Digital And Smart Technologies As A Factor in Enhancing Tourism Sector Competitiveness: Theoretical Approaches and The Experience of Uzbekistan

This article provides a theoretical and applied analysis of the role of digital and smart technologies in shaping the competitiveness of the modern tourism industry. It examines the theoretical foundations of the “smart tourism” concept, classical destination-competitiveness models (Crouch & Ritchie, 1999; Buhalis, 2000), and the core pillars of smart tourism — the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain. Drawing on the World Economic Forum's 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) and official tourism statistics of the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for January–August 2025, the study assesses the country's level of tourism digitalization and its international competitiveness standing. Original tables and figures are developed reflecting the dynamics of foreign tourist arrivals, tourism services exports, and digital tourism infrastructure (Wi-Fi points, information centers, tourist signage). The findings indicate that digital transformation affects tourism competitiveness not directly, but indirectly — through quality-of-service management, online reputation management, and smart-governance practices. The article concludes with science-based recommendations for the effective implementation of Uzbekistan's unified national tourism platform and other digital initiatives.

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