The aim of info-tour is to evaluate opportunity of attracting tourists to Zaamin district in winter period, discuss and hear concrete proposals on perspectives of developing mountain skiing at Zaamin sanatorium.

Currently, tourism industry of Uzbekistan can offer not only cognitive and cultural tourism on ancient cities of Uzbekistan, but also treatment-and-rehabilitation and eco-tourism due to unique climate and natural conditions.

Zaamin district of Jizzakh region is one of many underrated tourist regions of Uzbekistan. Being at the height of over 2,200 meters above sea level, the ruins of castles on its landscape attest to the region’s ancient historical presence. Zaamin has unique nature: coniferous forests, therapeutic air, and recreation resources, based on which many types of tourism can be developed.

In order to stimulate development of untapped tourism potential of Zaamin, a joint project of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan and the UNDP “Support in enhancing of Local Governance System and Participatory Governance in Uzbekistan” carry out work on this direction.

In particular, the UNDP project developed branding and marketing strategy on strengthening tourism potential of Zaamin district of Jizzakh region, original logotype and slogan of Zaamin in three languages, as well as investment proposals and feasibility studies on investment projects.

According to opinions of the UNDP experts, one of perspective directions of developing Zaamin as popular tourism zone is to develop mountain skiing tourism in winter period. Height of Zaamin mountains (1,200-4,025 m above sea level) ensure ideal temperature and rich snow. Snow is dry and cold here, which suits for skiing well and one of the best in the world, according to specialists. Mountainsides are beautiful and steep slopes are good for mountain skiing.

Department of Resorts under the Council of Trade Unions Federation of Uzbekistan and Zaamin sanatorium’s management, as well as specialists of Children-Youth Sport School on mountain skiing sport constructed demonstration mountain skiing line with rope tow with the length of 350 meters and steepness of 15 degrees, which is good for amateurs and children. They also organized renting of mountain skiing equipment like boots, skis, gloves, glasses and sticks.

In this connection, Department of Resorts under the Council of Trade Unions Federation of Uzbekistan in partnership with the UNDP organized the two-day information tour to Zaamin for tourism firms and mass media.

Within the info-tour programme, the presentations on demonstration of tourism potential of Zaamin were held. The presentations presented information on Zaamin sanatorium, existing opportunities for transportation and existing tourism routes, as well as local businesses, which provide services to tourists (like cooking local cuisine – gilmindi, qozon-patir, tandir gosht, honey, etc.).

Zaamin sanatorium is located at the territory of the preserve. Beautiful mountain landscape, clean air, sun create favourable conditions for holding climatic prophylaxis procedures for children and adults with diseases of respiratory apparatus and nerve system.

The sanatorium is equipped with modern equipment. The main treatment factor is mountain climate. It also widely uses treatment with water (iodide-bromine and coniferous bathes, etc), physiotherapy, massage, sauna, etc.

The sanatorium has 250 rooms. The sanatorium has club, library, bar, playground for children, sporting hall. There are also waterfall and ancient walnut tree with the age of 270-300 years.

Zaamin sanatorium mainly operates in June-August, but it is planned to extend season up to six months.

At the end of the presentation, the organizers and participants agreed to carry out joint efforts on informing tourists on existing possibilities in Zaamin and conduct measures on attracting tourists in spring, autumn, and winter seasons, etc.

But, the most interest part of the tour was demonstrative heats of mountain-skiers. The participants also had chance to test new mountain skiing line.

The organizers of the tour are sure that mountain-skiing can be one of perspective directions of tourism development in Zaamin tourism zone. This will help to improve well-being of local population, economic growth of the district and creation of new jobs, as well as generation of additional income for local population.