Problems in the field of tourism and culture were discussed

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with the presentation on the results of international cultural events, further tasks for the development of the tourism sector and the creation of large cultural and tourism facilities.

It is noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has been consistently strengthening its position in the international cultural space. The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference was successfully held in Samarkand with the participation of more than 3 thousand delegates from 190 countries. Based on its results, a “road map” for the practical implementation of Uzbekistan’s initiatives in the field of protection of cultural heritage, education and creative industries was developed and approved.

The results of the country’s participation in the World Expo 2025 in Japan were summed up. The Uzbekistan pavilion “Garden of Knowledge”, located on an area of ​​1.2 thousand square meters, was visited by about 1 million people. The exhibits presented received wide international coverage and became one of the most visited pavilions. At the same time, preparations have begun for participation in EXPO 2030 in Saudi Arabia, where the construction of a pavilion with an area of ​​3.6 thousand square meters is planned.

The results of the First Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art were noted. Over the course of 70 days, 14 restored cultural heritage sites were used on an area of ​​3.5 hectares. 70 artists and curators from more than 40 countries took part in the biennale. The event was attended by approximately 1.8 million people, including over 100 high-ranking foreign guests. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan’s participation in the Venice Biennale on an ongoing basis since 2021 has ensured an increase in the tourist flow from Italy and the expansion of international professional contacts.

Major international concert programs were held in the country. In particular, Jennifer Lopez’s concert took place in Tashkent, Andrea Bocelli’s in Samarkand, and Black Coffee’s in Khiva. During the event period, the occupancy of hotels in the respective cities exceeded 90 percent, which had a positive impact on tourism activity and revenues of the service sector.

It was noted that in 2025 the number of tourists exceeded 11 million people, the export of tourism services reached $4.8 billion, and the number of states for whose citizens a visa-free regime operates increased to 94.

At the same time, the need to transition the tourism sector to a project management system, introduce a unified mechanism for the creation and development of tourism products, as well as strengthen the coordination of major events is pointed out.

Particular attention is paid to the digitalization of the industry. The task has been set to launch a National Tourism Platform with the integration of public and private information systems, introduce proactive digital services for tourists and entrepreneurs, expand non-cash payments and analyze tourist flows. It was noted that, due to digitalization, it is planned to reduce the share of the shadow economy and increase annual tourist tax revenues.

The need to implement a new marketing strategy to promote the country’s tourism potential in priority markets - in the USA, the Gulf countries, India, China and Scandinavia - was emphasized. Tasks have been set to expand the presence of Uzbekistan on international tourism platforms, develop digital content and attract large media platforms and public opinion leaders.

The presentation examined projects of major cultural and art objects.

The Samarkand Heritage Trail project begins in Samarkand. A single tourist route with a length of 6.6 kilometers will connect the Registan ensemble, the Bibi-Khanym, Shahi-Zinda complexes and the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory.

The project of the new Silk Road Museum in Samarkand has been presented, providing for the construction of a modern three-story building with a total area of 19.5 thousand square meters with an inclusive environment, exhibition halls, storage funds and educational spaces.

It is planned to update the landscape design on the territory of the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory. A new museum building, immersive exhibition halls, a visitor center and landscaped pedestrian paths will be created with the integration of archaeological objects into a single museum environment.

A master plan for the city of Bukhara has also been presented, providing for the formation of a comfortable urban environment, the development of transport and tourism infrastructure, as well as the creation of a historical and ethnographic park as a multifunctional complex with a congress hall, an amphitheater, a library, a food hall, shopping and commercial facilities and a high-class hotel.

Following the discussion, the President emphasized the need to strictly link cultural projects with the objectives of tourism development, ensuring their economic sustainability and quality management.