Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In order to diversify tourism services and accelerate the implementation of investment projects, create more favorable conditions for the development of eco-tourism through the rational use of the existing natural resources of our country, on 12 January 2024, the Presidential Resolution “On measures for accelerated development” was adopted ecological tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan".

The document is aimed at attracting foreign direct investment in the field of ecotourism, providing employment and expanding sources of income for the population living in mountainous and inaccessible areas, in desert areas by creating additional opportunities for business entities.

According to the decision, in eco-territories (in buffer zones of state reserves, national natural parks, nurseries, forestry and hunting farms, in mountain and desert areas, in water protection zones of water bodies), entrepreneurs will be allocated land plots for the creation of tourist clusters with the organization of comprehensive tourism services.

At the same time, land plots are leased for a period of 10 years with the possibility of subsequently changing the service life through the electronic trading platform “E-auksion”.

Also, tourist facilities in tourist clusters of eco-territories will be built from lightweight, prefabricated and environmentally friendly building materials.

In addition, the Ministry of Ecology will develop programs for the development of ecoregions. The programs will focus on preventing negative impacts on the environment when providing tourism services in clusters.

According to the decision, the following will be organized in ecoterritories:
— hiking trails, selfie zones, picnic zones, picturesque viewing platforms;
— trash cans, road signs, sanitary and hygiene points;
— campsites, glampings, yurt camps, eco-houses and other accommodation facilities;
— parking lots, including electric vehicle charging stations and mobile restaurants, in the entrance zone of eco-territories;
— tourist centers (visitor centers), informing tourists about available services, tourism potential and an electronic map of eco-territories.

When transferring land plots for lease to entrepreneurs in ecoterritories, the following will be provided:
— compliance with the Ecoterritory Development Program by entrepreneurs;
— stability of the environmental situation;
— preservation of the gene pool of unique natural objects and complexes, plants and animals;
— diversification of tourism services based on environmental requirements and bringing the quality of services to the level of international standards;
— implementation of projects in order to create a unique ecological system through the introduction of the latest modern energy-saving systems and technologies using alternative and renewable energy sources;
— attracting domestic and foreign investment in eco-territories;
— increasing incomes of the population by creating new jobs;
— creation of innovative and modern tourism infrastructure;
— increase in visitors to eco-territories;
— creation of tourist paths and installation of road signs in accordance with relevant requirements;
— organization of Planting Tour, Plogging Tour and other environmental events;
— implementation of promotion programs based on the developed brand of ecoterritories;
— increasing the recreational potential of ecoterritories;
— ensuring the maintenance of records of tourists by tourist centers of tourist clusters.
Ecotourism services will be launched in such state reserves and national natural parks as Surkhan, Gissar, Nurata, Zaamin reserves, Sudoche-Akpekti, Barsakelmes, Saigachiy, Central Kyzylkum, Southern Ustyurt, Zarafshan, Khorezm , Zaamin Parks and Yukori Tupalang. 

It is also planned to launch ecotourism services in the national natural parks "Bobotog", the Lower Amudarya State Biosphere Reserve, the Bukhara specialized nursery "Jeyran", as well as in Burchmulla, Kyzyrik, Baysun, Bobotog, Gissar, Uzun, Surkhandarya, Dekhkanabad, Akhangaron state forestry enterprises and Dargomsky state timber industry complex.

In addition, by 1 September 2024, the electronic platform “Travel to Nature” and its mobile application will be launched, where the following will be available: an electronic map of the eco-territories of tourist clusters; services, travel planning functions, booking accommodation facilities; information about mountains and caves, as well as tourist paths of the republic.

Moreover, until 1 January 2027:
– Entrepreneurs who have organized resort areas in desert areas (hotels with a category (stars), SPA centers, sanatoriums and boarding houses) and provide recreational tourism services for 3 years pay income tax and property tax at rates reduced by 50% of the established rate.

– Legal entities that have created theme parks in desert areas, within 3 years from the date of commissioning, pay income tax and property tax at rates reduced by 50% of the established rate.