Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures to improve tourism infrastructure in regions and increase the flow of foreign tourists on 16 July.

The relevant tasks were discussed during a video conference and dialogue with entrepreneurs held on 3 June 2024. Based on the directives and proposals put forward at that time, additional measures have been developed aimed at developing the sector.

In particular, to provide tourist organizations with working capital to attract foreign tourists to our country, a separate credit line of US$50 million is being opened from the Reconstruction and Development Fund. These loans will be provided in national currency at an annual interest rate of 17% for a term of 10 years with a 2-year grace period.

Tourist facilities will be built in regions with high potential based on master plans. This year, 100 billion soums will be allocated from the republican budget for improving the infrastructure of these regions. Additionally, US$50 million in investments will be attracted to each of these regions.

A number of incentives are also planned for entrepreneurs operating in the tourism sector. These include exemptions from customs duties for buses and minibuses, compensation of 50% of expenses related to participation in international fairs for tour operators and artisans, and a 50% reduction in profit tax for entrepreneurs organizing business events involving foreign guests.

The head of state emphasized the need to create a national tourism brand for Uzbekistan. Accordingly, content about types of tourism in our country will be created based on the requirements of target markets. It will be promoted through international media, social platforms, global sports, and cultural events. Foreign journalists, bloggers, and influencers with large audiences will be involved.

For the convenience of tourists, a unified online platform will be launched providing information on all flights, railways, and bus routes with the option to purchase tickets. Air, rail, and bus tickets will be available for sale at least six months before the journey. Additional flights will be launched during national holidays, and information about this will be regularly published in mass media and on social networks.

Training specialists for the industry is also crucial. Starting from the next academic year, several innovations are planned in this direction.

Specifically, educational programs in tourism and hospitality will be improved based on the experience of educational institutions ranked in the top 100 globally. The duration of higher education in this field will be reduced from four to three years. Students will be given the opportunity to work in their field while studying, thus developing professional skills directly in the workplace. Courses for tour guides will be organized at Andijan, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Urgench State Universities, as well as universities specializing in Oriental studies, world languages, and the Silk Road.

The head of state has instructed the development of the corresponding document and effective organization of its implementation.