Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the ongoing efforts to develop the tourism potential of the foothill area of the Gissar mountain range in the Shakhrisabz district.

Tourism is an industry that can create thousands of jobs, stimulate income growth, and give regions a modern appearance with relatively modest investments. The Kashkadarya region holds vast potential for the active development of this sector.

In line with a Presidential resolution dated 28 November 2023, large-scale projects are being implemented in the mountain districts of the region to establish modern tourism infrastructure. With the involvement of leading international experts and companies, construction of hotels, recreational areas, and service facilities is underway in the mahallas of Miraki, Amir Temur, Uloch, and Polmon. A total of 117 projects worth $400 million are being implemented across 240 hectares, expected to create around 1,700 new jobs.

The transformations taking place in Miraki are the result of consistent tourism sector reforms. Whereas the region’s natural resources were once underutilized and infrastructure was virtually nonexistent, a full-fledged tourism cluster has now emerged — the international tourism center “Miraki.”

The head of state toured the improved areas and newly created amenities. A 10-kilometer eco-trail for walking and cycling has been built along both banks of the Aksu River. Children’s and entertainment playgrounds, rest areas for the elderly, family guesthouses, and commercial pavilions have all been constructed, giving the mahalla a modern, well-kept appearance.

The "Miraki and Spa Resort" zone already features two hotels, a shopping and entertainment center, accommodations for 600 guests, and a 300-bed family hostel. This will allow for over 300,000 tourists to be welcomed annually.

President Mirziyoyev also reviewed the operation of a new hotel and commercial complex, as well as upcoming projects in the tourism sector. He stressed that Shakhrisabz’s unique advantage lies in its capacity for year-round tourism, meaning it is essential not only to build roads and hotels but also to expand the range of services offered.

“We are building infrastructure, but we must clearly understand: what will tourists do in Miraki? How will they spend their time, what will they buy? Based on this, we must shape our offerings and actively promote the region abroad,” — said President Mirziyoyev.

To attract investors to the new tourism cluster in Miraki, engineering networks have been laid and roads have undergone major repairs. Electricity supply has been improved. Near the Gissarak Reservoir, a cable car over two kilometers long has been built, along with a mountaintop restaurant at an altitude of 2,700 meters — all of which enhances the appeal of the destination.

The impact is already visible: last year, Kashkadarya region received over 2.5 million visitors, nearly half a million of whom visited Shakhrisabz district. These ongoing developments are expected to multiply the region’s tourist flow severalfold.