Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Russian tour operators expect an “influx” of tourists to Uzbekistan. This was announced during a workshop held at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Moscow with the participation of leading travel companies, representatives of socio-political, academic and business circles and the media. The event was organized jointly with the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

The meeting was opened by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Russian Federation, Botirjon Asadov, who stressed that today the country is taking systematic measures to further develop the tourism industry, diversify and improve the quality of services, and improve the infrastructure.

Liberalization of the visa regime, simplification of the registration of foreign citizens, the provision of privileges and preferences to the private sector made it possible to create favorable opportunities for ensuring a qualitative leap in the sphere.

The logical continuation of the work in this direction was the signing on January 5, 2019 by President Shavkat Mirziyev of the Decree “On additional measures for the accelerated development of tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan” and the resolution “On measures for the accelerated development of the tourism industry”.

The documents envisage a number of measures, aimed at creating favorable conditions for the development of tourism in the country with a special focus on the private sector, improving the competitiveness and quality of the services provided, and actively and comprehensively promoting the national tourist product on world markets.

The audience was also presented information about the calendar of important cultural events in Uzbekistan in 2019.

In particular, the participants were invited to celebrate the spring holiday of Navruz, the XII International Music Festival Sharq Taronalari, the International Festival of Traditional Arts Atlas Bayrami, the Tashkent International Tourism Fair Tourism on the Silk Road and other festivals.

In their speeches, Russian tour operators praised the reforms being implemented in our country. Of great interest was the initiative of the leadership of Uzbekistan to provide for private business wide benefits and preferences in the construction of hotels, resorts and other tourist infrastructure facilities. It is noted that the republic strengthens its role as a point of attraction on the Great Silk Road, attracting with its glorious history, unique culture and magnificent monuments to connoisseurs of beauty from all over the world.

During the discussions, market professionals were unanimous that, thanks to the introduced innovations, a sharp jump in interest in traveling to Uzbekistan would be ensured. According to experts, the tourist markets are sensitive to positive changes and concessions in terms of travel arrangements.

Many tour operators abolish visas and other indulgences are regarded as a sign from Uzbekistan that the country is happy for guests and open to the outside world. In this regard, Russian tour operators intend to find their niche in the highly competitive Uzbek market and establish direct business ties with local companies.

At the meeting, specific proposals were made to increase the flow of foreign tourists, further develop domestic tourism, improve and expand the types of services provided to travelers. The Russian participants of the seminar emphasized the importance of systemic promotion of the tourism brand of Uzbekistan abroad.

It was noted the need to advertise the investment, trading and tourism potential of the country under a single brand, coordinating the activities of relevant structures. In particular, it was proposed to launch thematic PR campaigns aimed at increasing the awareness of the Uzbek brand in television channels, print media and social networks.

As part of the event, an exhibition of samples of national applied art of Uzbekistan was organized. Brochures and reference materials on the country’s tourism potential were distributed to the guests of the meeting. A nice addition to the meeting was the tasting of national dishes.