Uzbekistan proposes new tourism cooperation with Russian trade unions

A delegation from the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a working meeting with the leadership of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia. 

During the talks, the parties discussed expanding cooperation within the framework of existing bilateral ties, as well as moving to a new level of collaboration in organized leisure activities. Successful interaction between the trade union organizations of the two countries was noted, including the implementation of children’s tourism programs: over the past two years, four reciprocal trips took place, including Russian children visiting health camps in Uzbekistan and familiarization visits of Uzbek schoolchildren to Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

A key topic of discussion was the Uzbek side’s initiative to organize recreation for employees of large Russian enterprises with the involvement of trade union organizations.

Representatives of the Tourism Committee presented a wide range of tourism opportunities in Uzbekistan that could be integrated into the social programs of trade unions. Among the key areas are cultural and educational tourism to historic cities (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva), health and wellness vacations in modernizing resort zones, and mountain and adventure tourism in the Tien Shan. Special emphasis was placed on the prospects for industrial tourism — organizing familiarization visits to modern enterprises and free economic zones in Uzbekistan, which may be of interest to members of trade unions in industrial sectors.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to develop a draft framework cooperation agreement aimed at increasing mutual tourist flows. The Uzbek side proposed creating a joint working group and invited representatives of Russian sectoral trade unions on a familiarization trip to Uzbekistan to study the proposals in detail.