Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A regional tourism forum-dialogue titled "Navruz – The Ancient Cultural and Tourist Heritage of Central Asia" was held in Khujand during the trilateral summit of the heads of state of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The event was attended by Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Committee for Tourism of Uzbekistan, heads of relevant ministries from the three countries, and over 100 representatives from the tourism industry and media.

The main objectives of the forum were to strengthen international partnerships in tourism, promote Navruz as a shared cultural heritage and a key tourism brand for the region, and develop unique routes that would attract international travelers.

Uzbekistan has consistently advocated for the creation of a unified tourism space in Central Asia, allowing visitors to freely explore the region’s rich history and cultural diversity.

During the forum, Uzbekistan presented initiatives aimed at enhancing Central Asia’s tourism appeal. Key projects include:

"Golden Tourist Ring of the Fergana Valley" – A route combining nature reserves, mountainous landscapes, lakes, and historical landmarks from the three countries.

Joint Cultural-Tourism Project "Navruz in the Heart of Central Asia", which will integrate the festive events of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan into a single international route.

These initiatives will not only strengthen the region's image on the global tourism market but also contribute to the development of small and medium-sized businesses within the hospitality industry.

It is important to note that in 2009, Navruz was added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its global significance.

The forum also featured B2B meetings and presentations from tour operators, resulting in agreements aimed at deepening cooperation and increasing tourism flows between the countries.

This dialogue marked a significant step in the development of regional tourism and the strengthening of cultural ties within Central Asia.