Abstract:
Background: Domestic tourism is increasingly recognized as a vital contributor to national economies, particularly in developing countries like Uzbekistan. Specific Background: Despite policy initiatives promoting internal travel, limited data exists on how affordable travel options shape domestic tourism behavior. Knowledge Gap: Little is known about the perceived accessibility and value of low-cost travel packages among Uzbekistani residents. Aims: This study aims to evaluate perceptions of low-cost travel packages and identify key factors associated with their appeal to domestic tourists. Results: Based on a mixed-methods approach involving 37 online survey respondents and statistical analysis using SPSS, the study finds that perceptions of value-for-money are significantly shaped by travel frequency and the quality of customer service. Novelty: The research uniquely combines quantitative and qualitative evidence to illuminate how localized, budget-friendly travel options influence domestic tourism patterns in a Central Asian context. Implications: The findings suggest that to stimulate domestic tourism growth, stakeholders should prioritize promotional strategies, raise public awareness, and develop tailored, affordable travel packages for local residents. While the study's small sample limits generalizability, it provides a foundational basis for future research involving broader populations to validate and expand upon these insights.
Highlights:
Value perception is shaped by travel frequency and service quality.
Custom low-cost packages can boost local tourism participation.
Small sample limits generalizability; broader studies are needed.
Keywords : Domestic Tourism, Uzbekistan, Customer Satisfaction, Travel Packages, Statistical Analysis
References
A. Allaberganov and A. Preko, “Inbound International Tourists’ Demographics and Travel Motives: Views from Uzbekistan,” Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 5, no. 1, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-09-2020-0181
M. Anter, A. A. Ahmed, M. H. Abd El-Maksoud, and M. H. El-Badawy, “The Impact of Economic Variables on Domestic Tourism in Egypt,” Minia Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2017. [Online]. Available: https://dx.doi.org/10.21608/mjthr.2017.221352
K. Asqarova, “The Development of Domestic Tourism and Its Influence in the Republic of Uzbekistan,” Academia Repository, vol. 5, no. 02, 2024.
O. Azimov, “The Domestic Tourism as a Driver of Local Economy of Bukhara Region,” Ta’lim Innovatsiyasi va Integratsiyasi, vol. 10, no. 6, 2023.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “On Measures to Ensure Accelerated Development of the Tourism Sector of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” Decree, Dec. 22, 2016.
M. Ergasheva, “Domestic Tourism Potential of the Regions of Uzbekistan: Programs Implemented in the Field,” Journal of Social Research in Uzbekistan, no. 4, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.37547/supsci-jsru-04-03
C. G. Lee, “Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis: International Tourism Versus Domestic Tourism—Evidence from China,” International Journal of Tourism Research, vol. 23, no. 5, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2450
G. Melikulov, “Use of Domestic Tourism Services in the Regions for the Development of Tourism,” British Journal of Global Ecology and Sustainable Development, no. 28, 2024.
Z. Nurov, A. Qudratov, and D. Mukhiddinov, “Development of Domestic Tourism as a Priority of the Economy,” E-Conference Globe, 2021.
R. I. Patterson and H. Turaev, “New Developments in Promoting Tourism in Uzbekistan,” Journal of Tourismology, vol. 6, no. 2, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.26650/jot.2020.6.2.0005
F. Umarova, T. Saidova, and Z. Eshmatova, “Potential of Ecotourism in Uzbekistan: Regional Aspect,” E3S Web of Conferences, vol. 574, 2024.
T. Karimov and D. Mukhitdinova, “Improvement of Methods for Assessing Tourism Market Conditions: International and National Perspectives,” Scientific Journal of Economics and Finance, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 56–65, 2022.
S. Qodirov, “Government Support Programs and Domestic Tourism Recovery in Uzbekistan,” Central Asian Journal of Tourism Research, vol. 3, no. 1, 2023.
M. Rakhmatov, “Digitalization of Tourism Services in Uzbekistan: Prospects and Challenges,” Asian Journal of Business and Management, vol. 12, no. 2, 2024.
A. Jalolov, “Sustainable Domestic Tourism Practices in Samarkand Region,” Uzbek Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 6, no. 3, 2023.