Keynote Title

Digital Transformation and Tourism Competitiveness: Insights from Uzbekistan

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Dr. Sobirov’s keynote will provide a comprehensive overview of Digital Transformation and Tourism Competitiveness: Insights from Uzbekistan. It will examine how emerging technologies—such as AI concierges, virtual tours, and smart booking systems—are enhancing visitor experience, reducing barriers, and driving new business models in tourism. The keynote will also present a multi-level framework of tourism competitiveness (micro, meso, and macro perspectives) and illustrate how Uzbekistan’s policy initiatives, startup ecosystem, and heritage-based tourism circuits contribute to regional competitiveness. The talk will conclude with lessons for other developing economies on balancing heritage preservation, innovation, and inclusive growth.

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This session will explore how digital technologies are reshaping Uzbekistan’s tourism industry, from the introduction of “Smart Tourism Zones” and digital visitor services to the integration of AI-based solutions, e-visa systems, and data-driven policy tools. Drawing on empirical research and practical cases, the session highlights Uzbekistan’s national tourism strategy 2030 and its vision to become a leading cultural and digital hub in Central Asia. The discussion will emphasize how digital innovation strengthens competitiveness, diversifies tourism products, and supports sustainable growth.

Bio

Bobur Baxtishodovich Sobirov, Ph.D.​​

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Dr. Bobur Baxtishodovich Sobirov is an Associate Professor of Economics at the Samarkand Branch of Tashkent State University of Economics, Uzbekistan. He is visiting scholar at Wyoming University. He specializes in tourism competitiveness, hospitality management, and sustainable business. With over 60 peer-reviewed publications and editorial leadership in multiple international journals, Dr. Sobirov has played a pioneering role in building academic and research collaborations across Central Asia and Southeast Asia. He is the Founder of the Silkroad Research Network and the Central Asian Regional Science Association, both aimed at fostering cross-border research and policy dialogue. His research is highly cited in the fields of tourism competitiveness, digital transformation, and service industry economics.