Friday, July 11, 2025
Uzbekistan, which boasts a deep Islamic history and a strong potential for tourism, impressed the crowds at the “Uzbekistan–Qatar International Tourism Forum,” which was organized in Doha. Organized by Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, assisted by the Uzbekistan embassy in Qatar, the event highlighted the cultural inheritance of the nation as well as the flourishing sector of tourism. Targeting the establishment of stronger bilateral cooperation between the two states, the event focused primarily on boosting cooperation in the sector of tourism, increasing the number of air connections, and positioning Uzbekistan as a must-see destination for Gulf visitors.
A New Era for Uzbekistan’s Tourism
Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Qatar, Ashraf Khodjaev, delivered an inspiring speech, describing his country as “a place of Islamic heritage and history, warm hospitality, diverse food, quiet beauty, and a crossroads of cultures.” He highlighted iconic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which have long been at the heart of Uzbekistan’s tourism appeal. These cities are not just historical landmarks but living legacies that tell the stories of a rich cultural heritage. Khodjaev stated, “These are not just destinations; they are living legacies… when you visit these cities, you step into the stories themselves, becoming a part of the journey that has inspired travelers for centuries.”
The ambassador’s remarks underscored Uzbekistan’s commitment to making travel more accessible, particularly for visitors from the Gulf region. With regular flights operated by Qatar Airways and a visa-free regime that allows nearly 100 nationalities to enter the country, the ambassador made it clear that visiting Uzbekistan has never been easier.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Qatar
The forum saw the convergence of key players from Uzbekistan’s tourism sector, including government representatives, tour operators, airlines, and investment bodies, as well as stakeholders from Qatar. This gathering signified a strong desire to deepen economic ties between the two countries, particularly in tourism and hospitality. Both governments are dedicated to further strengthening their collaboration in promoting travel and tourism, an area that is rapidly gaining importance for both nations.
A prominent feature of the event was a presentation titled “Uzbekistan—The Pearl of the Silk Road,” which provided a comprehensive look at the country’s tourism offerings. This included Uzbekistan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, unique tourist routes, and the ongoing infrastructure projects that are transforming the country into a modern travel hub.
Focus on Niche Tourism Opportunities
Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee also highlighted niche tourism opportunities that have the potential to appeal to a wide range of travelers from the Gulf region. Special attention was given to pilgrimage tourism, medical tourism, ecotourism, and gastronomic tourism. These sectors are seeing considerable investment, as Uzbekistan works to create a welcoming environment for Arab tourists. Efforts to integrate sustainability into tourism offerings were also discussed, underscoring the country’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism.
In his keynote address, Umid Shadiev, the chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, stressed the nation’s transformative journey in the tourism sector. “Uzbekistan has long been an integral part of the vibrant Silk Road,” Shadiev remarked. “Today, our hospitality sector is undergoing a major transformation, a true renaissance.” He noted that significant strides have been made in liberalizing visa policies, streamlining border procedures, and expanding air routes to accommodate the growing demand for tourism. These efforts are supported by tax breaks and other incentives designed to cultivate a favorable business environment in the tourism industry.
Tourism Growth and Ambitious Targets
Shadiev shared impressive statistics from 2024, reporting that over 10 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, generating a staggering $3.5 billion in tourism revenue—an increase of 1.5 times from the previous year. These numbers reflect the country’s growing appeal as a tourism destination, bolstered by a government strategy that prioritizes tourism development as a key pillar of economic growth. Shadiev set an ambitious target for the future, aiming to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2030.
This goal aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader vision of diversifying its economy, which mirrors Qatar’s own strategy to reduce dependence on oil and gas resources. Both nations are increasingly focusing on tourism as a crucial economic driver. Shadiev acknowledged the strong relationship between Qatar and Uzbekistan, noting that Qatar has been one of the first countries to benefit from Uzbekistan’s liberalized visa policy. This partnership has already shown signs of success and is expected to grow even stronger in the coming years.
B2B and G2B Meetings Foster New Collaborations
The forum also included numerous B2B (business-to-business) and G2B (government-to-business) meetings, where tourism industry representatives from both countries had the opportunity to discuss potential collaborations and exchange ideas. These meetings led to several agreements, including plans to organize promotional tours to Uzbekistan for Qatari tour operators and media representatives. This initiative is aimed at giving key stakeholders in the tourism industry a firsthand experience of Uzbekistan’s unique attractions and fostering long-term partnerships.
Showcasing Uzbekistan’s Cultural and Natural Beauty
A photo exhibition, showcasing Uzbekistan’s breathtaking landscapes and architectural wonders, also took center stage at the forum. The exhibition featured images of historical monuments, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and traditional handicrafts, allowing attendees to get a glimpse of the country’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. Guests also had the opportunity to savor traditional Uzbek cuisine, with a variety of dishes that exemplify the country’s culinary traditions.
Conclusion
The “Uzbekistan–Qatar International Tourism Forum” in Doha was a turning point in the development of Uzbekistan’s tourist sector, specifically with reference to its burgeoning engagement with the Gulf area. During the event, Uzbekistan presented the rich cultural life of the nation, the strong tourist potential of the country, and the determination to make the nation a friendly destination for international tourist visitors. Through the enhancement of its infrastructure and the loosening of visa regulations, as well as the marketing of the possibilities of niche tourism, Uzbekistan stands to become one of the leading destinations within the Silk Road area. Through audacious targets set by the government and robust cooperation with such nations as Qatar, the fulfillment of the vision of Uzbekistan becoming a prominent tourist destination globally is certain to feature dominantly; hence, the country continues to elevate itself as a significant tourist destination globally.
References: Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Embassy in Qatar
