A DIGITAL INSTITUTIONAL MODEL FOR MANAGING SOCIAL AND LABOUR RELATIONS IN REGIONAL TOURISM CLUSTERS: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONS
Abstract
This article develops a digital institutional model for managing social and labour relations in regional tourism clusters in Uzbekistan, with particular reference to the emerging clusters in Samarkand and Bukhara. It builds on national regulations on tourism clusters and recent reforms promoting project-based, cluster-oriented tourism development, and explores how digital tools can support more transparent, inclusive and efficient governance of employment and working conditions. Drawing on concepts of smart tourism and digital governance, the paper outlines a multi-level model that integrates national institutions, regional tourism authorities, cluster management bodies, businesses, workers and digital platforms. Using Samarkand and Bukhara as illustrative cases, the model shows how integrated information systems, e-contracting, digital monitoring and feedback mechanisms can improve regulation of labour standards, skills development and social dialogue within tourism clusters. The article concludes with recommendations for piloting the model in these two regions and then extending it to other parts of Uzbekistan.
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