VII Hotel Business Forum 2026 Opens in Tashkent: AI as a Driver of Hospitality Transformation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 13–14 February 2026, the VII Hotel Business Forum is being held at Hilton Tashkent City, serving as an annual international platform for the hotel and HoReCa industries. This year’s main theme is: “Artificial Intelligence: the New Trend in Tourism and Hospitality.”

The event is organized by the Uzbekistan Hoteliers Association with official support from the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The forum brings together investors, developers, hotel and restaurant owners and managers, international experts, tour operators, restaurateurs, suppliers, and market partners to discuss practical solutions, exchange experience, and expand business networks.

Focus on Practice and Innovation

The business program emphasizes real-world cases and management decisions already applied in the industry. Key topics include the use of AI technologies in hotel and restaurant management, improving service quality, marketing and sales development, and implementing sustainable and “green” practices.

Participants discuss:

• Investment opportunities and new projects in hospitality;
• Impact of smart and eco-friendly technologies on business sustainability;
• Balancing technology with human touch in service;
• The role of female leadership in the industry;
• Developing soft skills in the AI era;
• The “restaurant of the future” concept—its technology, gastronomic trends, and eco-friendliness.

The program includes plenary sessions with international speakers, panel discussions, case studies, presentations of IT solutions and service platforms, as well as B2B meetings and international networking.

Regional managers of global hotel brands such as Radisson Hotel Group, Hilton, Accor, Marriott International, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, along with speakers from InterContinental Hotels Group and Minor Hotels, participate in the forum.

Interactive B2B Exhibition and Industry Agreements

An interactive B2B exhibition showcases a full range of products and services for the HoReCa segment: equipment, professional tableware and inventory, furniture and interiors, textiles and uniforms, automation, security, lighting, and audio systems.

The forum also serves as a platform for signing memorandums and agreements aimed at further development of Uzbekistan’s hotel industry and tourism sector.

National Hospitality Awards

The V National Hospitality Awards ceremony is held as part of the forum, recognizing the best industry professionals for 2025. Entries span from the Republic of Karakalpakstan to the Fergana Valley, with 210 hotels participating and 305 applications submitted.

Final evaluation consists of:

50% — guest reviews via the international platform TrustYou;

50% — assessment by the jury members.

Industry Dynamics

International hotel brands continue expanding their presence in Uzbekistan. As of January 1, 2026, global chains including IHG, Accor, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, Hilton, and Hyatt operate in the country.

In 2025, 1,023 new accommodations opened across the regions, including 136 hotels, 528 family guest houses, 298 hostels, and 61 other facilities. The total number of accommodations reached 6,921, with a room capacity of 185,600 beds.

Uzbekistan hosted 11.6 million foreign tourists in 2025. Domestic tourism through the “Travel Around Uzbekistan” program accounted for 23.7 million regional trips.

The VII Hotel Business Forum 2026 serves as a key platform for strengthening international cooperation, accelerating innovation adoption, and enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s tourism industry.