The tourism department of Karakalpakstan shared their ‘investment potential’ at the UNWTO’s Investment Forum as hundreds of tourism representatives, investors, and startups gathered at the event in Samarkand on October 17 and 18.
Daryo spoke exclusively to Jumamuratov Dilshod, Head of the Department for Implementation of Investment Programs who said the following about the region:
“Karakalpakstan’s plans include the further development of tourist beach areas on the shores of lakes Ashshikol, Akchakol, and Karatereng, the development of safari tourism in the Aral Sea and the Ustyurt plateau, and the organization of tourist quarters and villages in the regions.”
Many projects are already funded but Sadullaeva Dilnoza, Chief Specialist for Attracting Foreign Investments confirmed that some investment opportunities are still open. “We are looking for investors for some projects. For example, there are some vacant land plots on the shores of lakes such as Ashshykul, Akshakul, and Karatereng."
From April 1, 2022, to January 1, 2025, specific regions saw the introduction of tax benefits, which included a 1% turnover tax rate applied to the property and land taxes of legal entities in designated areas and on the land they occupy. Additionally, a subsequent presidential decree, PD-213, dated August 31, 2022, implemented tax incentives for business entities operating within the Republic of Karakalpakstan. These incentives encompassed a 1% social tax rate, along with a 50% reduction in tax rates for profit, turnover, property, and land taxes for legal entities, spanning from January 1, 2023, to January 1, 2028.
More information can be found at karakalpakstan.travel or by contacting info@qr.motach.uz.
Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic of Uzbekistan, has a population of just under 2 mn and is located in the westernmost part of the country, bordering Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Home to the Aral Sea which was once one of the world’s largest saltwater lakes, it is now the site of an environmental disaster due to failed irrigation projects from the Soviet era. One of the most iconic tourist attractions is the ‘ship graveyard’ in Muynak.
The UNWTO event was opened by a speech from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in which he praised ‘journalists, bloggers and media representatives’ for their promotion of the tourism sector.
One blogger, Simon Zhelyazkov of backpackmoments.com, said of Karakalpakstan:
“Those visiting the Aral Sea today experience the sad story of decay. It's a reminder of what humans can do to nature. Adventure seekers go because it's a bizarrely remote area. Should the appropriate actions be taken to revitalize the Sea and the former fishing communities of Karakalpakstan, a visit to the coastal areas will be the greatest story of rebirth and regrowth Central Asia has ever seen.”
German blogger Lena Mrowka from notanotherbackpacker.com had concerns about the affordability of traveling to Karakalpakstan:
“Visiting the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan was at the top of my bucket list when I traveled to Central Asia. However, after visiting the area, I had mixed feelings. The ship cemetery in Muynak is a unique sight, but it's a long drive to get to the actual Aral Sea, and on top of that it's very expensive. My partner and I paid about $225 per person for an overnight tour, which started and ended in Khiva. I think more tourists would be inclined to visit this place if the tours were more affordable.”
As investment flows into tourism infrastructure, it seems there may be a positive outlook for increased convenience and cost-effectiveness in visiting the region.
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