0 forum postTASHKENT (AzerNews) – As many as 950,700 foreign tourists have visited Uzbekistan over the first half of the current year, which is 7% more than in the same period of 2014, according to the Review.uz website.
The national tourism company, Uzbektourism, praised the growth of the tourism industry over the first half of the current year in Tashkent, during an interview in anticipation of the 21st Tashkent International Tourism Fair, with this year’s theme Tourism on the Silk Road. The exports of tourist services increased by 13.6% up to $550.5 mln.
In 2014, 1.94 mln foreign visitors travelled to the country, while tourism services brought in $1.056 bln. Currently, as many as 731 tour operators and 548 hotels successfully operate in the country. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP in 2014 stood at 0.9%. It is forecast to increase by 3.9% in 2015. This primarily reflects the economic activity generated by industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP is expected to grow by 6.1% (0.9% of GDP) by 2025.
The 21st Tashkent International Tourism Fair Tourism on the Silk Road will be held in Tashkent on October 6-8, 2015. Thousands of professionals from Uzbekistan and all over the world will gather in one place to promote tourist products and establish business contacts. The fair allows the world’s leading experts to share their experiences, discuss topical tourism issues, present new opportunities, and participate in research programs at the Fair. Leading experts will announce pricing, discuss new tourism trends, and unveil new destinations.
Earlier, the travel and tourism industry was neglected in Uzbekistan. There have, however, been many changes since the country gained independence. The first change came with the creation of the National Company Uzbektourism, which was founded under an executive order in 1992.
Tourism in Uzbekistan is traditionally associated with the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva — listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. However, there are many types of tourism being offered in Uzbekistan: historical and cultural tourism, ethnic tourism, adventure tourism, ecological tourism and health tourism.
