Uzbekistan and Turkey agree to expand tourism exchange

Uzbekistan and Turkey held discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of tourism, attracting foreign tourists, and implementing joint investment projects.

According to the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, conducted a working trip to Istanbul, where negotiations took place with representatives of the World Halal Summit Council, Pegasus Airlines, and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

Discussion on Promoting Uzbekistan as a Pilgrimage Destination

In a meeting with Yunus Ete, President of the World Halal Summit Council, the parties discussed opportunities to promote Uzbekistan as an international destination for pilgrimage and Muslim tourism. Furthermore, they considered the prospect of holding an international World Halal Summit and related forums in Uzbekistan in 2027, as well as publishing an international journal.

Participants also spoke about organizing major international events in Bukhara and other cities of Uzbekistan in partnership with the Project Office for the Development of Tourist Products under the Tourism Committee.

Joint Advertising Campaign and Route Expansion

During talks with Mehmet Tevfik Nane, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pegasus Airlines, the parties examined the potential of tourism in Uzbekistan's cities covered by the airline's route network. A preliminary agreement was reached to prepare a contract providing for a joint advertising campaign to attract tourists to Pegasus Airlines flights in five Uzbek cities.

The promotion of Uzbekistan in regions where Uzbek airlines do not have direct flights was also discussed. The Pegasus Airlines route network via Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul covers over 100 destinations in 58 countries.

It was proposed to establish cooperation with Uzbek tour operators, conduct joint marketing promotions, airline presentations, and B2B meetings during the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF) in 2026, as well as organize familiarization trips.

Attracting Hotel Brands from Turkey

In negotiations with Şekib Avdagich, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, participants focused on strengthening business ties and attracting international hotel brands from Turkey to Uzbekistan. A preliminary agreement was also reached to consider the possibility of organizing joint events with the participation of the Convention Bureau operating under the Chamber.

Turkish delegates were invited to the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair 'Tourism on the Silk Road', scheduled for November 25-27, 2026. The first international forum on tourism investments will also take place at this fair.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan held negotiations with a delegation from the Turkish-Uzbek Business Council, which operates under the Turkish Council for Foreign Economic Relations (DEİK).

The parties discussed the need to strengthen economic cooperation and expand trade relations between the two states. Akmaljon Mamajonov, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, and Ozgur Onur Ozgüven, Chairman of the Turkish-Uzbek Business Council, took part in the meeting.

The Turkish delegation included representatives from companies operating in the banking, construction, energy, automotive, agricultural, and industrial equipment manufacturing sectors.

Participants examined opportunities to enhance direct contacts between the business communities, increase trade turnover, and develop interaction between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and DEİK.

The issue of Turkish business participation in the international forum 'New Uzbekistan – Crossroads of Global Opportunities,' scheduled to take place in Tashkent from November 29 to December 5, was also discussed separately. Representatives of DEİK stated their readiness to assist in attracting a wide range of Turkish entrepreneurs to this event.

Furthermore, the parties considered the possibility of holding a joint meeting of the Turkish-Uzbek Business Council with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ankara. This meeting could take place concurrently with the regular session of the Intergovernmental Commission.

Following the negotiations, the participants agreed on further strengthening the partnership, expanding business contacts, and working on the implementation of joint projects.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan held a series of joint presentations in Germany, Sweden, and Finland from October 19 to 22, 2026. The goal of these events was to promote combined travel routes and strengthen cooperation with European tourism companies.

These roadshows took place in Berlin, Munich, Stockholm, and Helsinki. The main objective was to increase the recognition of both countries in the European tourism market.

The events gathered over 140 participants representing more than 80 organizations, including tourism industry specialists and media representatives from Germany, Sweden, and Finland.

During the presentations, representatives of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan showcased the historical and cultural heritage of their countries, as well as tourist attractions and travel opportunities.

Joint Routes and Business Cooperation

Special attention was paid to creating common routes that connect the historical cities of Uzbekistan—Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—with Baku, Shamakhi, and Sheki in Azerbaijan. The proposed destinations will allow tourists to explore the architecture, history, national traditions, and cuisine of both countries in one trip.

The roadshows also included business-to-business (B2B) meetings, where tourism companies and operators discussed potential partnerships and opportunities for developing joint travel packages.

Discussions focused on adapting tourism products to the demands and preferences of European travelers, as well as expanding interaction between the tourism business. This initiative is designed to strengthen business ties with international partners, utilize the tourism resources of both countries more effectively, and attract more foreign guests.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan plan to promote not only their individual destinations but also integrated tourist routes that combine the offerings of both countries.