International tourist town to be developed in Khiva

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A new international tourist town covering 12.3 hectares is planned in Khiva. Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the project on 17 August, which envisages the development of hotel, retail, cultural and service infrastructure.

The architectural concept will combine Khorezm’s historical heritage with modern urban planning solutions. It draws on centuries-old regional traditions, including the historic layout and street network of the ancient city of Vazir, which became the first capital of the Khiva Khanate in 1511.

The tourist town will include hotels, a museum featuring historical and contemporary exhibits, restaurants serving national and international cuisine, retail facilities and service businesses.

A significant part of the complex will consist of green areas and pedestrian boulevards. The project also includes cascading fountains and internal canals. Parking areas are planned to be equipped with canopies fitted with solar panels.

The development of the new tourism complex comes amid growing tourist flows to Khorezm region. Over the past nine years, 280 hotels and guesthouses have been built in the region, while the hotel capacity has quadrupled. Eleven new tourist facilities have also been commissioned during this period.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Khorezm region has increased tenfold over the past five years. Against this backdrop, the region is focusing on expanding tourism infrastructure, improving service quality and increasing the length of visitors’ stays.

According to the project presentation, the new tourist town is expected to help reduce tourism pressure on Ichan-Kala and create additional routes and services for travelers.

The project is also expected to create thousands of new jobs. Green recreational areas free from motor traffic will be established within the complex.

The presentation noted that further development of Khorezm’s transport, logistics and tourism infrastructure will create conditions for increasing tourist flows, expanding the range of services and encouraging longer stays in the region.