FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE IN FUTURE TOURISM SPECIALISTS THROUGH ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN AS A METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEM

This article examines the methodological foundations of forming professional competence in future tourism specialists through English language teaching in the higher education institutions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The study highlights the growing importance of foreign language proficiency in the tourism sector under the conditions of globalization, international cooperation, and digital transformation. Special attention is paid to communicative, intercultural, professional, and pragmatic competencies that future tourism specialists should acquire during English language instruction. The article analyzes modern pedagogical approaches, competency-based education, communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and professionally oriented instruction as effective methodological tools in tourism education. The research also discusses the role of authentic materials, digital technologies, and interactive teaching methods in improving students’ professional communication skills. The findings demonstrate that integrating professional content with language learning significantly enhances learners’ readiness for real-life tourism activities and international communication. Furthermore, the article identifies methodological challenges faced in Uzbek higher education institutions and proposes practical recommendations for improving the quality of English language teaching for tourism students.