Uzbekistan builds new tourism model focused on infrastructure

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A press conference for domestic and foreign media was held with the participation of Chairman of the Committee on Tourism Abduaziz Akkulov, focusing on ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector, new programs, and priority development directions.

It was noted that, in accordance with Resolution No. PP-348 of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 19 November 2023, the Committee on Tourism has been established and key sector development tasks have been defined through 2030.

According to the set targets, tourism’s share in GDP is planned to reach 7 percent, the number of foreign tourists is expected to rise to 20 million people, and tourism service exports are projected to exceed 6 billion US dollars.

It was also reported that on 15 January this year, measures for further development of the tourism sector were presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Following his instructions, a national working group conducted extensive field studies across the country.

During these meetings, dialogue was held with more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, during which over 200 pressing sector issues were discussed. It was noted that most proposals and initiatives were reflected in Presidential Resolution No. PP-161 dated 30 April 2024.

Special attention at the press conference was given to the introduction of a project management system in tourism. Work will now be structured along a systematic chain: “attractive location — project — infrastructure — entrepreneur — promotion — tourist.”

Within this approach, master plans are planned for 34 major tourism sites, along with the development of 31 new tourism locations.

In particular, a tourism project for the “Kipchak fishing village” complex in the Amu Darya district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan will be implemented under this system.

To ensure effective implementation of such initiatives, a state institution — the “Project Office for Tourism Infrastructure Development” — is being created under the Committee on Tourism.

It was also reported that in 2024, 950 billion soums will be allocated for tourism infrastructure development.

These funds are planned for road repairs, construction of engineering and utility networks, development of sanitation facilities, improvement of coastal areas, and other infrastructure projects.

At the same time, the number of accommodation facilities is expected to increase to 8,250, while the total room capacity will reach 95,000 rooms.

To develop eco, ethnographic, pilgrimage, gastronomic, medical, sports, and MICE tourism, a separate “Project Office for Tourism Products Development” is also being established.

A separate part of the press conference was dedicated to global trends in tourism.

It was emphasized that tourists are increasingly using artificial intelligence technologies, including ChatGPT, to plan trips, choose hotels, and calculate travel budgets.

Growing interest in tourism based on gastronomic, ecological, and cultural experiences was also highlighted.

Special attention was given to international cooperation. Preliminary agreements were reported with Expedia Group, Amadeus, and Trip.com to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in global markets.

In addition, informational and press tours are regularly organized for foreign tour operators and media representatives.

Special familiarization tours were conducted for tourism industry representatives from Russia, Türkiye, Pakistan, and neighboring countries. Uzbekistan has also been visited by journalists from leading media outlets in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

As noted at the press conference, international publications such as The Washington Post, The Telegraph, and Condé Nast Traveler have included Uzbekistan among the most promising tourism destinations of 2024.