Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee and Air Arabia have discussed expanding air connectivity, launching new routes and jointly promoting the country’s tourism potential in international markets, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported.
At the meeting, the sides reviewed the current state of cooperation, Air Arabia’s existing route network in Uzbekistan and prospects for opening new destinations. Particular attention was paid to opportunities to attract more tourists to the country through the airline’s international network.
Air Arabia currently operates flights to Tashkent and Namangan. There are 13 flights per week from Tashkent to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
The sides discussed launching new direct flights to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other tourist centres in Uzbekistan. They are also considering increasing flight frequencies on the Tashkent–Sharjah and Tashkent–Abu Dhabi routes.
Another potential area of cooperation is attracting transit tourists from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.
The Tourism Committee and Air Arabia also agreed to focus on promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism opportunities through the airline’s digital platforms and in targeted international markets. The sides discussed developing special tourism packages and conducting joint marketing campaigns.
Plans also include organising familiarisation trips for bloggers, influencers, tour operators and media representatives. Air Arabia expressed its readiness to provide practical support for these trips, including covering air ticket costs for participating influencers and bloggers.
The sides also noted the growth in tourist arrivals from Europe to Uzbekistan and the need to promote the country more actively in European markets. As part of the cooperation, informational materials about Uzbekistan’s tourism opportunities and destinations are planned for distribution on board aircraft to introduce passengers in Europe and other target markets to the country.
Air Arabia also expressed its readiness to support the Umrah Plus project and cooperate in developing it as a distinct tourism product.
Airline representatives noted the changes in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector over the past 10 years. According to them, the country has seen an increase in the number of modern, high-class hotels, an expansion of accommodation options and improvements in tourism infrastructure.
Following the meeting, the sides reached practical agreements aimed at increasing tourist arrivals by expanding air connectivity and making greater use of Air Arabia’s international route network.
Air Arabia representatives have also been invited to attend the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair, “Tourism on the Silk Road,” scheduled for November.
The airline has also been invited to participate in the Investment Forum and MICE Tourism Conference, which will be held as part of the fair.
