Tourism education for sustainability: curriculum development in universities of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's tourism industry has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, largely fueled by governmentinitiatives and a surge of global interest in the nation's unique cultural and historical assets. Yet, this rapid developmentbrings forth considerable challenges particularly regarding environmental sustainability, social impacts on localcommunities, and the necessity for responsible resource management. In this context, the role of tourism educationbecomes increasingly critical, as it equips future professionals with the expertise needed to promote and sustain theindustry's growth responsibly. This study proposes a comprehensive examination of the current landscape of tourismeducation at universities across Uzbekistan. Projecting a qualitative approach, the research features a content analysisof tourism curricula from institutions, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with faculty members and academiccoordinators. The findings reveal that sustainability concepts are frequently treated superficially, often confined to electivemodules, with limited integration of practical skills, interdisciplinary methods, or a focus on enduring ecological andcultural preservation. Drawing on established international models, the study proposes a framework designed to embedsustainability more deeply within tourism education. Key recommendations include the inclusion of core topics such asgreen tourism, ethical travel, environmental management, and community-based tourism within foundational courses.Additionally, the study advocates for expanding faculty development, fostering partnerships with international academicinstitutions, and aligning curricula with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).