Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As part of the ongoing anniversary 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, a meeting was held between the working group of the Uzbekistan Temir Yollari joint stock company and representatives of the country’s leading tour operators.

The meeting was timed to discuss and develop the tourism potential of Uzbekistan, as well as the problems in the field of railway transport that tour operators face in the provision of their services.

The meeting was attended by the First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari JSC Kh. Rakhmetov, Advisor to the First Deputy Chairman of the Board U. Ibragimov, Acting General Director of Uztemiryulyulovchi JSC Sh. Kadyrov, as well as representatives of travel companies such as Grand Asia Group, Central Asia Travel, Marakanda Travel, Doira travel, Wow travels, Turan travel service, Asia adventures and others.

Kh. Rakhmetov expressed the readiness of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari JSC to maintain and strengthen partnerships with travel companies. He also suggested holding regular meetings to discuss common proposals and problems. Tour operators, in turn, expressed their problems that they face when providing services.

One of the main issues that was mentioned is the recently introduced "1 passport - 1 ticket" system to combat the shortage of train tickets. Now tour operators cannot reissue tickets for other passengers if other clients cancel the trip for personal reasons. Previously, tour operators could reissue all tickets purchased for one passport in accordance with the final list of tourists. However, the new rules do not allow this. Experts noted that, according to the established rules for the sale of tickets, only in isolated cases is it possible to re-issue a ticket for another person, but not for groups.

The problem of early booking was also discussed. Many tourists plan their trips long before tickets go on sale (as you know, tickets go on sale 45 days before the departure date), which creates difficulties for tour operators.

Also, one of the main topics of the meeting was the discussion on the development of railway infrastructure, which plays a key role in the development of tourism. The management of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari JSC presented its plans to modernize and expand the railway network, as well as purchase and introduce new trains to improve the quality and comfort of travel.

This meeting was an important step in the development of the tourism sector of Uzbekistan and emphasized the readiness of Uzbekistan Temir Yollari JSC to actively promote the development of the country’s tourism industry. Joint efforts between the company’s management and tour operators will help attract more tourists and promote a positive image of Uzbekistan as an attractive tourist destination.