As previously reported by Spot, Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a video conference meeting dedicated to the work accomplished in 2024 and the key objectives for 2025 regarding the development of the service sector.
Last year, the export of tourist services amounted to $3.5 billion, which, as noted, does not align with Uzbekistan's potential. For instance, Malaysia and Indonesia have around 7 million followers of the Naqshbandi Sufi order who wish to visit Muslim shrines and religious landmarks before traveling for Umrah.
In particular, there is an opportunity to bring pilgrims from Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta to Samarkand and Bukhara for at least 2 days, after which they can be flown to Mecca. The President instructed responsible officials to launch the "Umrah Plus" tour package for pilgrims from Malaysia and Indonesia.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that despite the presence of venues such as "Oqsaroy" in Shahrisabz, "Ichon Qala" in Khiva, "Labi-Hauz" in Bukhara, and "Yangi Uzbekistan" in Tashkent, no concerts, exhibitions, or forums are being held there. For example, if concerts featuring international artists were organized in the six tourist centers of the republic, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and service establishments would be filled with tourists.
In this regard, the head of state tasked developing a program for hosting concerts, business forums, and international-level exhibitions that would attract no less than 1 million tourists.
Additionally, considering the large number of unexplored historical sites, the goal has been set to collaboratively develop a three-year program with scholars for identifying and restoring appealing historical sites.
Earlier, Spot reported that Euro-5 class trucks and above would be exempt from recycling fees and duties for another three years.