perspectives, 14, 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2015.01.002
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2015.01.002

Demir, S., Esbah, H., Akgun, A. (2016). Quantitative SWOT analysis for prioritizing ecotourism-planning decisions in protected areas: Igneada case. International Journal of Sustainable, Development & World Ecology, 23 (5), 456–468. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2015.1136709
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2015.1136709

Dowling, R., Fennel, D. (2003). Ecotourism policy and planning: Stakeholders, management and governance. Ecotourism Policy Plan, 1, 331–344. https://doi.org/10.1079/9780851996097.0331
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1079/9780851996097.0331

Higham, J. (2007). Critical issues in ecotourism: Understanding a complex tourism phenomenon. Oxford: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080488608
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080488608

Holden, A. (2007). Environment and tourism. Routledge introductions to environment series. Bedfordshire: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203937624
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203937624

Hong, C.W., Chan, N.W. (2010). The Potentials, threats and challenges in sustainable development of Penang National Park. Malaysian Journal of Environmental Management, 11, 43–47.
Google Scholar

Hoshimov, M. (2009). Ecological tourism of Uzbekistan. Samarkand: „Zarafshon” publishing house.
Google Scholar

Jalani, J.O. (2012). Local people’s perception on the impacts and importance of ecotourism in Sabang, Palawan, Philippines. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 57 (9), 247–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.1182
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.1182

Kamaletdinov, U. (2018). Opportunities for creating tourism clusters in the Aral Sea Basin. Business Daily, 1, 19–28.
Google Scholar

Khamidov, O. (2016). Improving management of ecological tourism development in Uzbekistan: Problems and solutions. Tashkent: Economics publishing house.
Google Scholar

Khamidov, O. (2017). Improvement of management mechanisms in the development of ecological tourism in Uzbekistan. PhD thesis. Tashkent: Tashkent State University of Economics.
Google Scholar

Khaytboyev, R. (2016). Ecological tourism – manual. Samarkand: Samarkand Institute of Economics and Service.
Google Scholar

Lenao, M., Basupi, B. (2016). Ecotourism development and female empowerment in Botswana: A review. Tourism Management Perspectives, 18, 51–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2015.12.021
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2015.12.021

Lex.uz (2020a). Decree of the President of Uzbekistan on further development of tourism, no. 5611 from 5 January 2020. Retrieved from: https://lex.uz/docs/4562382 (2.07.2020).
Google Scholar

Lex.uz (2020b). Decree of the President of Uzbekistan on urgent measures to support tourism to reduce the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic, no. 6002. Retrieved from: https://www.lex.uz/docs/-4831118 (28.05.2020).
Google Scholar

Lex.uz (2020c). Resolution of the President of Uzbekistan on additional measures to the development of the tourism sector in following the requirements of the strengthened sanitary-epidemiological security regime, no. 4755. Retrieved from: https://www.lex.uz/docs/-4862987 (19.06.2020).
Google Scholar

Liu., C., Li., J. (2013). Current trends of ecotourism in China’s nature reserves: a review of the Chinese literature. Tourism Management Perspectives, 7, 16–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2013.03.001
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2013.03.001

Matyakubov, U. (2017). Perspective ecotourism development in Khorezm Region. Technology Innovation and Economics, 5, 3–5.
Google Scholar

Matyakubov, U., Defrancesco E. (2018). Role of agritourism in sustainable rural development in Uzbekistan: Insights from the Italian experience. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 3, 88–102.
Google Scholar

Matyakubov, U., Ibadullaev, E. (2020). Exploring the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on tourism and recreational services: Case from Republic of Uzbekistan. Science, Research, Development, 3, 168–171.
Google Scholar

Mayaka, M.A., Prasad, H. (2012). Tourism in Kenya: Analysis of strategic issues and challenges. Tourism Management Perspectives, 1, 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2011.12.008
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2011.12.008

NOAA (2011). Assessment for sustainable tourism. Retrieved from: https://nmssanctuaries.blob.core.windows.net/sanctuaries-prod/media/archive/management/international/pdfs/day2_assessment_manual.pdf (22.05.2020).
Google Scholar

Rahemtulla, Y., Wellstead, A. (2001). Ecotourism: Understanding competing expert and academic definitions. Edmonton: Information Report.
Google Scholar

Rein H. (2005). Ecotourism as a market: Demands and success. Proceedings of the second international tourism, environment and culture symposium. 10–11 May 2005. Izmir: Ege Üniversitesi Yayınları.
Google Scholar

Rudenko, I., Lamers, J. (2010). The Aral Sea: An ecological disaster. Retrieved from: https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/55717/8-6.pdf?sequence=1 (1.11.2020).
Google Scholar

Saidmamatov, O., Matyakubov, U., Rudenko, I., Filimonau, V., Day, J., Luthe, T. (2020). Employing ecotourism opportunities for sustainability in the Aral Sea Region: Prospects and challenges. Sustainability, 12, 9249. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219249
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219249

Saidmamatov, O., Rudenko, I., Baier, U., Khodjaniyazov, E. (2021). Challenges and solutions for biogas production from agriculture waste in the Aral Sea Basin. Processes, 9 (2), 199. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9020199
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9020199

Saidmamatov, O., Rudenko, I., Pfister, S., Koziel, J. (2020). Water–energy–food nexus framework for promoting regional integration in Central Asia. Water, 12, 1896. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12071896
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w12071896

Salaev, S., Alimov, O. (2018). Development of tourism infrastructure of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. Journal of Economic Science, 2, 87–88.
Google Scholar

Salvatore, B., Marciano, C. (2019). Using a hybrid AHP-SWOT method to build participatory ecotourism development strategies: The case study of the Cupe Valley Natural Reserve in Southern Italy. In: L. Della Spina, F. Calabrò, C. Bevilacqua (eds), New Metropolitan Perspectives (pp. 327–336). Calabria, Italy: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92102-0_35
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-92102-0_35

SCRepUzEEP (2007). Concept of ecological tourism development in Uzbekistan. Tashkent: Ziyo.
Google Scholar

UNEP (2013). Green economy and trade – trends, challenges and opportunities. Retrieved from: http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/GreenEconomyandTrade (11.11.2020)
Google Scholar

United Nations (2019). Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central Asia. UN, 4–8. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0020818300024334
Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818300024334

UNWTO (2019). International tourism highlights. World Tourism Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284421152 (20.03.2020).
Google Scholar

UNWTO (2020). International tourism highlights international tourism continues to outpace the global economy. World Tourism Organisation. Retrieved from: https://www.unwto.org/international-tourism-growth-continues-to-outpace-the-economy (21.03.2020).
Google Scholar

Uzbek Tourism (2020). Analytical materials of Uzbek Tourism State Committed of Uzbekistan. Retrieved from: https://uzbektourism.uz/en/research (3.11.2020)
Google Scholar

UzDaily (2019). UN general assembly adopts a special resolution „Sustainable Tourism and Sustainable Development in Central Asia”. Retrieved from: https://uzdaily.uz/en/post/53803 (1.11.2020).
Google Scholar

Weaver, D., Oppermann, M. (2000). Tourism management. Brisbane: Wiley & Sons.
Google Scholar

Yagodin,, V.N., Betts A.V.G. (2009). The golden ring of Khorezm. Paris: UNESCO.
Google Scholar

Yılmaz, E. 2005. A land use planning model: A case study of Cehennemde Valley, Turkey. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339089107 (26.02.2021).
Google Scholar

TOWS analysis for sustainable ecotourism development and state support during the pandemic: The Aral Sea region of Uzbekistan

Authors

DOI:

Keywords:

Abstract

Downloads

References

Downloads

Published

How to Cite

Issue

Section

License

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Language

scopus

citescore

cope

similaritycheck

Make a Submission

Keywords

Turyzm/Tourism ISSN: 0867-5856 e-ISSN: 2080-6922
Journal Institute of Urban and Tourism Geography, University of Lodz, Poland 90-142 Łódź, Kopcińskiego st., no. 31 tel. +48 42 6356305, fax +48 42 6354550 e-mail: thetourism@geo.uni.lodz.pl	Publisher Lodz University Press Jana Matejki 34 A., postal code: 90-237, Łódź Tel.: 42 235 01 65, fax: 42 66 55 86 Publisher's office: journals@uni.lodz.pl