Uzbekistan and Belarus plan to expand cooperation in the tourism sector

The Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Akkulov, met with the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, to discuss the further development of tourism interaction between the two countries.

During the negotiations, the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkey was emphasized, as well as the attention paid by the heads of state of both countries to the development of tourism and the expansion of human exchanges.

The parties discussed opportunities for experience exchange and the implementation of joint projects. Special attention was paid to applying Turkish experience in tourism management, the development of tourist destinations, hotel infrastructure, and digital technologies in Uzbekistan.

Issues regarding establishing direct connections between tour operators from both countries and holding business-to-business (B2B) meetings were considered.

In the field of tourism infrastructure, the issue of constructing modern hotel complexes in the regions of Uzbekistan with the participation of Turkish investors, as well as attracting international Turkish hotel brands, was discussed.

Furthermore, the parties considered strengthening cooperation with Turkish Airlines and other Turkish airlines, including expanding the geography and capacity of air routes between the two states.

To train specialists in the field of tourism, as well as to develop scientific and practical cooperation and develop master plans, the Uzbek side proposed establishing interaction between Cappadocia University and the Project Office for the Development of Tourism Infrastructure under the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan. This initiative was supported by the Turkish side.

The parties also discussed promoting the tourism potential of Uzbekistan in the Turkish market. It was proposed to develop cooperation between the Turkish state broadcaster TRT, the Turkish Tourism Promotion Agency (TGA), and relevant Uzbek organizations, as well as to organize media and press tours using digital platforms, bloggers, and media.

Among the proposed measures was the transformation of restored 'Uzbek caravanserais' in Turkey into tourist and cultural centers to promote tourism in Uzbekistan. The parties also discussed joint media projects for the Turkish audience concerning pilgrimage tourism, the promotion of Imam Bukhari's heritage, and the activities of the Center for Islamic Civilization, as well as through the creation of films and TV series.

Joint projects in the fields of tourism and education with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) were also discussed, including the potential for attracting grant funding.

The parties also reviewed the events planned for the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair 'Tourism on the Silk Road', which will take place in Tashkent from November 25 to 27, 2026.

In particular, the Uzbek side proposed holding another meeting of the Joint Commission on Tourism 'Uzbekistan-Turkey' during the fair, inviting representatives of the Turkish tourism industry to participate with a national stand, and ensuring Turkey's participation as a partner country in the 'Investment Forum'.

These initiatives are aimed at increasing the flow of tourists between Uzbekistan and Turkey, expanding investment cooperation, developing air transport, as well as exchanging experience and innovative approaches in the field of tourism.

On Monday in Tehran, a meeting took place between Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, the Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, and Fariddin Nasriev, the Ambassador of Tashkent to Tehran. During this meeting, the parties discussed opportunities to expand cultural and tourism interaction, as well as reviving the historical ties of the Silk Road and strengthening relations between the two states.

Salehi-Amiri noted that relations between Iran and Uzbekistan are based on the strong will and mutual interests of their heads of state, and that these ties have transformed into a common aspiration of both nations to develop bilateral relations in all spheres.

The Minister officially invited the Minister of Culture of Uzbekistan and the chairman of its tourism committee to visit Iran, presenting a package of ten practical areas for cooperation. He emphasized that the key responsibility for implementing the proposed roadmap lies with the ambassadors of the two countries, with the priority task being establishing direct contacts between private sector companies, holding groups, and reputable tourism agencies in Iran and Uzbekistan.

Furthermore, Salehi-Amiri highlighted the need to resolve visa-related issues and facilitate the creation of direct flights between the two countries, stating that both aspects will play a decisive role in increasing tourism exchange. He also called for the immediate establishment of a joint technical committee in Tehran and Tashkent to promote cooperation in the field of restoring historical buildings and reviving the cultural identity of the Silk Road.

In his remarks, the minister described the historical urban environment and architectural traditions of Bukhara and Samarkand as vivid examples of the shared heritage of the Eastern Islamic cultural sphere, noting that their architecture is reminiscent of the identity and character of Isfahan in Iran. He insisted that the commitment of the two countries should be formalized by a comprehensive and legally binding diplomatic memorandum of understanding.

Salehi-Amiri also mentioned the creation of a national integrated medical tourism system, which will provide a transparent and modern platform to showcase medical capabilities, treatment costs, organization of stays for foreign patients, and hotel services. He reported that after the official launch, this system will be available to relevant ministries of 'friendly countries,' including Uzbekistan.

For his part, Nasriev welcomed the proposed initiatives, emphasizing the deep historical and spiritual roots of the relationship between the peoples. He stated that 'the relationship between Tehran and Tashkent is based on centuries of intellectual and civilizational exchange,' adding that this common heritage serves as a foundation for expanding diplomatic ties under current conditions.

The ambassador noted that ongoing consultations between the leaders of the two countries contribute to expanding bilateral interaction in various fields. He also reported that last year Uzbekistan received 11 million international tourists, 23,000 of whom were from Iran.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan are strengthening their partnership in the field of tourism, which was made possible by the launch of direct air connections between Tashkent and Karachi.

Representatives from the tourism industries of both countries held a B2B meeting in Tashkent to discuss new destinations and tourism products.

This event was part of a familiarization trip, or FAM Trip, organized by Centrum Air in honor of the opening of the Tashkent–Karachi direct route. The trip took place from September 10 to 12, 2026, and gathered ten representatives of the Karachi tourism industry in Uzbekistan.

The delegation visited Tashkent and Samarkand, where participants studied historical and cultural attractions, as well as examined the tourism potential and modern infrastructure of these cities. The program also included meetings with Uzbek tour operators.

Participants discussed opportunities for developing and promoting new tourist routes for travelers from Pakistan. At the B2B meeting, Uzbekistan's tourism offerings and existing products were presented. The sides also discussed the promotion of historical and cultural routes covering Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent, as well as Silk Road routes, and the development of gastronomic, ecological, and pilgrimage tourism.