Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- In accordance with the resolution of the President of Uzbekistan, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov, visiting the field together with the khokimiyat of Bukhara region, discussed a number of reforms aimed at accelerating the development of tourism, and also shared the relevant recommendations on the organization of tourist recreation places on Varakhsha massif of Romitan district.

On 30 August, an official opening ceremony of the Bukhara Desert Oasis & Spa facility took place. The solemn event was organized by the State Committee for Tourism Development together with the khokimiyat of Bukhara region. Opening the event, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Ulugbek Azamov read out the congratulatory speech of Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov.

“Today, our country is taking urgent measures to develop the tourism industry, meeting the conditions of the pandemic. In this regard, according to the decision of the Republican Special Commission from 12 August, the movement of vehicles, local airlines and railway flights, the activities of sanatoriums, boarding houses, children's camps, hotels, guest houses, beaches, hostels and other recreation areas were resumed from 15 August, which opens up great opportunities for the tourism industry. We hope that this tourist facility, which is being commissioned as soon as possible, will quickly become a favorite place for local and foreign guests,” Aziz Abdukhakimov said.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the acting khokim of Bukhara region Farhod Umarov, the author of the idea of the innovative tourism cluster "Bukhara Desert Oasis & Spa" - Tuigun Boboev, art director - Nargiza Mirzaulokova, head of "Safari Vogue" LLC, executive director of the cluster Nasriddin Fayziev and other responsible persons.

This tourist complex covers an area of 10.0 hectares. Agro-eco parks and greenhouses were created on an additional area of 30.0 hectares. At the first stage of the facility, the possibility of receiving 500 people was created, and at the next stage - more than 1000 vacationers and tourists at the same time. It is noteworthy that since the launch of the tourist facility, more than 100 new jobs have been created.

The tourist cluster also includes various additional services, such as historical sites of medieval Bukhara: the terrace of Varakhsha, Sardoba, the caravanserai complex, the beach, yurts for 80 people, restaurants of national and European cuisine, a medical corner, a health center, a sports house, an equestrian playground, ATVs and parking, horse and camel travel, electric cars, jeeps and others. For visitors of the institution, magnificent theatrical performances and entertainment shows in nature are organized.

Income from foreign tourists for the regional economy made up US$130.0 million at the end of 2017, which is 5 times more than 4 a year earlier (US$25 million), therefore, it is very important that the necessary infrastructure is created in the development of tourism, new tourist directions and various types of services.

In this regard, the number of accommodation facilities in Bukhara has also tripled, currently only 366 are operating, of which 151 hotels, 36 hostels, 179 family guest houses. Not only in the historical part of Bukhara, but also in rural areas and desert areas, tourism is becoming more and more popular. In particular, a striking example of this is the "Beach Zone" which recently started its activity on the shores of Lake Tudakul, near Bukhara, as well as other tourist sites, including Lake Karakir, Ogitma, Shurkul, Zikri, Devkhona, Khadicha, as well as the ecotourism reserve "Jeyran", Alat salt reservoir and sand dunes.

In conclusion, all this contributes to the further development of tourism in Uzbekistan, an increase in the flow of local and foreign tourists, providing local residents with additional jobs and, thus, increasing their well-being.