Blue domes of Samarkand and Bukhara, ancient city in the desert of the country – Khiva, fast growing capital – Tashkent are luring tourists around the world to Uzbekistan. The country has made it to the list of Top 10 regions to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet and other media giants like CNN and National Geographic joined major travel platform in recommending the country as your next travel stop.
Uzbekistan is nowhere to slow down. The country is committed to developing tourism sector; travelers can embrace the Eastern tale as new changes that entered into force from January 1 make the country even more appealing destination.
Thus, from the beginning of 2020 visa free regime to Uzbekistan is valid in total for 86 countries of the world. Among them are Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa-Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica, Japan, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Panama, Turkey, United Kingdom and more.
Road trips in Uzbekistan soon to become more convenient as the government is intending to launch “Uzbekistan Tourist Highway”. It will link east and west from Khanabad city in Andijan region and Muynak in the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Back in August 2019, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the decree that foresaw promising opportunities for those living in rural areas in turning their houses and makhallas into small businesses. In other words, setting up guest houses will be easier in 2020. According to the document, those makhallas of no less than 20 houses that would be able to provide at least 5 types of tourism services will be granted a special status “Tourism Makhalla”. Now this all means that travelers will be able to immerse themselves in local culture.
Moreover, in light of new opportunities for developing safari-tourism in the mountain areas of Uzbekistan, Tashkent and Surkhandarya regions will be in the radars for camping, budgie jumping, zip lines, cable cars and other outdoor activities. Last month Amirsoy mountain resort located on the spurs of Chatkal ridge of the western part of the Tien Shan mountains welcomed its first guests.
Notably, opportunities will not only be available for Uzbekistani entrepreneurs, but also international businesses. For instance, Uzbekistan’s state bodies are ready to provide up to 20% financial support for filmmakers and production companies if those decide to host their screening in Uzbekistan. Additionally, the State Committee for Tourism Development is eligible to issue 30% grant to assist in shooting full length feature, short film or documentary devoted to historic figures of Uzbekistan.
Apart from famous eastern cities, ancient monuments and delicate cuisine, Uzbekistan’s biggest treasure is its people. In addition to all the changes the country has to offer, 2020, as referred by leading media outlets is a perfect year to reveal the hospitality of Uzbekistan.
