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.
