Mountainous areas of Qashqadarya region (especially Shahrisabz, Kitob, Dehqonobod, Qamashi, Yakkabog) possess rich cultural and natural tourism resources but have seen limited development. This study analyzes the tourism potential and five-year trends in these districts, reviews recent government decisions and programs to promote mountain tourism (e.g. 2019–2025 national tourism strategy, 2023 decrees), and examines current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in tourism (globally and in Uzbekistan). Notable examples (e.g. AI-driven marketing, chatbots, personalization) demonstrate how AI can improve operational efficiency, targeted promotion, and visitor experience. We discuss how such technologies could enhance Qashqadarya’s mountain tourism (e.g. through personalized services, data-driven planning, digital guides), and present strategic recommendations (including infrastructure development, AI-based marketing platforms, and sustainable management) to leverage these opportunities.  

Tourism development; mountain regions; Qashqadarya; Uzbekistan; Artificial Intelligence; tourism policy.

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According to the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UZA), Qashqadarya region’s tourism potential has risen, with 180,000 foreign and 2.109 million domestic tourists received in 2023.