A roundtable discussion showcasing the vibrant tourism potential of Uzbekistan took center stage at the Uzbekistan Embassy in Brussels, drawing prominent representatives from Belgian and Dutch travel agencies, media outlets, and tourism-related organizations, the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan reported.
Among the attendees were representatives from notable entities such as 7PLUS Tour Operator Belgium, Caravanistan, Dimsum Reizen, Glenaki Tourism Consultancy, Uzbekistan-Netherlands Friendship Foundation, Brussels Chamber of Commerce, portal Travel Tomorrow, The Brussels Times, La Vie Diplomatique, and others.
The discussion highlighted the remarkable growth in Uzbekistan's tourism sector, with over 7mn foreign tourists visiting the country in 2023. Ambitious plans aim to elevate this number to 10mn in 2024 and a staggering 15mn by 2030.
António Buscardini, the Founder & CEO of Travel Tomorrow, shared insights into the positive transformations within Uzbekistan's tourism industry, emphasizing a rapid post-pandemic recovery.
Post-discussion, agreements were solidified, focusing on the activation of PR campaigns, publication of tourism booklets and magazines, and other collaborative efforts with travel agencies and media. These initiatives aim to promote Uzbekistan's tourism potential and will include distribution among potential tourists. Additionally, plans for a dedicated meeting for travel agencies and media representatives from the Netherlands at the end of February were revealed.
The efforts align with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's comprehensive measures, approved on January 12, to boost tourist inflow. The initiatives involve substantial financial support for tourist infrastructure development, with a specific emphasis on family business programs. A tourism credit line of $200mn, with $150mn raised through collaboration with international financial institutions and foreign organizations, underscores the commitment to sustainable tourism growth.
The presidential decree also outlines targeted programs catering to international tourists, including initiatives for Chinese visitors with payment options through Alipay, UniPay, and WeChat in Uzbekistan. The marketing strategy for Chinese tourists will spotlight cultural heritage, ethnographic tours, and mountain expeditions. Simultaneously, tailored programs for guests from Arab countries will prioritize hunting and winter tourism experiences.
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