Regional Tourism Competitiveness Assessment At Mezo-Level: An Integral Index Approach for Uzbekistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51699/cajitmf.v7i3.1314Keywords:
tourism competitiveness, integral index, regional tourism, mezo-level analysis, Uzbekistan, expert assessment, Z-standardization, transition economy, JEL Classification, L83, O18, R11, R58Abstract
This study develops and applies a comprehensive methodology for assessing regional tourism competitiveness at the mezo (regional) level, with Uzbekistan's 14 administrative regions serving as the empirical context. An integral competitiveness index (THR) is constructed from 86 indicators organized into four composite sub-indices: tourist demand stability (TTB), tourism infrastructure development (TIR), tourism resource potential (TRS), and tourist attractiveness (TJ). Sub-index weights are determined via expert assessment involving 52 specialists, while indicator values are normalized using Z-standardization followed by min-max rescaling to ensure comparability across heterogeneous measurement units. Empirical results reveal significant inter-regional disparities: Tashkent City (THR = 7.86) and Samarkand Region (THR = 7.06) emerge as the leading destinations, while Syrdarya Region (THR = 4.69) and Karakalpakstan Republic (THR = 4.56) lag considerably behind. The findings demonstrate that competitive position is determined by differentiated factor profiles rather than a single dominant dimension, underscoring the need for region-specific policy interventions. The proposed methodology provides a replicable analytical framework applicable to other transition economies seeking evidence-based tourism development strategies.
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