A staggering 42,470 tourists from China visited Uzbekistan in 2023, as per the latest data released by the Statistics Agency. This significant influx of Chinese visitors highlights a remarkable surge in tourism and the strengthening ties between Uzbekistan and China.
The most prevalent motivation for Chinese tourists to travel to Uzbekistan was leisure, with 35,574 individuals opting for a vacation experience in the culturally rich country. Work-related visits were the second most common reason, accounting for 4,825 tourists, while meeting with relatives secured the third position, bringing in 1,016 visitors.
To provide a detailed breakdown of the monthly influx, the statistics reveal a steady stream of Chinese tourists throughout the year:
The increase in tourist numbers in September 2023 can be attributed, in part, to the National Day holiday in China, spanning from September 29 to October 6 and coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival. To accommodate the seven consecutive days of the National Day holiday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8, have been officially designated as workdays, creating a unique 7-day workweek.
The surge in Chinese tourism is a direct result of years of fruitful negotiations. Notably, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China concluded high-level discussions on January 24. This momentous occasion led to the signing of various bilateral documents, with a key highlight being the Tourism Cooperation Plan (2024-2026).
The Tourism Cooperation Plan was finalized between the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. This plan aims to enhance collaboration in the tourism sector, fostering cultural exchange and promoting the diverse attractions that both nations have to offer.
Furthermore, following successful negotiations held in Beijing from January 23 to 25, both countries have agreed to bolster air travel connections. An extensive accord was signed, outlining plans to increase the number of weekly flights to 100. Each nation's airlines are set to contribute 50 flights, providing enhanced accessibility for tourists and fostering stronger economic and cultural ties.
On September 12, 2019, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan signed Decree No.UP-5819, instituting a visa-free entry regime for citizens of the People’s Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Effective from January 1, 2020, the decree allows for a visa-free stay of up to 7 days in Uzbekistan through designated international airports for citizens of China, including those from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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