WNAM MONITORING: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with a presentation on measures to improve tourism infrastructure in the regions and increase the flow of foreign tourists.
Relevant tasks were discussed during a meeting and dialogue with entrepreneurs on June 3 this year. Additional measures were developed to improve the sphere based on the instructions given then and the proposals made.
In particular, to provide tourism organizations with working capital to attract foreign tourists to the country, a separate credit line of $50 million is being opened from the Reconstruction and Development Fund. These loans will be issued in national currency at 17 percent per annum for 10 years with a 2-year grace period.
Tourist facilities will be built based on master plans in regions with high potential. This year, 100 billion UZS will be allocated from the Republican budget to improve the infrastructure of such regions. Also, $50 million in investments will be attracted to each of them.
Several benefits are also provided for entrepreneurs operating in the tourism sector. These include exempting buses and minibuses from customs duties, compensating tour operators and artisans for 50 percent of expenses associated with participation in international fairs, and reducing the income tax of entrepreneurs organizing business events with the participation of foreign guests.
The Head of state noted the need to create a national tourism brand of Uzbekistan. In accordance with this, content will be created about the types of tourism in the country based on the requirements of target markets. It will be promoted in international media, social platforms, world sports, and art events. Foreign journalists, bloggers, and influencers with a large audience will be involved.
For tourists’ convenience, a single online platform will be launched for all air, rail, and bus routes, with the possibility of purchasing tickets. Air, train, and bus tickets will be put up for sale at least six months before the flight. During national holidays, additional flights will be launched. Information about this will be regularly published in the media and social networks.
The issue of training specialists in this field is also important. Several innovations are planned for the next academic year.
In particular, tourism and hotel management programs will be improved based on the experience of educational institutions included in the top 100 world rankings. Instead of four years, the duration of higher education in the sphere will be three years. Students will be allowed to work in their specialty simultaneously with their studies, developing professional skills directly in the workplace. Tourist guide training courses will be organized at Andijan, Bukhara, Samarkand, Urgench state universities, universities of Oriental Studies, World Languages, and the Silk Road.
The Head of state instructed the development of the relevant document and the effective organization of its implementation.
