Uzbekistan tourism, Karakalpakstan tourism, Khiva travel, Silk Road destinations, tourism development Uzbekistan, international tour operators, eco tourism Aral Sea, cultural heritage Uzbekistan, destination marketing, Central Asia tourism
Uzbekistan Showcases Tourism Potential to Global Operators
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From April 17 to 23, 2026, within the framework of the Destination Karakalpakstan 2026 forum, Uzbekistan hosted a large-scale familiarization tour with participation from leading tour operators representing 20 countries across Europe and Asia. The route covered Tashkent, the Khorezm region, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
The tour brought together representatives of travel companies from France, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and China. The main objective of the initiative was to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in the international market, develop new travel routes, and strengthen partnerships with foreign operators.
The program began in the capital, Tashkent, where participants were introduced to the city’s modern tourism infrastructure, new attractions, and its rapidly evolving urban landscape.
In Khorezm region, the delegation visited historical landmarks in Khiva, including Itchan Kala and the Nurullaboy Palace. These sites provided an opportunity to explore the region’s unique architectural heritage and traditional urban planning.
Special attention was given to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, where participants visited ancient monuments such as Ayaz-Kala and Chilpik-Kala in the Ellikkala district. These sites highlighted the region’s rich historical and cultural legacy and traces of ancient civilizations.
The program also included visits to the Aral Sea region, where participants observed unique ecological landscapes and discussed prospects for developing eco-tourism. As part of the itinerary, guests visited yurt camps showcasing tourism infrastructure, accommodation standards, and services based on national traditions.
Participants also experienced traditional lifestyles, sampled national cuisine, and assessed the country’s hospitality standards.
The familiarization tour marked an important step in promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism brand and expanding international cooperation in the tourism sector.