Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a meeting on tourism development and the acceleration of investment projects, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed officials to define tourism specializations for 36 districts and cities across the country. Special attention was given to the uneven development of tourism infrastructure and the need for a systemic approach.

The president reminded participants about the launch of the "tourist villages" program in 2022, but noted that the actual results so far have been modest. Only one tourist village has been established in each of the Kashkadarya and Jizzakh regions, while a project to introduce the Korean experience in Tashkent region has not been implemented.

Additionally, the development of handicraft centers and gastronomic tourism was criticized. For instance, there are still no handicraft centers in the Navoi and Syrdarya regions, and no gastronomic tourism sites in Jizzakh and Fergana regions. Tourism revenue in several areas remains low: less than US$30 million in Syrdarya and around US$65 million in Jizzakh and Surkhandarya regions.

In response, the president instructed that tourism specialization programs be approved for 36 territories. These programs will cover various types of tourism, including ethno-, agro-, gastro-, cultural-historical, medical, pilgrimage, and extreme tourism. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has been tasked with ensuring funding for these programs.

To simplify tourism procedures, the president also ordered the reduction of the registration period for trekking routes in the mountains from 2-3 months to 10 days, through the Unified Portal of Interactive State Services.

Among the promising directions, the Saryasiya district was highlighted for its potential in winter tourism. A $200 million project is possible there to build a cable car, hotel, and commercial and service facilities.

Additionally, the president pointed out the untapped potential of sanatoriums and mineral springs in Chartak and emphasized the importance of promoting the annual "Stihia" music festival in Muynak as a tool to attract tourists.