Uzbekistan expands international cooperation in the tourism sector

A delegation of Uzbekistan headed by the Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Abdulaziz Akkulov, who participated in the UN Tourism Ministers’ Summit held as part of the international tourism exhibition “ITB Berlin” in Berlin, Germany, conducted a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of international organizations and businesses. The purpose of the negotiations was to widely promote the country’s tourism potential on the international stage and to discuss ways to increase tourist arrivals.

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During talks with Azada Huseynova, Deputy Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the parties discussed expanding bilateral practical cooperation, preparing to sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding, and implementing joint marketing initiatives. They agreed to organize mutual FAM tours and blogger visits, strengthen cooperation between tour operators, and explore opportunities for developing joint tourism routes targeting European and Southeast Asian markets.

At a meeting with Edison Chen, Vice President of Global Destination Marketing at Trip.com Group, the parties discussed the active promotion of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential through the company’s digital platforms. They reviewed the implementation of joint marketing campaigns, as well as the possibility of creating a dedicated online page for the country. Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached to develop a joint marketing initiative focused on the Southeast Asian markets.

During a meeting with ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) CEO Senthil Gopinath, the parties discussed prospects for developing MICE tourism in Uzbekistan. In particular, special attention was given to the implementation of the “Convention Bureau” model, attracting events of international associations, and utilizing ICCA’s analytical tools. An agreement was reached to continue consultations on promoting the “Arda Khiva” complex in the city of Khiva as a new MICE destination and on attracting major international congresses.

In addition, during a meeting with Martin Barth, Director of Strategic Partnerships and International Business at the Swiss hospitality management school “SHL (Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern),” the discussion focused on training modern professionals for the hospitality industry, introducing practice-oriented educational programs, and developing academic cooperation with the UN Tourism Academy in Samarkand. The parties agreed to continue working consultations to clarify the formats of cooperation.

The meetings held will contribute to further strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in the international tourism arena and promoting the country as an attractive and competitive tourist destination.