“MENAFN”: Uzbekistan confidently advances towards a modern and comprehensive tourism sector

Saudi online publication “Menafn” has published an article examining the development of Uzbekistan’s tourism sector and its growing integration into the global travel market, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The publication emphasizes that in recent years, tourism has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy, contributing to economic growth, fostering cultural exchange, and building the soft power of nations. Specialized international organizations, such as the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNTOURISM), the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), rely on a comprehensive set of criteria to assess countries’ performance in the sector. Through these international standards, it is clear that Uzbekistan is moving steadily towards the development of a modern and integrated tourism sector.

Tourism has been designated a priority area of national policy. Uzbekistan has raised tourism to the level of the State strategy, through the establishment of specialized institutions, the adoption of national and regional programmes, and the development of cluster-based tourism models. This reflects a marked improvement in the governance and strategic planning indicators adopted by the World Economic Forum in assessing tourism competitiveness. Expanding visa waivers, implementing the e-visa system, and simplifying entry procedures have also contributed to Uzbekistan’s image as an open and accessible destination for international tourists.

The author emphasizes that accessibility and connectivity are key factors in the country’s appeal. In recent years, Uzbekistan has witnessed a remarkable development in the aviation sector, through an increase in the number of international flights, the modernization of regional airports and the promotion of competition in the aviation market. A modern rail network, including high-speed trains, has also contributed to connecting the country’s major tourist hubs.

The country is actively diversifying its tourism offerings, combining cultural, religious, ecological, adventure and Silk Road tourism. The quality of services is one of the critical factors in the success of the tourism sector. Uzbekistan has paid increasing attention to the development of human resources through training and qualification programmes, the improvement of tourist guidance standards and the promotion of a culture of service in accommodation and transport facilities.

International organizations are increasingly giving importance to the concept of sustainable tourism, which balances economic development with the protection of cultural and environmental heritage. In this context, Uzbekistan focuses on the preservation of its historic cities, the restoration of cultural heritage sites and the involvement of local communities in tourism activities, thereby enhancing the social and economic impact of tourism.

The mental image of a country plays a pivotal role in attracting international tourists. And as Uzbekistan has increased its participation in international tourism exhibitions and forums, and has strengthened its presence in the international media, with the aim of presenting itself as a safe, heritage-rich and open destination to the world.

“According to international standards adopted in the evaluation of the tourism sector, it appears that Uzbekistan is not experiencing random or temporary growth, but is undergoing a systematic transformation process based on strategic planning, modernization of infrastructure, diversification of the tourism product, and adoption of sustainability principles. With these policies in place, Uzbekistan has a strong potential to strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination in Central Asia and a promising player in the international tourism market”, - “Menafn” concludes.