ABSTRACT

This study investigated the role of tourism education and capacity building in supporting sustainable development along the Silk Road, focusing on the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. The region, a vital part of the ancient Silk Road, has witnessed increased tourism development in recent years, resulting in both opportunities and challenges for local communities and the environment. The purpose of this research is to identify effective strategies to enhance tourism education and capacity-building initiatives, fostering sustainable tourism development in the region. A mixed-methods research design was employed, including surveys, interviews, and document analysis. The study examined the current state of tourism education and capacity-building programs, as well as their impact on sustainable tourism development in Xinjiang. It also analyzed the challenges, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in these programs. The results revealed a strong need for enhancing tourism education and capacity-building initiatives in the region. Key findings included the importance of partnerships between educational institutions, government, and the tourism industry; the need for a localized and context-specific curriculum; and the value of incorporating sustainability principles into tourism education and training. Additionally, the study identified several challenges, such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled trainers. Based on these findings, the research provided several recommendations to strengthen tourism education and capacity building in Xinjiang. These included fostering collaboration among stakeholders, developing a context-specific curriculum, and promoting innovative teaching methodologies. The study concluded that a comprehensive approach to tourism education and capacity building is crucial for sustainable tourism development along the Silk Road.

Keywords: Silk Road, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, tourism education, capacity building, sustainable development, stakeholder collaboration