Uzbekistan seeks to develop tourism industry
By Vusala Abbasova
Uzbekistan is stepping up the pace of its tourism industry development through state programs on tourism industry extension, as well as international cooperation and the adoption of foreign experience in all relevant spheres.
A discussion "On small-scale business and private enterprise in the development of tourism" was recently held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The representatives of private enterprise demonstrated their facilities in an event with the participation of UzLiDep and MPs, reported Uzdaily.
Development is mainly led through the establishment of the State Company Uzbektourism within the scope of tourism sphere, which should be realized in accord with the bill "On tourism". The bill includes the rights and duties of tourism organizations, the basics of security, insurance, tourist service and service at an international level.
As a result, Uzbekistan has improved the control area and its economic efficiency. This has become an important factor in the development of the tourism industry.
The travel and tourism industry was previously neglected, and was not considered as a priority in Uzbek economy. However, there have been many changes, since Uzbekistan gained independence.
The first change came with the creation of the National Company Uzbektourism which was founded by a presidential resolution in 1992.
The direct contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP in 2014 stood at 0.9 percent. This forecast rose by 3.9 percent 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 percent (0.9 percent of GDP) by 2025.
Tourism in Uzbekistan is traditionally associated with the cities-objects of the UNESCO World Heritage - Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
There are many types of Uzbek tourism: historical and cultural tourism, ethnic tourism, adventure tourism, ecological tourism and health tourism.
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