Uzbekistan Discusses Unified Central Asia Tourism Space

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee Abdulaziz Akkulov held talks on 11 May with Zulfiya Karimova, head of the CAREC program for grant support, cross-border tourism, and regional integration in Central Asia.

The discussions focused on the “Central Asia Tourism Ring” initiative proposed by Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank Board of Governors held in Samarkand.

The sides discussed the introduction of a unified visa system for tourists from third countries, the development of joint tourism routes, and the simplification of border crossing procedures between countries in the region.

During the meeting, proposals were also presented to establish dedicated corridors for organized tourist groups at border checkpoints in Uzbekistan. In addition, the participants discussed the idea of Central Asian countries participating under a single pavilion at international tourism exhibitions.

Particular attention was given to expanding air connectivity in order to strengthen tourism ties with long-haul markets, including the United States, Australia, and Latin American countries.

The sides also reviewed opportunities to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential through the Silk Road portal created within the CAREC program.

Following the talks, the parties agreed to launch pilot projects aimed at developing border infrastructure. The projects include the expansion of border checkpoints in the Fergana and Tashkent regions.

The meeting also covered cooperation with the Silk Road thematic office in Samarkand, implementation of joint training programs, and digitalization of the tourism sector.

The parties confirmed their intention to ensure the participation of Central Asian countries as a single tourism region at the FITUR international tourism exhibition in Madrid.