Uzbekistan and China strengthen tourism collaboration
The Uzbekistan – China Tourism Business Forum, titled “New Opportunities, Sustainable Partnerships”, was held as part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum.
The event brought together tourism industry representatives, investors, hotel operators, and related organizations from both countries to discuss prospects for expanding tourism exchanges and launching joint projects. The forum included representatives from three major international hotel groups, all recognized among the world’s leading hotel operators.
Sanjar Tadjiyev, Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, delivered welcoming remarks to the participants. He noted that the introduction of a visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and China had strengthened bilateral ties. According to him, more than 278,000 Chinese citizens visited Uzbekistan in 2025, and more than 178,000 Chinese tourists visited the country in the first five months of 2026.
During the forum, participants were presented with information on the tourism and investment potential of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, and Namangan regions. Representatives of the Chinese National Cultural Centre in Uzbekistan and the Argyle Hotels Group also delivered presentations.
On the eve of the event, the foreign delegation visited tourism and hotel infrastructure in Tashkent and the capital region, exploring opportunities to promote international brands in the Uzbek market.
During B2B negotiations, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in hotel, pilgrimage, ecological, gastronomic, and wellness tourism, as well as the implementation of joint investment projects. Chinese representatives expressed interest in expanding their activities in Uzbekistan.
Following the forum, the partners signed five memoranda of cooperation to develop the industry and strengthen business ties between the two countries.
Aziza Alimova, UzA
