Uzbekistan and Turkey have signed an agreement and an Action Plan to enhance bilateral tourism cooperation. The signing ceremony took place in Ankara, with Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, and Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, representing their respective governments.
During the meeting, Aziz Abdukhakimov highlighted the progress in tourism achieved through joint initiatives by the leaders of both countries. The number of tourists traveling between Uzbekistan and Turkey has grown significantly over the years.
Tourist flow statistics:
- Visitors from Turkey to Uzbekistan: 41,299 (2018), 63,539 (2019), 44,168 (2021), 75,559 (2022), 106,516 (2023), and 149,146 (2024).
- Visitors from Uzbekistan to Turkey: 170,636 (2021), 305,831 (2022), 187,749 (2023), and 229,968 (2024).
Flight connectivity between the two countries has also expanded, with the number of weekly flights growing from 10 in 2021 to 20 in 2022, 62 in 2023, and 106 in 2024.
The Agreement and Action Plan outline several initiatives to deepen cooperation in tourism. One key aspect is enhanced air connectivity, with plans to increase the number of flights between major tourist destinations in both countries.
Joint tourism promotion efforts will focus on showcasing Turkey’s tourism potential in Uzbekistan and vice versa. Special attention will be given to pilgrimage tourism, attracting followers of Maturidi, Naqshbandi, and Bukhari from Turkey to Uzbekistan.
Cultural cooperation will be another focus, with plans to expand museum collaborations, co-produce films, and implement the "Turkish Friendly" program in Uzbekistan. Industry forums will be organized, including a "Destination Forum" in Uzbekistan, bringing together Turkish tourism representatives. Additionally, the "Million+Million" initiative will aim to attract one million tourists in each direction.
Several thematic events are planned, such as exhibitions, photo displays, and festivals highlighting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential. Heritage tourism will be promoted through trips to the "7 Saints of Bukhara" for Turkish visitors. Museums in Turkey will establish sections dedicated to Uzbek artifacts, further strengthening cultural ties.
To improve the travel experience for Turkish tourists, Uzbek hotels and restaurants will introduce Turkish-language signs and develop joint dining experiences. Investment opportunities will also be a key component, with efforts to attract Turkish tour operators, restaurateurs, and investors to Uzbekistan’s growing tourism sector.
Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed Turkey’s full support for Uzbekistan’s initiatives, emphasizing the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. He stated that Uzbekistan, with its iconic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, is a key cultural and tourism hub not only for Central Asia but for the world. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s cuisine, traditional crafts, and hospitality as factors that make it an attractive destination.
Currently, 12 hotels and tourism facilities in Uzbekistan are operating in partnership with Turkish companies such as Wyndham, Intercontinental, Calik Energy, and Sarikoc Holding. More than 100 Turkish restaurants have also been established across the country. Looking ahead, 11 new hotel projects worth $167.9mn are planned in Bukhara, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Fergana, and Tashkent for 2025-2026, with Turkish investment.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)