Uzbekistan Expands “Umrah Plus” Pilgrimage Tourism Program with Subsidies and New Air Routes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In an effort to further develop tourism as a strategic sector of the economy, increase visitor flows, and enhance pilgrimage tourism infrastructure, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has adopted a resolution introducing additional measures to implement the “Umrah Plus” program.

The resolution follows the Presidential Decree No. UP-6165 dated 9 February 2021, “On Measures for the Further Development of Domestic and Pilgrimage Tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

Under the new measures, a roadmap has been approved to increase the number of pilgrimage tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia to Uzbekistan to 100,000 people by 2026–2027. As part of the program, until the end of 2026, the Tourism Committee will provide tour operators with a subsidy of USD 100 for each tourist brought from these countries under the “Umrah Plus” initiative.

The resolution also includes a comprehensive set of measures to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in Southeast Asian markets. Plans include organizing Ramadan and Kurban Bayram celebrations in Uzbekistan with participation from tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia. The campaign will be supported by themed promotional initiatives such as “In the Footsteps of Imam Bukhari” and “Spend Ramadan in Uzbekistan,” along with specialized roadshows in regions with significant Muslim populations, highlighting pilgrimage tourism opportunities.

Tourist routes will be developed to include attractions in Tashkent, as well as in Samarkand and Bukhara regions. In collaboration with the Agency for Cultural Heritage and local khokimiyats, voluntary discounts on cultural heritage sites, accommodation, dining, and other services will be offered to program participants during the off-season, from 20 November to 20 February in winter and in July during summer.

Additionally, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Tourism Committee, at least ten aircraft from local and international carriers will be secured within two weeks, including on lease terms. Competitive air routes will be proposed to tour operators, including Kuala Lumpur–Samarkand–Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur–Bukhara–Jeddah–Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta–Samarkand–Jeddah–Jakarta, and Jakarta–Bukhara–Jeddah–Jakarta.

These measures aim to strengthen Uzbekistan’s position as a leading center of pilgrimage tourism, expand international cooperation, and enhance the country’s appeal to Muslim travelers.