Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A ceremony dedicated to World Tourism Day, observed on 27 September, was held in Tashkent, bringing together representatives of the tourism industry, government and public organizations, entrepreneurs, industry veterans and partner organizations.
At the beginning of the event, Sherzod Asadov, Head of the Communications Department of the Presidential Administration and Press Secretary to the President of Uzbekistan, read out a message from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed to tourism industry workers.
The message noted that Uzbekistan’s policy of openness, the gradual simplification of the visa regime, and the development of transport and hotel infrastructure had given fresh impetus to the country’s tourism industry. In particular, around 12 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2025.
The President emphasized that these figures reflect the work of thousands of specialists who contribute to the development of tourism and the improvement of service quality every day.
Participants paid particular attention to the President’s proposal to establish the honorary title “Honored Tourism Worker of the Republic of Uzbekistan.” The new state distinction is intended to recognize the professional contribution of specialists who have dedicated their work to the development of tourism.
The industry has been set ambitious targets: by 2030, increase the number of foreign tourists to 20 million, raise tourism’s share of GDP to 7%, and increase exports of tourism services to more than US$8 billion.
Achieving these goals will require the further introduction of modern approaches, development of tourism infrastructure, improvement of service quality, and support for professional initiatives and entrepreneurship.
As part of the celebrations, tourism industry representatives were awarded the “Tourism Fidoyisi” badge. The recipients included active specialists, government employees, representatives of public organizations, entrepreneurs and social-sector representatives who have contributed to the development of tourism in Uzbekistan.
A separate part of the programme focused on developing souvenir products as an important component of Uzbekistan’s tourism offering. The results of the first stage of the Uzbek Gift Contest, organized by the Tourism Committee together with the Hunarmand Association and the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, were announced.
More than 600 entries were submitted to the competition. Following the jury’s assessment, 10 leading artisans in various fields were selected and awarded, including wood, bone and stone carving, embroidery, jewellery, national doll-making and textiles.
The event also featured the Gastro Marketplace and Tourist Friendly Restaurant projects, aimed at developing gastronomic tourism.
The initiatives provide for further improvement of service standards at food establishments, promotion of national cuisine among foreign visitors and development of Uzbekistan’s gastronomic potential as a standalone tourism product.
The cultural programme continued with the “Omadli Mehmon” interactive quiz, whose winners received travel packages for trips around Uzbekistan.
The event concluded with a gala concert featuring well-known Uzbek performers.
