On April 9th, under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a videoconference meeting was held to discuss enhancing the tourism potential of regions and accelerating foreign investment projects. The President's press service reports this.
In recent years, the country's tourism export has increased by 1.6 times, reaching 3 billion 500 million dollars, with over 2,000 new entrepreneurs starting in this field. Last year, the number of foreign tourists visiting for the first time exceeded 10 million.
The tourism and service infrastructure in the regions is developing very rapidly. In particular, over the past 8 years, investments of 6 billion 500 million dollars have been made, opening 130,000 guest places.
Today, 20 tourism villages are operational. A new international skiing zone is being constructed at the “Golden Peak” of the Parkent district.
In fact, based on our country's history, culture, and nature, it is possible to increase the number of tourists by another 2-3 times. However, some areas have disadvantages such as inconvenient roads and transportation, and a lack of entertainment venues and interesting programs.
For this reason, at the meeting, measures to unveil local potentials, expand tourism directions, and enhance conditions for tourists were discussed.
For example, the majority of the Sariosiyo district consists of mountains, offering great potential for winter tourism. Projects worth 200 million dollars in cable cars, hotels, and trade-service services can be undertaken there. Chortoq district is also famous for its beautiful nature and healing waters.
Officials were tasked with developing a program for the development of 36 districts and cities based on ethno, gastronomic, medical, extreme, cultural-historical, pilgrimage, winter, and agritourism.
Today, Uzbekistan's travel is widely promoted on prestigious channels such as “BBC”, “Euronews”, and at more than 20 international exhibitions. Visa procedures are being simplified, and modern aircraft are being brought in.
Now, instructions have been given to take advantage of these opportunities to attract tourists from potential markets and to initiate direct flights.
Currently, a National Tourism Single Platform is being developed. Now it will also include processes for electronic visa issuance and ticket purchasing. In addition, a “universal tourist card” that allows entry to all historical sites will be introduced.
In recent years, due to increased attention to domestic tourism, the number of local tourists has reached 23 million. However, many have yet to travel to other provinces.
Therefore, from now on, one Saturday-Sunday each month will be declared as “a day to travel with family and community.” Winners of competitions among the youth will be gifted travel vouchers for trips across Uzbekistan.
