European Experts Recommend Developing Congress Tourism and Promoting Uzbek Culture Abroad

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Members of the International Advisory Council, Alfred Gusenbauer, Aleksander Kwaśniewski, and Štefan Füle, completed a familiarization tour across the regions of Uzbekistan, during which they extensively studied the country’s tourism potential.

The delegation first visited Samarkand, where they explored historical and cultural monuments and assessed the state of tourism infrastructure and services.

Council members met with Acting Khokim of Samarkand Region Adiz Boboev, who provided information on the implementation of tourism development initiatives and plans for the near future. According to forecasts, the region is expected to receive around 3 million foreign and over 5 million domestic tourists by the end of the year. The guests noted Samarkand’s rich cultural heritage, atmosphere of tolerance, and the hospitality of the local population.

Former Federal Chancellor of Austria Alfred Gusenbauer emphasized that every landmark in the city reflects centuries of history and cultural diversity, highlighting the importance of creating additional amenities for tourists, including the development of congress tourism based on Vienna’s experience.

Next, the delegation visited Bukhara, where during a meeting with the regional Khokim Botir Zaripov, they discussed socio-economic reforms implemented in the region and nationwide. Particular attention was paid to measures aimed at economic liberalization, investment attraction, support for private entrepreneurship, and innovation adoption. The guests highly appreciated Bukhara’s tourism potential, noting its rich historical and cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and local hospitality. Former President of Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski highlighted the region’s potential for tourism and investment projects. By the end of the year, Bukhara is projected to host approximately 2.5 million foreign and 3.5 million domestic tourists.

The visit concluded in Khorezm Region. During a meeting with Khokim Zhurabek Rakhimov, prospects for cooperation with European Union countries were discussed. It was noted that over the past five years, the region’s trade turnover with the EU quadrupled to US$80 million, and the number of enterprises with foreign participation exceeded 200, including 47 joint ventures with European investors.

The guests were introduced to the development of tourism infrastructure, including the historical and architectural complex Ichon-Qala and the Arda Khiva tourist center, as well as to the region’s diversified economy, encompassing automotive manufacturing, light industry, agriculture, and tourism.

At the conclusion of the visit, the members of the International Advisory Council expressed their readiness to assist in promoting the Uzbek tourism brand in the European market. Proposed measures include popularizing Uzbek cuisine, increasing the number of direct flights, and organizing joint cultural events aimed at expanding international tourism exchange.