TOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE ZAGATALA DISTRICT: DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The article investigates the tourism potential of the Zagatala district and the possibilities of addressing employment issues among the population by utilizing this potential. Within the scope of the study, the region’s natural-landscape features, cultural heritage, and opportunities for ecotourism and agrotourism were assessed, and the current state of infrastructure was analyzed. A SWOT
analysis was conducted based on interviews with experts, reports from local administrative bodies, and data from enterprises operating in the tourism sector. The results of the analysis show that the tourism sector in Zagatala district possesses high potential; however, there are challenges such as weak infrastructure, underdeveloped marketing strategies, and the need to improve the quality of tourism services. In addition, the level of employment of the local population in the tourism sector, the main challenges faced, and the prospects for future development were explored. Furthermore, proposals were made to ensure sustainable development through the promotion of alternative types of tourism (such as ecotourism and agrotourism), the identification of new tourism routes, and the implementation of clustering strategies.