Abstract
<jats:p>The article scientifically analyzes the development trends of the global tourism industry in the context of global transformation and their impact on the economy of Uzbekistan. Within the framework of the "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy, the issues of diversifying national tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism, and achieving its target indicators are investigated. The necessity of introducing the "Smart Tourism" concept, digital innovations such as 3D modeling and VR/AR, as well as principles of environmental sustainability into the sector is substantiated. Furthermore, the strategic importance of training competitive and multidisciplinary personnel is revealed using the example of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. </jats:p>