Uzbekistan Temir Yo'llari and the Italian company Arsenale Group inked an agreement aimed at fortifying their collaborative efforts during the III Tashkent International Investment Forum on May 3. The agreement signifies a robust commitment to joint projects, prominently featuring the development of tourism trains, "The Samarkand Express."
Under the stewardship of Khikmatulla Rakhmetov, the first deputy chairman of the board of Uzbekistan Temir Yo'llari, and Paolo Barletta, the general director of Arsenale Group, the signing ceremony laid the groundwork for a final agreement between the two entities. This agreement paves the way for the creation of a luxurious train set to debut in Uzbekistan by the end of 2026.
The manufacturing of these opulent trains will be executed at Uzbekistan Temir Yo'llari-owned enterprises. The envisioned luxury train will boast 13-15 carriages with 38 compartments, including deluxe and super deluxe accommodations, catering to approximately 76 travelers.
With an estimated journey duration of two nights and three days on the Tashkent - Khiva route, passengers will revel in stops at cultural hubs like Samarkand and Bukhara. Operating at a frequency of 70 to 90 trips annually, the train sets environmental sustainability standards, aligning with the global shift towards eco-conscious travel.
Since embracing tourism, Uzbekistan has become a prominent destination, attracting more than 6 mn visitors in 2022. According to data from the Eurasia and Mediterranean Studies Center, the majority of tourists hail from Russia and Europe, solidifying Uzbekistan's position as a key player in the tourism sector.
"The Samarkand Express" heralds a milestone as Central Asia's inaugural global project. At the signing ceremony, both parties expressed profound gratitude for the burgeoning collaboration.
"The signing of these agreements marks a new milestone in the development of our cooperation aimed at creating a unique tourist train in Uzbekistan. We are fully confident that our partnership with Arsenale Group will be mutually beneficial. It will bring modern technological solutions to Uzbekistan and will allow us to create an exceptional product for our tourists. I would like to express our gratitude to the management of Arsenale Group for productive negotiations and common understanding. We look forward to continuing and strengthening our cooperation even further. We look forward to the joint realization of this exciting project, which will introduce the world to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan and leave an indelible mark on the global tourism industry," Khikmatulla Rakhmetov remarked.
Echoing Rakhmetov's sentiments, Paolo Barletta emphasized;
"Today's signed agreement further solidifies our internationalization plan for an Italian model of luxury slow tourism, unparalleled in the market. I extend gratitude to Uzbekistan Railways and the institutions for their collaboration on The Samarkand Express, our inaugural luxury train in Asia. This venture will elevate luxury tourism while fostering cultural exchange between our respective nations, strengthening existing cross-border relations, and simultaneously modernizing and enhancing hospitality services through infrastructure development. Expanding abroad, following the model initiated in Italy positions us as the premier Italian operator responsive to structural shifts in high-end tourism".
Arsenale will supervise the production phase of the train, ensuring that the carriages benefit from extensive Italian engineering expertise and the renowned craftsmanship associated with the Made in Italy brand. This partnership, which involves strategic collaboration with Ferrovie dello Stato (FS), presents a notable advancement for the Italian railway sector and the broader luxury tourism industry. Manufacturing processes, onboard service standards, and technical knowledge will align with the established Italian model advocated by Arsenale for its luxury rail offerings.
The genesis of this collaboration dates back to October 17, 2023, during the 25th anniversary session of the General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organization in Samarkand. A memorandum inked between Uzbekistan Temir Yo'llari and Arsenale Group laid the foundation for this transformative endeavor.
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