Central Asia as a single tourist destination
Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan in tourism is reaching a new level.
A roundtable meeting at the Tourism Committee, with the participation of leading tour operators from the two countries, discussed issues related to increasing tourist flows, creating joint tourist routes, and promoting Central Asia globally as a single tourist destination.
The event was attended by Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Nurbek Saparov, Executive Director of the Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators (KATO). Leading tour operators, as well as representatives of the hotel and transport sectors of the two countries, exchanged views on prospects for cooperation.
The importance of developing joint tourist routes combining the historical cities of Uzbekistan, such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, and their rich cultural heritage with Kyrgyzstan’s unique mountain regions, ecotourism and natural attractions was emphasized.
As part of cooperation with KATO, the parties paid particular attention to organizing information tours for tourism specialists from the two countries, presenting joint Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan tourist routes on international markets, and widely promoting them through digital platforms and the media.
One of the most important initiatives of the meeting was the presentation of the tourism potential of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan at international exhibitions and fairs under the single regional brand “Central Asia”. It is planned to showcase to the world the region’s rich history, cultural diversity and natural beauty as a single tourist destination through joint national stands, presentations and marketing events.
An agreement was reached to attract tourists from third countries and actively promote planned direct flights from Bishkek to Samarkand and Urgench.
Muhayyo Toshqorayeva, UzA
