TASHKENT TO LAUNCH TRAIN SERVICE TO ISSYK-KUL STARTING SUMMER 2025
This agreement followed a bilateral meeting between Z. Narzullaev, Chairman of Uzbekistan Railways, and A. Sakiev, Head of Kyrgyz Railways, held as part of the 81st session of the Council for Rail Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). During the meeting, the two sides discussed strategies to enhance cargo transport volumes and implement tariff discounts for freight services.
Negotiations also included the transportation of key goods such as coal and cement between the two countries, leveraging the resources of Uzbekistan’s rail freight company, “Temiryul Cargo.” Plans to repair weighing station infrastructure for cargo management were also outlined.
In addition to the new tourism route, the two nations agreed to collaborate on training Kyrgyz railway personnel at Uzbekistan Railways’ training centers, with a specific focus on setting up specialized educational programs.
UZBEKISTAN AND SWITZERLAND COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP EXCLUSIVE TOURISM ROUTES
Uzbekistan's embassy has partnered with Swiss travel company Rubis Voyages and local operator Caravan Travel to showcase the tourism potential of Uzbekistan at a recent event in Berlin. The gathering brought together representatives from various Swiss tourism companies and industry experts, including Umid Shodiev, the chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee.I
n his opening remarks, Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov emphasized the Uzbek government's increasing focus on developing the tourism sector in recent years. He highlighted the significance of Uzbekistan's ancient cities, which hold a prominent place in global tourism.
During the event, participating tourism companies had the opportunity to network and engage with a presentation highlighting Uzbekistan's rich tourist offerings. A video presentation and speeches from experts provided insights into the country's unique cultural heritage, historical monuments, and diverse natural landscapes. These presentations aimed to further explore Uzbekistan's tourism potential and introduce the region's historical landmarks alongside modern tourism features.
The event also provided Swiss travel agencies and operators with detailed information about the opportunities for developing exclusive tourism routes in Uzbekistan. Participants expressed optimism about the potential for fruitful cooperation in the future
FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVAL IN UZBEKISTAN SURGE BY NEARLY 1 MILLION OVER 10 MONTHS
Uzbekistan welcomed approximately 6.5 million foreign tourists in the first ten months of this year, marking an increase of 951,000 visitors, or 17.2%, compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Statistics Agency.
October alone saw nearly 800,000 international arrivals, with Tajikistan remaining the top source of tourists. Since January, 1.878 million Tajik citizens have traveled to Uzbekistan, almost double the previous year’s figure. In October, over 200,000 Tajik visitors crossed the border.
Kyrgyzstan followed closely with 1.87 million tourists, while Kazakhstan ranked third with 1.26 million visitors. Russia contributed 686,700 tourists, and Turkmenistan 145,000.
Among non-neighboring countries, Turkey led the ranking, with 95,700 visitors. China (57,700) and India (55,900) also ranked high. South Korea and Italy followed, with 36,500 and 36,300 visitors, respectively.
October trends showed Turkey at the forefront, with 11,400 tourists. China and India each accounted for 7,300 visitors, while Italy and South Korea saw 6,000 and 3,900 arrivals, respectively.
A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MAY BE BUILT IN FERGANA VALLEY
According to the press service of the head of state, as the country develops, the mobility of citizens grows and international relations expand, which in turn necessitates the expansion of road, rail and air transport infrastructure. In particular, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 30, 2021, the transformation of joint-stock companies Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports continues.
At the end of 2021, 5.4 million passengers and 82,000 tons of cargo were transported through the country’s airports, and the volume of services provided to foreign airlines increased. As a result of cost optimization measures, the financial performance of all airports has improved. At the same time, a new air terminal complex of the Samarkand International Airport was built and put into operation. The reconstruction of terminal No. 2 of the Tashkent International Airport was carried out, its throughput capacity was doubled. The arrival hall of the Karshi airport has been updated.
In order to continue this work, a strategy for the development of the country’s airports until 2035 has been developed.
During the presentation, the program for the implementation of this strategy until 2026 was discussed. It provides for the specialization of airports, including the development of Tashkent airport as an international hub, Navoi airport as a cargo hub, Samarkand and Bukhara airports as tourist hubs.
Due to the modernization of the Tashkent International Airport, it is planned to increase the capacity to 2.4 thousand passengers per hour, increase the number of check-in counters, passport control booths and boarding gates.
The head of state stressed the need to expand the horizons and improve the skills of the airport staff, reduce the time of passenger service. Currently, the Andijan, Namangan and Fergana airports existing in the Fergana Valley are located within the city limits and are surrounded by dense buildings, which limits the possibility of their expansion. In this regard, it is proposed to build a new international airport, which will be the same for all three regions.
Uzbekistan is cooperating with the leading publishing company "Travel Tomorrow" to promote the country's tourism brand
In order to further strengthen the image of our country in European countries, increase the awareness and increase the flow of European tourists, cooperation has been established with the world-renowned publishing company "Travel Tomorrow."For information:"Travel Tomorrow" publishing company is the most important brand of "Buscardini Communications" (an independent European media agency with headquarters in Brussels) and covers the travel and tourism industry in global media. The publication unites the top 10 countries of the USA and Europe, the number of readers is 20 million, and the number of subscribers on social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram) is 60 thousand people.In addition, as part of this project, in order to promote Uzbekistan's image in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the foreign side plans to prepare a series of publications, in particular, to publish 12 articles (monthly 2 articles) by the leading publisher "Travel Tomorrow."In general, cooperation with "Travel Tomorrow" opens up new prospects for promoting Uzbekistan's tourism potential on the international stage. Joint information campaigns will help to increase the interest of European audiences in the cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as attract more tourists who want to get acquainted with the unique traditions and attractions of our country.
More than 4 million foreigners visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in January-July 2024 – Statistics Agency
According o the Statistics Agency, a total of 4.2 million foreign citizens visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes between January and July 2024.
This figure represents an increase of 562,500 people or 15.3% compared to the same period last year.
During the reporting, citizens of the following countries visited Uzbekistan for tourism:
- Kyrgyz Republic – 1.2 million
- Tajikistan – 1.2 million
- Kazakhstan – 845.8 thousand
- Russia – 442.1 thousand
- Turkmenistan – 83.7 thousand
- Turkey – 62 thousand
- China – 35.5 thousand
- India – 33.3 thousand
- South Korea – 23.9 thousand
- Italy – 19.5 thousand
- Other countries – 211.2 thousand
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Uzbekistan tops rankings of countries actively developing tourism
Over the last five years, Uzbekistan has significantly improved its performance and climbed 16 spots in the tourism and travel sector development rankings.
Uzbekistan has led the ranking of countries that, over the past five years from 2019 to 2024, most actively developed their economies for the global tourism market, according to a report on the state of the international tourism and travel market prepared by the World Economic Forum.
During this period, the country climbed 16 positions (+7.8%) and now ranks 78th out of 119 countries in the tourism and travel sector development ranking.
Besides Uzbekistan, the list includes Côte d'Ivoire (+6.4%), Albania (+5.9%), Saudi Arabia (+5.7%), Tanzania (+4.5%), Indonesia (+4.5%), the UAE (+4.4%), Egypt (+4.3%), Nigeria (+4.2%), and El Salvador (+4%).
Additionally, a separate ranking was compiled for the top 10 countries contributing to the development of the global tourism market, which includes the USA, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Italy, and Switzerland.
Experts believe that this year, thanks to the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and strong pent-up demand, the international tourism market should return to pre-pandemic levels.
