Uzbekistan and the Philippines held a meeting to discuss prospects for deepening interaction in the field of tourism. The parties agreed to increase tourist exchanges and implement new joint projects.
Uzbekistan and the Philippines held a meeting to discuss prospects for deepening interaction in the field of tourism. The parties agreed to increase tourist exchanges and implement new joint projects.
The meeting took place on August 14 and was attended by S. Bobokalonov, Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, Roberto G. Manalo, the Philippine Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Behbat Sodnoma, the Honorary Consul of the Philippines.
Participants discussed the further development of ties between the two countries in the field of tourism and the expansion of mutual tourist flows. Representatives familiarized the delegation with the historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as the country's potential in areas such as pilgrimage, gastronomic, ecological, and other types of tourism. Information was presented on measures being taken in Uzbekistan to attract foreign tourists.
Furthermore, the parties exchanged views on developing practical cooperation between representatives of the tourism industries of both countries. Potential tools for cooperation considered included business meetings, presentations, familiarization tours, and other events aimed at promoting the tourism potential of Uzbekistan and the Philippines.
After the main part of the meeting concluded, the parties continued to discuss issues of further partnership in tourism and the promotion of joint initiatives.
According to the National Statistical Committee, the number of active tour operators, travel agents, and other enterprises in Uzbekistan's tourism sector reached 3455 as of July 1, 2026.
This figure demonstrated an increase of 676 enterprises, which represents a 24.3% growth compared to the same period last year.
Statistical data indicates a continuous expansion in the number of companies in the tourism sphere. In 2022, there were 1918, in 2023—2071, in 2024—2585, and in 2025—2779.
Thus, over the period from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2026, the total number of operating enterprises in the tourism industry increased by 1537, rising from 1918 to 3455.
The most significant growth over the entire period under review was recorded in 2026, when the number of enterprises increased by 676 compared to July 2025.
The Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, met with the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Samir Paul Kapoor, to discuss prospects for further development of bilateral cooperation. This meeting was reported by the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov.
Both sides noted that the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States has reached a new level in recent years. According to Saidov, close interaction between the leaders of the two countries continues to provide an additional impetus to bilateral relations.
During the negotiations, participants discussed methods for deepening cooperation and preparatory measures for upcoming meetings at various levels. Furthermore, they exchanged views on cooperation within the C5+1 format and considered current regional and international issues.
