Uzbekistan and Georgia agreed to expand cooperation in the tourism sector

During his official visit to Georgia, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Akkulov held a meeting with the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration Maia Omiadze. Prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector were discussed, and new areas of cooperation were outlined.

The parties focused on increasing mutual tourist flows, creating joint tourist routes and products, and promoting them on the international market.

The improvement of tourism statistics was a focus of the negotiations. The parties agreed to establish an exchange of experience in compiling statistics on inbound and domestic tourism, as well as in the methodology for conducting sample surveys of tourists at airports and checkpoints across the state border.

The Uzbek side expressed interest in studying the Georgian experience of applying tax benefits, including a value-added tax (VAT) refund system for foreign tourists and the use of a zero VAT rate for tour operators as tools to stimulate inbound tourism.

In addition, the parties discussed the development of mountain tourism, gastronomy, and ethnotourism. In this regard, an agreement was reached on the exchange of experts and the involvement of Georgian specialists in implementing promising tourism projects in Uzbekistan.

Following the negotiations, it was decided to organize joint press tours for media representatives, bloggers, and opinion leaders, as well as to step up participation in international tourism exhibitions, forums, and other specialized events held in both countries.

Following the meeting, Uzbekistan and Georgia confirmed their intention to consistently strengthen their tourism partnership, implement joint projects, and promote further growth in mutual tourist exchange.

Aziza Alimova, UzA