Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kuala Lumpur organized a roundtable discussion dedicated to Uzbekistan’s pilgrimage tourism potential under the theme "Ancient Bukhara," as well as a B2B meeting between Uzbek and Malaysian tour operators, Dunyo news agency reported.

Representatives of major Malaysian tourism companies such as Qasswa Travel, Al Khairi Travel & Tours, Zam Zaman Travel & Tours, Bensuria Travel & Services, MKM Ticketing, Travel & Tours, Muqmeen Travel, Yahabibi Travel, Orange Travel, as well as heads of tour companies from the Bukhara region Grand Atlas Discovery and Sherin Travel took part in the events.

Participants were provided with information on the large-scale reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan across various sectors, systemic measures to develop modern tourism infrastructure, and the creation of conditions for foreign tourists.

Representatives of tour companies Grand Atlas Discovery and Sherin Travel presented tourism programs covering historical and tourist centers of Uzbekistan, the Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khorezm regions, including directions such as "cultural tourism," "pilgrimage tourism," "Umrah+," "gastronomic tourism," and "business tourism" (MICE).

It was noted that as a result of the simplification of the visa regime in recent years, citizens of more than 90 foreign countries, including Malaysia, can enter the republic without a visa for up to 30 days. Information was also provided on direct flights between Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air Malaysia.

During the meeting of tour operators from the two countries in the format of "B2B," there was an exchange of ideas on tourism programs to increase the flow of Malaysian tourists to the republic.

As a result of the event, agreements were reached to launch new tour packages, promote, and increase the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan in cooperation between tour operators.

General Director of Qasswa Travel Hajar Abdul Rahman noted: “We have established effective cooperation with tour operators in the Bukhara region. Starting from this year, we have begun to send groups of Malaysian tourists to Uzbekistan. I am pleased to note that the rich cultural heritage of your country, historical cities, and shrines, as well as the hospitality of the Uzbek people, are of great interest to Malaysians”.

“We are glad that the facilities and tourist infrastructure created for tourists in Uzbekistan are being updated. We are ready to continue promoting Uzbekistan as a must-visit destination in Malaysia,” Abdul Rahman said.

He noted: “During the roundtable discussion, we identified important directions for future cooperation. In particular, new tour packages will be introduced in Uzbekistan from the new season. I believe that this event was very effective for the tourism industries of Uzbekistan and Malaysia.”