ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF EDUCATIONAL TOURISM IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION

This study examines the economic efficiency and development trends of educational tourism in the context of globalization. The research highlights that educational tourism has evolved into a high value-added and knowledge-intensive sector that integrates the benefits of international education and tourism activities. Using a systematic analytical approach, the paper explores global growth dynamics over the period 2020–2025, identifies key drivers of expansion such as international student mobility, digital transformation, and cross-border academic cooperation, and evaluates the sector’s structural role within the global tourism economy. The findings indicate that educational tourism demonstrates strong resilience and a stable growth trajectory despite global disruptions, maintaining an average share of approximately 4–5% within total tourism while generating higher per capita expenditure and long-term economic benefits. Particular attention is given to the application of SWOT analysis as a strategic tool for assessing the economic efficiency of educational tourism, revealing critical strengths such as human capital development and high value-added services, alongside challenges related to infrastructure, global competition, and technological adaptation. The study also considers the case of Uzbekistan, emphasizing its potential to develop educational tourism through cultural, pilgrimage, and academic integration, while addressing existing institutional and infrastructural constraints. The research concludes that improving the economic efficiency of educational tourism requires coordinated policy measures, investment in digital and physical infrastructure, diversification of tourism products, and the implementation of advanced measurement methodologies. Overall, the paper contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of educational tourism as a key component of the global knowledge economy.

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