Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a resolution “On measures to develop the infrastructure of barrier-free tourism and its stimulation in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

The document notes that the republic is gradually implementing large-scale reforms to solve problems associated with tourism infrastructure, improve the quality of services provided in the field of services and actively promote national tourism products on world markets.

At the same time, the development of barrier-free tourism infrastructure, which provides the necessary conditions for the free movement of persons with disabilities at tourist infrastructure and cultural heritage sites, as well as the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens in tourism, remains one of the most pressing tasks in this area.

By his resolution, the head of Uzbekistan determined the main directions for the development of barrier-free tourism infrastructure in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

One of the key points is the creation of conditions for the free movement of persons with disabilities at tourism industry sites, as well as in cultural and cultural heritage organizations, including museums, theaters and accommodation facilities.

The decree also provides incentives for tourism sector entities, including tour operators, travel agents, hotel owners and other entrepreneurs providing transport services, to provide amenities and support for persons with disabilities during travel.

An important aspect is also to increase awareness of persons with disabilities about the opportunities created in the republic for unhindered travel. This will be achieved through extensive explanations and educational activities.

In addition, the resolution emphasizes the need to further improve the quality of services for persons with disabilities at tourism industry facilities, taking advantage of the capabilities of modern information and communication technologies. This helps create a more accessible and comfortable environment for all tourists, regardless of their physical abilities.

The President approved a program of measures for the development of barrier-free tourism infrastructure for persons with disabilities and the creation of comfortable conditions for their travel in accordance with the annex, a targeted program for the development of barrier-free tourism infrastructure at cultural heritage sites in 2024 and a targeted program for the development of barrier-free tourism infrastructure in museums and concerts -entertainment facilities in 2024.

Starting from 2024, within the framework of funds allocated from the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage sites, for the unhindered movement of persons with disabilities at cultural heritage sites, ramps, skirting boards and elevators are installed without causing damage to these objects, as well as for the blind - models objects of cultural heritage in a reduced size, with information placed on them in Braille.

Also, on railway and public transport, as well as at all airports, train stations, and bus stations, at the expense of the organizations that own them, conditions are created and special lifting ramps and comfortable stair handrails are installed for persons with disabilities and persons with limited physical capabilities, as well as On-board strollers are provided (special strollers for persons with disabilities).

Every year, up to 5 percent of the funds allocated from the State budget to promote the country’s tourism potential in foreign tourism markets are allocated to:
promoting the potential of barrier-free tourism of the republic in foreign media and social networks, as well as organizing infotours for media representatives and journalists;
preparation of explanatory and handout materials to demonstrate at international and foreign tourism exhibitions and fairs the potential of our country in the direction of barrier-free tourism;
organization of the exposition “Barrier-free tourism in Uzbekistan” at the Tashkent International Tourism Fair “Tourism on the Silk Road”.

Until 1 January 2027, the Tourism Support Fund will cover 50 percent, but not more than 500 thousand soums, of travel expenses in Uzbekistan for one thousand persons with disabilities of groups I and II in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions and the city of Tashkent.

And also 50 percent of the cost of training courses for audiologists for people with disabilities who have lost their hearing.

With which, from 1 April 2024 to 1 April 2026, business entities providing hotel services, based on the results of the corresponding quarter, are allocated a subsidy from the amount of tourist (hotel) fees transferred to the Tourism Support Fund.

Moreover, in the event that business entities comfortably equip at least three hotel rooms for the use of wheelchairs by persons with disabilities, as well as install a display and voice devices for auditory and visual perception, these business entities are provided with a subsidy for each specially equipped room in the following amounts:
hotels with star category - 2 million soums;
hotels that do not have a star category - 1 million soums.

The Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, together with the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation, by 1 April 2024, has been instructed to develop appropriate standards for the further development of barrier-free tourism with the study of advanced foreign experience.

In doing so, they must provide:
Availability of strollers and crutches for people with disabilities in hotels with a star category;
creation of additional amenities for persons with disabilities in hotels, tourist centers and complexes, houses and recreation areas, boarding houses, motels, sanatoriums and other tourist sites;
provision of audio and text materials at the entrance of hotels with a star category;
introduction of requirements for the creation of other types of amenities.