Tourism is one of the spheres contributing to the progressive development of the state. In the world, the tourism industry is defined as the driver of the economy, because it requires a qualitative transformation of all areas of infrastructure, which in turn increases and strengthens the country's authority. 

Uzbekistan, located at the crossroads of ancient civilizations and cultures, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations. There are more than seven thousand unique historical and architectural monuments on the territory of the republic. Picturesque nature, biosphere reserves and national parks guarantee a lot of emotions. The people of Uzbekistan keep centuries-old traditions, and the diverse Uzbek national cuisine will not leave indifferent the most discerning gourmets from all over the world.   

In the tourism industry, culture, art, architecture, handicrafts, as well as transport and social services reach a high level of development. All this turns the industry into a highly profitable one. Therefore, large-scale work is being carried out in the country to develop the tourism system at the level of world standards, its full support by the state, the creation of benefits for enterprises in the sphere, the formation of infrastructure. 

Openness to the world, mystery and peace 

- the image of the New Uzbekistan

In recent years, the process of implementing reforms aimed at completely updating the image of Uzbekistan has been accelerated. Based on the initiatives and ideas of the President, an Action Strategy was adopted for five priority areas of the country's development in 2017-2021, and a Strategy for the Development of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026. In accordance with these important documents, large-scale reforms are being implemented aimed at further improving the welfare of the people, transforming economic sectors and accelerating the development of entrepreneurship, ensuring human rights and interests, as well as the formation of an active civil society.    

The reforms implemented in the tourism sector deserve special recognition: the enormous potential and opportunities of Uzbekistan in this direction have not been used properly for many years. The lack of modern infrastructure and an attractive image, a non-compliant service system, and most importantly, a "closed" policy, excessive difficulties in visa rules for a number of countries, despite the manifestation of great interest in Uzbekistan, forced foreigners to postpone their trip to our republic.  

Thanks to the political will of the head of state, Uzbekistan has opened up to the outside world, integration into the world community has intensified.  Visa procedures have been simplified for citizens of a number of countries. The true historical changes taking place in the field of human rights, the expansion of openness, openness, transparency, sustainability of development, peace and tranquility have strengthened the authority of Uzbekistan on the world stage. And this was the root cause of the increase in the number of tourists wishing to visit the sunny republic. 

Program documents aimed at the development of the sphere 

Today, the scale of work carried out for the development of tourism is expanding. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Tourism", dozens of decrees and resolutions of the President and the Government have been adopted. Among them is the Decree of the Head of state "On measures to ensure the accelerated development of the tourism industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan" dated December 2, 2016. The document defines a number of tasks in order to create favorable economic and organizational and legal conditions for the intensive development of tourism as a strategic branch of the country's economy, the fullest and most effective use of the huge tourism potential of the regions, cardinal improvement of the management of the tourism industry, creation and promotion of the national tourism product to world markets.  

The Presidential Decree "On additional measures to accelerate the development of tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan" dated January 5, 2019 raised to a new level the work carried out in order to create favorable conditions for the development of tourism (primarily in the private sector), increase the competitiveness and quality of services provided, active and comprehensive promotion of the national tourism product on world markets. According to this Decree, the legal framework in the field of tourism is being improved, international norms and standards are being implemented. Infrastructure is developing, an accessible and comfortable environment is being formed. Measures are being taken to improve transport logistics, expand external and internal routes, and improve the quality of transport services. The industry is being diversified. The activity of tourism entities focused on meeting the needs for relevant services within the republic is stimulated. 

As a result of the large-scale work being carried out to promote the tourist product on the international and domestic markets, the image of the country as safe for travel and recreation is being strengthened.  

The system of training, retraining and advanced training of personnel for the tourism industry is developing, because the development of the sphere depends on their potential, knowledge and skills. 

Priority tasks, long-term plans 

In order to further improve the tourist infrastructure and expand the scope of services in 2023, priority tasks and plans have been outlined in a number of areas that are of great importance in determining the prospects of the sphere. In particular, it is planned to attract seven million foreign and 12 million domestic tourists to our country. This will allow the export of relevant services for two billion dollars.

It is planned to put into operation 170 hotels, 58 hostels, 45 service networks of other categories. As well as along the tourist transport corridor, caravanserais will be organized in oriental and modern styles, taking into account the traditional architecture and the specifics of this region.   

In order for tourism to develop equally effectively in the country, 410 family guest houses are planned to be built in remote areas. As a result, additional jobs will be created in mountain and foothill villages, and the population will be provided with a permanent source of income. It is in this direction that 80 specialized enterprises will open in the regions, whose activities will contribute to the development of promising industries, the expansion of modern types of services, the formation of convenient and efficient infrastructure facilities. 

At the same time, it is important to establish a good service in the transport sector, in particular, to ensure constant air transportation, to achieve the provision of affordable, high-quality and safe services. In order to attract foreign airlines to carry out regular flights, the II International forum Uzbekistan Airports, Aviation & Logistics Forum is planned to be held in Samarkand this year. As a result of the purchase by the airline of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft and an Airbus H145 helicopter, the number of flights to such countries with high potential for pilgrimage tourism as Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Arab countries, Tatarstan and Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation, as well as to neighboring republics will increase. 

The number of flights of the Hungarian company Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi to the ancient and eternally young Samarkand will be at least four times a week. Measures have been taken to organize regular flights to Hungary, Romania, Italy and Cyprus.