Tashkent, Uzbekistan – AN Podrobno.uz reports that Uzbekistan is on the brink of a tourism revolution, with ambitious targets to attract 11 million foreign tourists and generate up to $2.5 billion from tourism services this year. This announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by the President to discuss the industry's development.
Global Campaign to Showcase Uzbekistan's Wonders
To achieve these goals, the President emphasized the need for a global advertising campaign to showcase the country's full tourism potential. Fifty international bloggers with a combined audience of over 10 million people will be invited to participate in informational tours across the republic.
A content creation contest dedicated to promoting the national brand will also be held, with a budget of $5 million allocated for this year. This initiative aims to engage creative talents in highlighting Uzbekistan's cultural and natural attractions.
This year, Tashkent will host international gastronomic festivals, followed by Khiva next year, to promote Uzbek cuisine. These festivals are part of an enhanced calendar plan to enrich the country's festival offerings and revise the requirements for concerts by renowned international artists.
The government has been tasked with improving the electronic visa issuance system and launching a mobile application to streamline the process for tourists.
During the meeting, the President engaged in an open dialogue with industry entrepreneurs, listening to their challenges and suggestions. Subsequently, he issued directives on financial support for tourism service operators, extending the VAT refund period as a subsidy, expanding export geography, creating domestic brands, and training mid-level specialists abroad.
The President proposed the creation of a Public Council for Tourism Development, which was met with support from industry representatives and entrepreneurs.
It was also decided at the meeting to establish a tourist cluster in Shahrisabz, further develop extreme and medical tourism, and launch a unified platform for ticket sales for trains and flights.
With these comprehensive measures, Uzbekistan is poised to make a significant leap forward in its tourism sector. By enhancing its global presence, enriching its cultural offerings, and streamlining visitor access, the country is setting the stage for a vibrant and prosperous tourism future. The President's vision is clear: to transform Uzbekistan into a premier destination that captivates the hearts and minds of travelers worldwide.
