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A briefing on the development of the tourism industry was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Turkmenistan. Heads and representatives of local tourism companies, as well as Turkmen and international media, were invited to the meeting.

At the briefing, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Ravshanbek Alimov spoke in detail about the development of tourism in his country.

In his speech, the diplomat noted that under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, tourism has been recognized as a key sector for economic growth and strengthening international ties. As part of the Tourism Development Strategy until 2030, the country strives to become a leading tourist destination in Central Asia.

Key goals include increasing the annual flow of foreign tourists to 15 million (!) by 2030, developing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, creating new jobs, and supporting private entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.

As the Ambassador noted, Uzbekistan has achieved significant success in recent years thanks to the introduction of a visa-free regime for citizens of more than 90 countries, significantly simplifying entry into the country. Infrastructure has been improved: roads, airports, and railway stations have been modernized, and new hotels and tourist complexes have been built. In recent years, digital technologies have been introduced, including the Uzbekistan.travel online portal, the UzTourism mobile app, interactive maps, and 3D virtual tours.

Ravshanbek Alimov emphasized that from January to September 2025, 8.6 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan, a 112.5% ​​increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Since April 2025, the monthly tourist flow has exceeded 1 million.

Historical and Cultural Tourism: The Heritage of the Silk Road

Located at the heart of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan is a land of unique cultural and historical landmarks. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

These cities are renowned, firstly, for architectural masterpieces such as madrassas, mausoleums, mosques, and caravanserais. Secondly, for historical monuments reflecting the richness of Eastern civilization. And thirdly, for cultural traditions preserved for centuries.

Tourists can not only visit these sites but also participate in master classes in traditional crafts, such as pottery in Rishtan and Gijduvan, silk weaving in Margilan, carpet and ceramic making.

These programs allow guests to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural richness of Uzbekistan, where every object is created with passion and skill.

New Tourism Destinations

According to Ravshanbek Alimov, Uzbekistan is actively developing new tourism formats that attract different categories of travelers:

1. Ecotourism and green tourism. Tourists are increasingly choosing mindful travel focused on nature and the environment. Popular destinations include the Zaamin and Ugam-Chatkal Nature Reserves, where trekking, camping, and wildlife watching are available. There are also agrotourism routes in the Fergana Valley, Kashkadarya, and Navoi regions, where guests can participate in harvesting, learn about rural life, and sample national cuisine.

2. Pilgrimage (ziyarat) tourism. Uzbekistan is becoming an important hub for pilgrims visiting holy sites associated with great scholars, theologians, and Sufi masters. Modern infrastructure for hosting pilgrims has been created in Samarkand, Bukhara, Termez, and Navoi, strengthening cultural ties with Muslim countries.

3. Medical and wellness tourism. Sanatoriums, spas, and health recovery programs incorporating elements of Eastern medicine and yoga are developing in the Tashkent and Navoi regions. These routes attract tourists seeking relaxation and wellness.

4. Extreme and adventure tourism. Young people and active recreation enthusiasts can choose safaris in the Kyzylkum desert, as well as jeep tours, motorcycle expeditions, paragliding, mountaineering, and caving in the mountains of Surkhandarya and Jizzakh.

5. Gastronomic tourism. Uzbek cuisine, famous for such dishes as plov, samsa, lagman, and halva, has become a true magnet for tourists. Gastronomic festivals such as the Tashkent Food Festival and Silk Road Plov Fest attract thousands of visitors eager to not only taste but also learn how to cook national dishes.

International Cooperation and Prospects

According to the Ambassador, Uzbekistan actively collaborates with international organizations such as the WTO and UNESCO to promote tourism. A key event will be the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, which will be held in Samarkand from October 28 to November 13, 2025.

This is the first time in 40 years that the forum will be held outside of UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The event will take place in the modern Silk Road Samarkand complex, which combines business and cultural infrastructure. More than 5,000 delegates from 194 countries are expected to attend, including leaders of state, academics, and public figures.

Particular attention is being paid to cooperation with neighboring Central Asian countries, especially Turkmenistan. The diplomat noted that our two friendly countries are linked by centuries-old cultural and spiritual ties, which creates a solid foundation for joint tourism projects.

Among promising initiatives, the Uzbek Ambassador highlighted the creation of cross-border routes (such as Khiva-Kunya-Urgench-Ashgabat-Mary-Bukhara), the involvement of Turkmen tour operators and investors in infrastructure projects, the use of tax and customs incentives for investors, and the development of public-private partnerships in the construction of hotels and tourist areas.

Investment Opportunities

Uzbekistan is creating favorable conditions for investors in the tourism sector. These include tax and customs incentives for projects, the development of tourism clusters in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Fergana, and support for startups and private businesses.

These measures make Uzbekistan an attractive destination for international investment, particularly in the context of creating new tourism products and infrastructure.

Invitation to Cooperation

Ambassador Ravshanbek Alimov emphasized that Uzbekistan is open to guests and partners. The country invites its Turkmen friends to participate in the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (November 27–29, 2025), where new tourism products and opportunities for cooperation will be presented. Uzbekistan positions itself as a place where every guest feels at home, thanks to its centuries-old traditions of hospitality.

Following his speech, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan answered questions from the briefing participants—journalists and entrepreneurs working in the leisure and travel industry.

...Uzbekistan today is a unique combination of ancient history, cultural richness, and modern innovation. The country is rapidly becoming one of the leading tourist destinations in Central Asia, offering a variety of leisure and travel experiences—from historical and cultural itineraries to ecotourism and adventure tours.

Infrastructure development, the introduction of digital technologies, and international cooperation make Uzbekistan attractive to tourists and investors from around the world.

Particular importance is placed on strengthening ties with Turkmenistan, which opens new horizons for joint projects and cross-border routes.

"Uzbekistan sincerely invites everyone to discover its beauty and hospitality, where the past inspires the future," the diplomat emphasized.

Enejan KEPBANOVA,

Seyli ARYSHOV

Photo: orient.tm