BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec. 10
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Benefits and preferences provided to the tourism industry in Uzbekistan in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic will be extended until the end of 2021, and discounts will be introduced on transport and hotel services for the population and mass organization of domestic tourism, Trend reports citing the press service of the president of Uzbekistan.
A video conference was held chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at which measures were considered to restore and develop the country's tourism potential, taking into account the need to revise approaches in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
It was noted at the meeting that it is planned to attract 1.7 million foreign and 7.5 million local tourists in 2021, as well as increase the export of services in the field to $370 million.
According to the information, the most promising source for attracting tourists in Uzbekistan is pilgrimage tourism.
“There are many Muslim shrines, monuments of Judaism and Buddhism in Uzbekistan. Taking advantage of this opportunity, it is possible to attract 700,000 pilgrims and ensure the export of services worth $130 million,” the president said.
In this regard, it was indicated the need for a phased renewal from next year of air traffic with European countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, Japan, and the launch of new directions for pilgrim tourism. The high cost of tickets for the flights of the national air carrier was criticized, and the task was set to reduce prices.
The head of state also noted the importance of further promoting the tourism potential of Uzbekistan together with the embassies abroad. A proposal has been put forward to simplify the visa system for citizens of states in which pilgrimage tours to Uzbekistan are highly popular.
It was decided to create an Interdepartmental commission headed by the deputy prime ministers to coordinate work in this direction. The commission will systematically deal with the organization of flights, simplification of obtaining permits, expanding the geography of flights and improving airport services.
Currently, several projects on developing the tourist facilities and infrastructure are being implemented in Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region. In particular, the second stage of the Amirsoy resort, the Beldersay-Chimgan-Nanai international resort, the Khojakent cable car, 29 hotels and sanatoriums are under construction.
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