WNAM REPORT: online meeting was held at the Samarkand Regional Hokimiyat to discuss attracting tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia under the “Umrah Plus” program.
The meeting brought together representatives of government authorities, the diplomatic corps, and the tourism industry.
Participants included Hokim of Samarkand region Adiz Boboyev, Uzbekistan’s ambassadors to Malaysia and Indonesia, independent international tourism consultants, as well as representatives of airports and airlines.
Experts discussed the development of the “Umrah Plus” program and related tour packages, with participation from tourism companies. They proposed creating favorable conditions for domestic and international pilgrimage tourism, expanding transport routes, and improving service quality.
Issues of logistics and traveler comfort generated lively interest. The discussion covered opportunities to expand direct air services, simplify connections, improve service quality at airports and hotels, and train guides who are proficient in languages and well-versed in the cultural specifics of visitors from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Particular attention was paid to promoting Samarkand in foreign markets. Participants proposed making more active use of digital platforms and social media, and collaborating with leading tour operators, to shape an attractive, clear image of the region as a safe, hospitable, and spiritually significant destination.Following the meeting, Hokim of Samarkand region Adiz Boboyev instructed the responsible officials to develop and implement a roadmap to increase tourist flows from Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as to ensure continuous and effective interaction with Uzbekistan’s embassies in these countries.
