Biggest obstacle to tourism development in Khorezm identified

Uzbekistan has a tourism export potential of $10 billion, with $2 billion attributed to the Khorezm region. However, this potential is far from being fully realized. In 2024, only 1.3 million foreign tourists visited the region, and tourism exports failed to reach even $400 million. These figures were shared during a meeting on May 2, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, dedicated to discussing the socio-economic development priorities of Khorezm.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Khorezm has ample opportunities to become one of Central Asia’s leading tourist hubs. The region is home to 263 cultural heritage sites and boasts a growing number of entrepreneurs actively engaged in tourism services. However, officials criticized the governors of Khiva city, Khiva district, and Yangiarik district for failing to collaborate with entrepreneurs to develop 14 high-potential sites into tourist destinations.

It was also noted that many historical monuments in Khorezm remain unexplored. There is limited information about sites such as “Suleiman Qala” in Hazorasp, “Kalajik Qala” in Bogat, “Khan Bogi” in Yangiarik, and “Alma Otisgin Qala.” To address this, it was decided that the activities of the Khorezm branch of the Society of Historians of Uzbekistan will be financed through the state budget. Authorities were instructed to invite experienced foreign archaeologists and initiate practical efforts to identify and restore these historical monuments.

A new four-day “Qala Tour” route will be introduced, linking eight ancient fortresses in Khorezm and Karakalpakstan. Service facilities will be developed around these fortresses according to a unified master plan.

Officials also noted the untapped potential of gastronomic tourism in the region. It was proposed to bring one leading restaurateur from each region to the “Arda Khiva” complex and to establish two modern food courts featuring multiple restaurants in the Mevaston and Gazchi neighborhoods of Khiva.

Restaurateurs promoting Uzbek national cuisine abroad will receive government support. The authorities were tasked with creating a system to reimburse part of the expenses related to registration, licensing, and launching of Uzbek restaurants overseas.

Khorezm is known for its rich tradition of over 40 handicrafts, which attract tourists interested in the production process. To support this sector, a Handicraft Center will be established on a 6-hectare site in the Mevaston neighborhood. Additionally, 1 billion sums will be allocated annually for training artisan apprentices.

The absence of internationally branded hotels in the region was also discussed. The government will continue subsidizing newly constructed hotels in Khorezm, with a goal of launching 40 hotels offering a total of 2,500 beds by the end of the year, including at least two branded hotels.

Tourists have voiced concerns about the lack of swimming pools during the hot season. In response, the government will reimburse part of the construction costs for pools at hotels and entertainment venues.

There is also growing demand in Khorezm for multilingual tourism staff—especially guides, waiters, and service personnel fluent in Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, and Spanish. Currently, services are mainly offered in English, Russian, and French, but concerns have been raised about the quality and professionalism of staff. In response, 100 guides and an equal number of service staff will be trained annually in at least five high-demand languages at the Khiva Tourism College.

Despite these developments, the meeting identified transportation as the biggest hurdle to the rapid growth of tourism in Khorezm. Although flights from Russia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, and France have had some positive effects, the lack of flights from Germany, China, and Arab countries has resulted in lost opportunities.

To address this, the government has instructed officials to propose direct flights from Frankfurt, Urumqi, Beijing, and Abu Dhabi, and to ensure daily flights from Istanbul during the peak tourist season.

The Urgench International Airport is set to be transferred to Korean Incheon Airport through a public-private partnership. The facility will be reconstructed in line with national architectural traditions.

Officials were also directed to attract Korean airlines ahead of the renovation, send aviation and airport staff to Korea for advanced training, and begin preparing local personnel based on Korean best practices at transport and service colleges in Khorezm starting from the new academic year.