Uzbekistan proposes introducing a summer 'siesta' for the tourism sector

Uzbekistan is introducing a requirement for tour operators and travel agents engaged in outbound tourism to reserve funds. Upon obtaining a license, companies will be required to create a special fund with an amount of no less than $50,000.

Purpose of Fund Reservation

These funds are intended to ensure the protection of citizens in case of difficulties arising during the organization of foreign trips. According to the draft government decree, these norms were disclosed by the Committee on Tourism for public discussion.

Functions and Replenishment of the Fund

The reserve accumulations will be used to compensate tourists for material damage suffered due to the poor provision of services. Furthermore, the fund will cover expenses related to the temporary stay of citizens, including providing them with food, transportation, communication means, evacuation, and subsequent return to Uzbekistan.

In addition to the main sum, the fund will be replenished from several sources. These include targeted guarantee fees for each realized tour product, part of the fines imposed for licensing violations, donations, income from placing free funds in banks, international grants, and other sources permitted by law.

Collection Mechanism and Deadlines

The amount of the targeted guarantee fee is set at 0.15 of the basic calculation unit for each tourist. This fee must be paid through the National Tourism Platform before the formation of the tourism code; without this code, the tour product will not enter the system of the fund's guarantee protection. Currently, the draft decree is undergoing public discussion, and proposals regarding it are accepted until July 30.

The Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, A. Akkulov, organized a meeting with Nurlan Saparov, Executive Director of the Kyrgyz Association of Tourism Organizations (KATO), as well as with heads of major tour operators from both countries.

Discussion on tourism development measures

During the 'round table' held, participants discussed a number of steps aimed at increasing the number of tourists traveling between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Plans were outlined to develop common tourist routes and deepen interaction between the hotel sector, transport companies, and tour operators from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

International promotion and air connectivity

Significant attention was paid to promoting the 'Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan' destination on the world stage. The parties agreed to organize informational tours for tourism industry specialists and to jointly present at major international exhibitions under the common name 'Central Asia'. As a result of the negotiations, it was decided to jointly attract visitors from third countries, as well as to support the launch of direct flights between Bishkek and Samarkand, and between Bishkek and Urgench.

Furthermore, the meeting participants confirmed their intention to continue expanding practical cooperation between the tourism businesses of the two states.

Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, held an open meeting with business representatives to discuss directions for developing medical tourism, expanding tourist services, and measures to increase the number of foreign visitors.

Country's Competitive Advantages

Participants in the discussion addressed initiatives aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan's position as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in Central Asia. Medical tourism was recognized as one of the fastest-growing segments of the hospitality industry. Among Uzbekistan's competitive advantages cited were its strategic geographical location, modern network of multidisciplinary clinics, accessibility of treatment, and continuous improvement in the quality of medical services.

Inflow of Foreign Patients

These factors have contributed to the growth in the number of foreign patients coming to the country from neighboring states and more distant markets. Special attention was paid to the stable increase in the flow of medical tourists from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. Participants emphasized that further sector development requires not only modernization of medical infrastructure but also a comprehensive approach to serving international patients.

Priority Development Areas

Key measures were determined during the meeting: expanding cooperation with foreign medical institutions, organizing familiarization tours for international tour operators and media representatives, promoting integrated 'treatment plus travel' programs, and supporting the international accreditation of local clinics. The implementation of multilingual consultation services, telemedicine, improvement of online booking systems, conducting international PR campaigns, training qualified specialists for the medical tourism sector, simplifying visa procedures, and creating additional conveniences for accompanying family members were also discussed.

Strategic Goal of Development

At the end of the gathering, participants identified the main areas for further work aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Uzbekistan's medical tourism, expanding the range of high-quality medical services, and strengthening the country's international reputation as a place for treatment, rehabilitation, and health restoration. The development of medical tourism is viewed as an important element of the strategy for diversifying the tourism sector, attracting foreign investment, and increasing the export of medical services within efforts to enhance tourism attractiveness and develop high-tech healthcare in the country.