Mastercard is actively working to support the development of Uzbekistan's tourism sector, according to Denis Filippov, Mastercard’s Country Manager in Uzbekistan and Belarus. In an exclusive interview to Trend, Filippov outlined key initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of tourism in the country. These include expanding Mastercard acceptance, promoting contactless payments in transportation, supporting small businesses in the tourism sector, and developing payments via alternative methods like smartphones and smartwatches.
Filippov emphasized the importance of providing training to both managers and staff in the tourism industry, including small businesses. To achieve this, Mastercard plans to establish an e-commerce school in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan. The goal is to enhance the skills of those involved in the tourism sector and boost the overall quality of services.
Uzbekistan has experienced significant growth in its tourism sector, with 4.3 mn tourists visiting the country from January to August, contributing $1.4 bn to the economy. Mastercard's focus on ensuring the universal acceptance of its cards in Uzbekistan aligns with the increasing demand from global travelers who seek the convenience of using credit cards everywhere.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sees the tourism sector as a vital component of Uzbekistan's economic recovery post-COVID-19. Mastercard aims to contribute to this recovery by accelerating the development of payment infrastructure for tourists and small businesses in the country. The company is committed to providing financial accessibility and premium payment services to facilitate a rise in international tourist arrivals.
In addition to improving payment systems, Mastercard's Tourism Insights platform is set to play a role in predicting tourist behavior and preferences. By analyzing how Mastercard clients use cards in other countries, the platform aims to help organize tourist flows more effectively.
Mastercard is also actively engaging with Uzbekistan's government, collaborating with the Central Bank on projects related to cybersecurity, fraud protection, and compliance management. The company is working on initiatives to provide unique benefits to Mastercard cardholders, particularly in the city of Samarkand, as part of a program of special offers for tourists.
The partnership between Mastercard and Uzbekistan extends to various areas, including digital transformation, payment solutions for retail, and the introduction of analytical platforms. The collaborative efforts are expected to contribute to economic stability in the region by enhancing payment technologies and promoting innovation in businesses, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises.
Earlier Daryo reported that Uzbekistan has made a noteworthy move to enhance its tourism sector by becoming a member of the "Mastercard Tourism Innovation Hub." This collaboration was revealed during the 25th session of the World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) General Assembly in the city of Samarkand.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)