Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia are seeking to expand cooperation in tourism, with discussions focusing on investment, destination promotion, increased tourist flows and the development of tourism infrastructure.
Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee Chairman Abdulaziz Akkulov held talks with Mohammed Abunayyan, co-chair of the Uzbek-Saudi Business Council and head of ACWA. The parties discussed ways to attract investment to Uzbekistan’s tourism sector, promote the country’s tourism potential and increase travel between the two countries.
The meeting covered implementation of the Action Plan on Tourism signed in June 2026, as well as opportunities for Saudi investors to participate in tourism infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan. The parties also discussed master plans for tourism zones and the development of public-private partnerships.
Another priority was promoting Uzbekistan in the Saudi market through digital public relations campaigns and tourism packages tailored to Saudi travellers’ preferences. The discussions also addressed stronger ties between tourism companies and simplified visa procedures.
One proposal was to establish a permanent Uzbekistan pavilion at the Boulevard World complex in Riyadh. The pavilion would showcase the country’s cultural heritage and tourism opportunities, while allowing visitors to book and purchase travel packages.
Preparations for the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair, “Tourism on the Silk Road,” scheduled for 25–27 November 2026, were also discussed. The participants considered organising familiarisation trips to Uzbekistan for representatives of Saudi tourism companies and bloggers, holding business-to-business (B2B) meetings and developing travel itineraries lasting five to seven days.
Expanding direct air connections and introducing seasonal charter flights were identified as additional areas for potential cooperation.
The parties also explored involving Saudi MICE companies in organising international conferences and business events in Uzbekistan. They highlighted the importance of exchanging calendars of major tourism, cultural and entertainment events in both countries.
Saudi investors are also expected to be invited to the International Tourism Investment Forum, which will be held for the first time as part of the Tashkent International Tourism Fair.
Following the talks, the parties agreed to continue discussing promising projects and working on the agreed areas of cooperation to strengthen practical ties and expand tourism exchanges between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia.
