Pilot activities are being conducted in Uzbekistan to develop mountain tourism across the country. The government has decided on the systematic development of speleotourism.
It is planned to gradually form modern tourist infrastructure in the selected sites and increase tourist flow between 2026 and 2028.
The list includes 10 areas where speleotourism can be developed. When carrying out construction and repair work at cultural heritage sites, appropriate permits and approvals from the Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage must be observed. Work within protected natural areas must take into account established environmental restrictions.
The Tourism Committee is instructed to prepare media products concerning the tourism potential of these sites by the end of 2026 and place them on the Unified National Tourism Platform. Starting from 2027, international scientific expeditions are planned, as well as the creation of a database of the most attractive sites for visitors.
Measures to attract private investment will be taken during 2026–2027. From 2027, annual investment forums, presentations, and business meetings involving local and foreign investors are scheduled.
In 2027–2028, local administrations must organize engineering, communication, and tourism infrastructure, including recreation areas and sanitary-hygienic facilities. Support for the population in establishing family guesthouses is also provided.
Special attention is paid to tourist safety. A regulatory document defining the procedure for ensuring safety when visiting the sites must be developed within three months. Starting from 2027, practical training sessions will be held twice a year.
To promote speleotourism internationally, an international scientific and practical conference is planned for May-June 2027 with the participation of foreign experts and researchers. Additionally, research in speleology, geology, hydrology, and biospeleology is planned annually starting from 2027, with the involvement of international grants.
Furthermore, the creation of documentaries for foreign television channels and regular broadcasting of media materials about Uzbekistan's tourism potential is planned.
