Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Specialists from the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Research (IMRI) conducted an online survey to assess the situation related to the development of domestic tourism in Uzbekistan. In total, 1282 respondents from all regions of our country, the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the city of Tashkent took part in it.

The survey results showed that the level of intensity of domestic tourism in Uzbekistan is low. Specifically, 34.7% of respondents said they do not travel, 42.0% travel once a year, and 14.4% travel once every three months.

According to the survey results, it became known that almost 50 percent of trips around the country are made in 4 regions, namely Samarkand (15.8 percent), Bukhara (9.4 percent), Tashkent (10.6 percent) regions and the city of Tashkent (11. 4 percent). At the same time, the smallest share falls on the Republic of Karakalpakstan (3.0 percent).

When asked how they would travel, 81.2% of respondents answered that on their own, 15.5% - organized from their place of work, 2.4% - with the help of tour operators. The respondents’ answer showed that they travel mainly by private car (56.8 percent) and train (17.3 percent).

As for tourist destinations, 17.6% of survey participants prefer holidays in the mountains and mountainous areas, 17.1% - family tourism, 22.6% - pilgrimage tourism, 11.5% - cultural and educational tourism.

Regarding the promotion and support of domestic tourism, 26.2% of respondents noted that it is necessary to provide incentives for intercity travel (discounts on food, parking), 23.6% of respondents stated the need to develop a system of cheap and high-quality public transport, and 11. 6% of respondents noted that it is necessary to organize transport and logistics centers.

Based on the results of the survey and suggestions and opinions expressed directly by the population, the following proposals can be made for the further development of domestic tourism:

formation of each region’s own brand based on its main tourism potential;

creation of a register of settlements with the status of “Tourist mahalla”, “Tourist zone” and development of an electronic platform;

widespread promotion of tourism services and destinations by region;

providing benefits for family tourism to families in need of social protection living in mahallas and included in the “iron notebook”.