Samarkand Tourism Expansion: Uzbekistan Signs Major Decree

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a major decree on June 10, unleashing aggressive tax incentives, cash subsidies for airlines, and structural expansions designed to radically scale up Samarkand's international tourism sector.

The executive order establishes a permanent, annual "Open Tourism Season" program running from June through August. The initiative deploys targeted state support mechanisms for inbound tour operators, hoteliers, and commercial airlines to neutralize the traditional summer off-peak slowdown and draw massive international traveler traffic.

Under the new fiscal framework, the government will implement an unprecedented tax rebate system during the peak summer months. Tour operators and hotels will receive a 50% value-added tax (VAT) refund delivered via an automated cashback system. During the rest of the year, the state's standard baseline refund rate will remain at 20%, subject to specific regulatory criteria.

To further accelerate arrivals, the state is injecting direct financial bonuses into the private travel sector:

Inbound Operator Subsidies: Uzbekistan-based resident tour operators will receive direct state budget payouts of $5,000 for every 1,000 foreign tourists they bring into the country.

Airline Route Incentives: Domestic and international airlines can claim direct state compensation to offset operational costs when launching brand-new flight routes into Uzbekistan.

Per-Passenger Payouts: The state will award airlines an additional cash payout of $100 for every individual foreign tourist landed on Uzbek soil.

The strategy also pivots heavily toward aggressive digital marketing. The government will fully sponsor luxury, seven-day travel itineraries for 50 elite foreign influencers boasting social media audiences of over 5 million subscribers each. Additionally, the decree guarantees state compensation for corporate marketing expenses incurred while promoting Uzbekistan's destinations on top-tier global travel booking engines and digital platforms.

"In tandem with these financial catalysts, the state will aggressively expand Samarkand's physical capacity," the executive directive notes. "The historical center of Samarkand will be pedestrianized with 13 new walking streets, its total hotel capacity will scale up to 85 active properties, and the region's annual tourism services volume is projected to reach $750 million."

The comprehensive package marks a structural shift in how Uzbekistan handles destination management, moving from general promotion to a highly aggressive, state-backed commercial model aimed at securing dominant market share in Central Asian tourism.