Tourism Committee Explains Outbound Travel Reform Proposal

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee has issued an official explanation following the circulation of what it described as one-sided and insufficiently examined social media posts concerning outbound tourism and proposed changes to the regulation of the sector.

The committee said that the number of Uzbek citizens travelling abroad for tourism has increased significantly in recent years as living standards have improved. More than 8 million citizens travelled abroad in 2025 alone.

Against this backdrop, the committee said ensuring the prompt evacuation of Uzbek citizens abroad, taking the necessary measures in emergency situations and facilitating their safe return home have become increasingly important.

Under current legislation, tour operators conduct their activities under a licensing system, while travel agents operate under a notification procedure.

According to the committee, an analysis of existing problems shows that tourists who arrange trips through travel agents without sufficient financial and other guarantees are often the most vulnerable when facing difficult situations abroad.

In response, a draft regulatory act titled "On Further Improving Measures to Regulate Overseas Travel by Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan" has been released for public consultation.

The committee said the document was prepared with consideration of international experience in regulating outbound tourism, including practices used in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

One of the proposed measures is the establishment of a Safe Tourism Fund. Under the draft, tour operators would be required to provide US$50,000.

According to the proposal, these funds would be used to compensate Uzbek citizens affected by emergency situations abroad and to cover expenses related to their evacuation and return to Uzbekistan.

Once the fund reaches its target reserve level, the designated contributions are expected to be returned in accordance with the established procedure while maintaining the required guarantees.

The draft was discussed during open meetings held at the Tourism Committee on 5 June 2026 and 6 July 2026 with the participation of representatives of the domestic and international tourism industry. The committee said the document was subsequently revised based on proposals and comments received during those discussions.

According to the committee, the main objective of the draft is to establish legal and financial mechanisms to protect the lives, safety and legitimate interests of Uzbek citizens while they are abroad.

The draft resolution is currently undergoing public consultation. The committee said all constructive proposals submitted by representatives of the tourism industry, businesses and the expert community would be considered in accordance with the established procedure.

The Tourism Committee called on the public to assess the draft objectively, rely on official sources of information and take an active part in the public consultation process.