Uzbekistan Heritage

Several centers of historical cities are included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. What kind of measures are taking to preserve them?

According to The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to accelerate the development of the tourism industry”, the State Committee for Tourism Development together the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan are working to select the best business entities for the implementation of modern information technologies at facilities and cultural institutions.

Therefore, in order to attract investors to the objects of cultural heritage, the government provides different privileges and bonuses for investors who create touristic infrastructure on the territory. For example, the leasing facilities for up to 30 years is provided.

Moreover, tenants are free from paying rent for the first five years, in condition that that the amount equal to the five-year lease is invested for the restoration and conservation of tangible cultural heritage sites in which they are located, as well as compliance with the standards for the preservation of tangible cultural heritage

Welcoming the World to Uzbekistan

We need to build big hotels, complexes which will be able to receive and serve to a big number of people in one go. So, government is encouraging to accelerate these processes by giving subsidiaries and other preferences for entrepreneurs.

Moreover, in line with The First International Forum on ziyorat-tourism held in Bukhara, on February 2019, which was attended by over 120 foreign guests, including representatives of significant international organizations in the Islamic world, industry-related departments, universities, clergy, tourist administrations, academia, tourist companies in the field of tourism, as well as representatives of local media and tour operators, as well as 14 representatives of foreign mass media, Uzbekistan once again informed about the country's tourism potential, recent reforms in the field of doing business in the tourism industry, and opportunities created for foreign investors.

Tourism Expansion Projects

There are lot of other similar projects to implement. Now we have a contract with Turkish company “Idealist”, which is working on projects in creating in mountain resorts of Djizzakh, Namangan and Surkhandarya. We can offer to the investors separate parts or whole complex of these completed projects with their all master plans and required instructions for realization prepared by the company. Another project is construction of resort complex near the canal of “Shavat” in Khorezm region. We are trying to present concrete product to investors and create comfortable facilities to work in the country.

What is the plan for diversification of tourism-product of Uzbekistan and what is the principal of Ziyarat tourism in Uzbekistan?

Diversification of tourism product is one of the crucial directions of our activity. Most foreign tourists aware of mainly our ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva though there is a huge potential to develop Agro tourism, Gastronomic tourism, Wine tourism and Ziyarat tourism in regions and other old cities of Uzbekistan which have not discovered fully yet.

Uzbekistan is one of the most attractive places in the world, especially for Muslim tourists with rich religious history and culture and that is why our country attracts a lot of tourists. Some centuries ago religion, culture, education flourished in main cities and its kept that historic beauty, charm and greatness till today.

As pilgrimage tours — Umra runs the whole year, we can offer “Umra+” parcels to our Muslim tourists as extension of their pilgrimage, from Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Arabian countries, Singapore, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and others. But still there is a lot to do to attract more tourists and increase comfortability. Now we are developing “Umra+” parcels, improving logistics through trying negotiating with different air companies.

Tourism In Uzbekistan - Visa and Travel

Simplification of the visa system and the creation of favorable conditions for travel companies provoked a great growth of number of tourists: from about 2.6 million to 5.3 million people compared with 2017. And this, of course, increases the income of both travel companies and the state.


Considering great interest, the government continued this practice and simplified theregime. At the moment passport holders of 46 states, including Europe, Thailand, Saudi Arabia can enter Uzbekisatn visa-free for 30 days and more countries’ citizen can obtain electronic visa in four easy steps. For travelers who stop over in Uzbekistan up to 5 days visa-free transit regime is also available upon providing of air tickets to third country. Now our efforts are focused on raising awareness of international audience on tourism opportunities of Uzbekistan to attract more and more visitors to our country.

Since Uzbekistan has always been and remains a very important market for many international airline-companies, the number of airlines providing their services in our country is increasing because of significant changes in legislation and the economy. Today these are: Uzbekistan airways, Aeroflot, Asiana Airlines, Iran air, Korean airlines, Somon air, Turkish airlines, Fly Dubai, Lufthansa, Transaero Airlines, Estonian Air, Emirates, Czech Airlines and this list will grow.

Touristic potential of Uzbekistan comprises facilities for ski resorts. Many winter sports enthusiasts are waiting for the opening of the new ski resorts. What can you tell about “Amirsoy” and what perspectives you can see in this complex? 

“Amirsoy” is a good project. It is a promising project to invest in. As our president is encouraging, we need more foreign investments.

Developing Tourism In Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the land that has enormous tourist potential. The country is considered as one of the centers of tourism not only in Central Asia, but throughout the world. In 2018 the number of
tourists in Uzbekistan increased up to 5,3 millions. This significant growth is due to the recent changes in touristic sector: cancellation of visa regime for 76 countries, developing
touristic infrastructure as well as creating comfortable conditions for investors in the field.

That is why the touristic sector is considered to be one of the most dynamic sectors of the republic, therefore, it provokes an economic growth in total. “Visit Uzbekistan” had an exclusive interview with the chairman of The State Committee of the
Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development, Mr. Abdulaziz Akkulov. He answered the questions about reforms, achievements, problems and objectives on tourism in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan as the country situated in the very heart of Central Asia and rich for its historical heritage. Last two years were crucial for the development of tourism in the republic. How do you evaluate tangible results?

Indeed, these two years became an important milestone for tourism development in Uzbekistan, implementation of the reforms and testing our market. The main objective is that tourism should become one of the major sectors of national economy. Introduction of green corridors, liberalization of visa regime, launch of electronic visa, promotion of Uzbekistan’s touristic destinations had lead to doubling of the tourists flow to our country. In 2018 Uzbekistan received 5,3 mln visitors in comparison to 2,6 mln in 2017. Export of tourism services has reached 1 bln 40 mln USD last year. However, there are still challenges in the area, especially, in terms of hotel infrastructure and affordable accommodation.

To encourage entrepreneurs, we have simplified the process of licensing and certification for opening
a hostel, guest house, homestay. While international visitors mainly come to Uzbekistan on a seasonal bases, guest houses provided by locals is a great support for the hospitality industry.
We are also focusing on diversification of tourism products, introducing new areas as farm tourism, wine tourism, winter recreations and others. Tourism development concept has been adopted for the next seven years and we believe that more exciting opportunities are yet to come.

It’s worth to note liberalization of visa regime. What are the results and further plans in this area? 

In 2018 visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been introduced for nine countries. As a result, number of tourists from these countries had increased twice.

Travel To Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country with potential for an expanded tourism industry. Many of its Central Asian cities were main points of trade on the Silk Road, linking Eastern and Western civilizations. Today the museums of Uzbekistan store over two million artifacts, evidence of the unique historical, cultural and spiritual life of the Central Asian peoples that have lived in the region. Uzbekistan attracts tourists with its historical, archeological, architectural and natural treasures.

According to the Statistical Internet Survey, carried out in May 7-August 27, 2008, the largest proportion of those surveyed (39%) visit the country because of their interest in the architectural and historical sites of Uzbekistan. The next-largest group (24%) visit Uzbekistan to observe its culture, way of life and customs.

Cultural Tourism is the only major product Uzbekistan is providing to visitors since its independence. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are hot spots of tourism.

Tourist activities in Uzbekistan range from outdoor activities, such as rock-climbing, to exploration of its rich archeological and religious history.

In 2005, 240,000 tourists from 117 countries visited Uzbekistan. The industry earned US$30 million (90.9% of forecast). Overall, the tourism sector served 621,700 people and rendered services for 40.6 billion soums (73.1% of forecast). The industry earned 598.4 million soums. Each autumn, the Uzbek travel industry holds an International Tourism Fair.

Uzbekistan is located on the Great Silk Road and many neighboring countries (including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) promote their countries based on their location along the Great Silk Road.