HOTEL BUSINESS FORUM 2025
Crafting the Future of Uzbek Hospitality:
A New Era of Leadership through Education
Prof. Dr. Erdogan Ekiz
Founding Dean,
Hospitality Management and Tourism School,�Central Asian University
25-26 FEBRUARY 2025
Why me? Why listen?
industry, government & academia
Outline of the speech
Introductions
The Current State of Tourism/Hospitality in Uzbekistan
Key Statistics on Hospitality & Tourism in Uzbekistan
Government Policies & Strategic Vision
Incentives for hotel & infrastructure development
Focus on sustainable & heritage tourism
Challenges Facing Uzbekistan’s Hospitality Industry
Hospitality Education in Uzbekistan - Current State
Global Best Practices in Hospitality Education
Innovative Education Strategies for Uzbekistan
Proposal 1 – Industry-Academia Collaboration
🔹 Dual-degree programs, certification
🔹 Guest lectures, workshops, & mentorship - industry leaders
🔹 Joint research projects on Uzbekistan’s tourism trends
🔹 Internship & job placement programs with leading hotels
Proposal 2 – Strengthening Practical Training
🔹 On-campus hotel training centers
🔹 Mock hotel rooms for hands-on learning
🔹 Case studies & real-world simulations
🔹 Collaborations with major hotels for immersive internships
Proposal 3 – Digital & Tech-Driven Learning
🔹 E-learning platforms & hybrid education
🔹 Virtual Reality (VR) simulations for hotel operations training
🔹 AI-driven customer service & hospitality analytics
🔹 Smart classrooms with interactive tools
Proposal 4 – Digital & Tech-Driven Learning
🔹 Specialized executive training in tourism leadership
🔹 Soft skills & cultural intelligence for int. hospitality careers
🔹 Encouraging entrepreneurship in tourism & hospitality
🔹 Developing local leaders with a global mindset
3 Steps to Follow
Opportunities for Growth in Hospitality Education
🎯 1. Creating More Hospitality & Tourism Degree Programs
🎯 2. Expanding International Partnerships (HTMi, UN Tourism, etc.)
🎯 3. Promoting Continuous Learning & Upskilling
🎯 4. Leveraging Government Support for Innovation in Education
Policy Recommendations for Uzbekistan: Government
✅ Invest in specialized hospitality universities
✅ Provide scholarships & financial incentives for hospitality students
✅ Develop national hospitality competency standards
Policy Recommendations for Uzbekistan: Universities
✅ Offer dual-degree & international exchange programs
✅ Strengthen industry partnerships for real-world exposure
✅ Integrate cutting-edge technology in hospitality education
Policy Recommendations for Uzbekistan: Businesses
✅ Collaborate with academic institutions for workforce development
✅ Offer internships, apprenticeships & training programs
✅ Support entrepreneurship & innovation in tourism
The Future of Hospitality Leaders in Uzbekistan
Key Takeaways!!!
🏨 Uzbekistan’s hospitality industry is growing – education must keep up
🎓 Innovative, industry-driven education is key to developing new leaders
🌍 Global best practices & partnerships will shape the future
🚀 Investment in skills & leadership training will drive success
Call to Action!!!
📢 Let’s work together to shape the future of hospitality in Uzbekistan!
💡 Universities, businesses, and policymakers must collaborate
🌍 Join hands in advancing hospitality education for a brighter future…
“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Thank you very much for your time and interest.
Any questions?
erdogan@centralasian.uz
www.oborot2025.uz