
The dynamic development of the tourism sector requires the diversification of services and the improvement of tourism infrastructure. Agrotourism represents a unique integration of the agricultural and tourism sectors and has emerged as a vital mechanism for sustainable rural development. Despite the rich agricultural heritage and vast recreational potential of Uzbekistan, the theoretical and practical dimensions of agrotourism within the country remain insufficiently explored. This paper examines the theoretical foundations of agrotourism, synthesizes existing international and domestic definitions, and proposes a novel, comprehensive definition tailored to the unique socio-economic landscape of Uzbekistan. Utilizing qualitative content analysis and literature synthesis, the study explores various theoretical models including diversification, territorial development, and experience economy models. The findings emphasize the economic, socio-cultural, and ecological benefits of agrotourism and highlight the specific potential of different regions in Uzbekistan by integrating local phenomena such as dehkan farms and the mahalla system.
