President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the outcomes of international cultural events, upcoming tasks for the development of the tourism sector, and plans for major cultural and tourism infrastructure projects, as per to press service of the president of Uzbekistan on January 15.
Uzbekistan has strengthened its presence in the international cultural space in recent years. The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference was held in Samarkand, attended by over 3,000 delegates from 190 countries. Following the conference, a roadmap for implementing Uzbekistan’s initiatives in cultural heritage protection, education, and the creative economy was developed and approved.
The results of Uzbekistan’s participation in the EXPO-2025 World Exhibition in Japan were also reviewed. The Uzbekistan pavilion, “Knowledge Park,” covering 1,200 square meters, was visited by approximately 1mn people and received wide international coverage. Preparations have begun for participation in EXPO-2030 in Saudi Arabia, where a pavilion of 3,600 square meters is planned.
Attention was given to the first Biennale of Contemporary Art in Bukhara, which spanned 70 days across 3.5 hectares and 14 restored cultural heritage sites. Seventy artists and curators from more than 40 countries participated, with a total attendance of around 1.8mn, including over 100 high-ranking foreign officials. Uzbekistan’s regular participation in the Venice Biennale since 2021 was noted as contributing to increased tourism from Italy.
The country also hosted major international concerts, including performances by Jennifer Lopez in Tashkent, Black Coffee in Khiva, and Andrea Bocelli in Samarkand. These events resulted in hotel occupancy rates exceeding 90% in host cities, positively impacting the tourism and services sector.
In 2025, Uzbekistan expects tourist arrivals to exceed 11mn, with tourism service exports projected at $4.8bn. The number of countries with which Uzbekistan maintains a visa-free regime has reached 94.
The discussion emphasized the need to transfer the tourism sector to a project management system, implement a unified mechanism for developing tourism products, and strengthen coordination of major events. Digitalization was highlighted as a key priority, including harmonizing public and private information systems, launching the National Tourism Platform, introducing proactive digital services for tourists and businesses, expanding cashless payment options, and analyzing tourist flows. These measures aim to reduce the shadow economy and increase annual revenues from the tourist tax.
A new marketing strategy was proposed to promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in priority markets, including the USA, Persian Gulf countries, India, China, and Scandinavia. Tasks include expanding participation in international tourism platforms, developing digital content, and attracting major media resources and influencers.
Several major cultural and tourism infrastructure projects were presented. The “Samarkand Heritage Corridor” will connect the Registan ensemble, Bibikhanim and Shahi Zinda complexes, and the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory through a 6.6-kilometer tourist route. A new “Silk Road” museum is planned in Samarkand, featuring a three-story, 19,500-square-meter building with exhibition halls, storage facilities, educational areas, and an inclusive environment. The Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory area will be upgraded with a new museum building, immersive exhibition halls, a visitor center, landscaped pedestrian walkways, and integrated archaeological sites.
In Bukhara, the master plan proposes the development of a comfortable urban environment, upgraded transport and tourism infrastructure, and the creation of a historical and ethnographic park. The park will include a congress hall, amphitheater, library, food hall, retail and commercial facilities, and a high-class hotel.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to implement cultural projects alongside tourism development initiatives, ensuring both economic sustainability and effective project management.
