Title: Public-Private Partnership As A Mechanism For Sustainable Development Of The Tourism Sector In Uzbekistan

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy and plays an important role in the economicdiversification of developing countries (WTTC, 2024). In its national development agenda, Uzbekistan has identifiedtourism as a strategic sector for sustainable economic growth (President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 2023). However,the expansion of tourism infrastructure requires significant financial resources that may exceed the capacity of publicfunding alone.Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) represent an effective governance and financing mechanism that enables cooperationbetween governments and private investors in the development of tourism infrastructure and services (Djabbari et al.,2021). Understanding the institutional structure and operational mechanisms of PPP models is therefore essential forimproving tourism investment and infrastructure development.This study examines the potential role of PPPs in supporting the sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector.The research applies qualitative analytical methods based on document analysis, institutional analysis, and comparativestudies. The theoretical framework of the study is grounded in stakeholder theory, resource-based theory, and institutionaltheory, which help explain how governance structures and stakeholder cooperation influence PPP implementation intourism development.The findings indicate that Uzbekistan has established a substantial institutional and legislative framework for PPPimplementation. At the same time, opportunities remain for expanding PPP initiatives in tourism compared with sectorssuch as energy and utilities. Key challenges affecting PPP expansion in tourism include financial risks, regulatorycomplexity, and institutional coordination issues. Based on the results, the study proposes policy recommendations aimedat improving regulatory frameworks, strengthening institutional cooperation, and encouraging greater private-sectorparticipation in tourism development.