Chairman of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shadiyev Umid Rustamovich was interviewed by Paralel.Az Information Agency

– How do you assess the current state of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the field of tourism?

– The main objectives of cooperation in tourism between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are to develop the tourism potential of both countries, strengthen cultural exchange and expand tourism destinations. Within the framework of this cooperation, the priorities are the implementation of joint tourism projects, popularization of mutual cultural and historical heritage, attraction of investments in the tourism infrastructure of both countries and increase in the flow of international tourists. Special attention is also paid to the development of gastronomic tourism, with the aim of creating specialized gastronomic destinations through the promotion of national cuisines. This cooperation is aimed at strengthening the tourism sector of both countries in the international arena.

– What are the main achievements in the framework of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the field of tourism?

– A number of important projects and initiatives in the field of tourism have been implemented between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism between the Governments of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, signed on May 27, 1996, and the Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Company "UZBEKTOURISM" and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Tourism of Azerbaijan, signed on October 13, 2003, serve as a legal basis. Within the framework of this cooperation, information and experience are exchanged, participation in tourism events and the creation of favorable conditions for tourism companies are carried out.

On February 29, 2024, the international forum "HOTEL BUSINESS FORUM-2024" was held at the InterContinental Hotel in Tashkent, organized with the support of the Tourism Committee and the Hoteliers Association of Uzbekistan. Representatives of the tourism sector of Azerbaijan took part in the forum. The event discussed issues of developing tourism relations between the two countries, opportunities for cooperation in the hotel business and the exchange of innovations.

Also on June 2, 2024, a delegation led by the head of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan took part in the 12th session of the Islamic Conference of Tourism Ministers, which was held in Khiva.

In addition, in order to expand cooperation in the field of tourism between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the "Action Plan in the Field of Tourism for 2024-2026" was signed between the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan and the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan. According to this plan, it is planned to invite tourism organizations to participate in international tourism exhibitions, promote the tourism opportunities of the parties through the media, organize info-tours for famous bloggers from both countries, and exchange experiences between representatives of the tourism sectors of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Such projects and initiatives reflected in this document are of great importance for the further development of the industry.

– What initiatives in the field of tourism do you consider the most promising for the further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

– Plans for the development of tourism infrastructure and the creation of joint tourist routes between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are mainly aimed at creating routes connecting cultural and historical sites of both countries. According to the plans, it is envisaged to attract joint investments for the development of tourism infrastructure, the creation of new hotels, transport routes and service networks. Programs for joint tourist routes will also be developed, offering exclusive tours covering the most important cultural heritage, historical monuments and natural beauty of the two countries. These routes may include cities such as Baku and Tashkent, as well as historical cities such as Samarkand and Sheki. These plans help strengthen the positions of both countries in the tourism sector and attract international tourists.

– What measures are being taken to attract tourists from Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan and from Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan?

– Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are implementing a number of initiatives to develop tourism and increase mutual tourist flow, which in turn contributes to strengthening cultural, humanitarian and economic ties between the two countries.

Firstly, the absence of a visa regime for tourists from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, common history, similarity of mentality and absence of language barriers create significant advantages for traveling between the countries. In addition, the airlines "Uzbekistan Airways" and "Azal" operate several flights connecting Tashkent and Baku. Joint cultural events and festivals are regularly held, such as the Days of Culture of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, which contribute to the development of cultural exchange and attract tourists interested in cultural tourism.

Uzbekistan actively promotes the tourism potential of Azerbaijan, holding presentations on the country's cultural heritage, natural beauty, history, culture, gastronomy and traditions.

Tour operators of Uzbekistan offer special tourist packages for citizens of Azerbaijan, including excursions to historical sites, acquaintance with national cuisine and traditions. The parties actively participate in tourist exhibitions, forums, festivals and other events held in both countries.

– What measures have already been taken to facilitate the movement of tourists between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

– At the moment, there are no significant problems in the development of the tourism sector between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, and no serious difficulties are observed. One of the main issues, such as the visa regime, has already been resolved, and a visa-free regime has been introduced between the two countries, which significantly facilitates the movement of tourists. Current plans focus on further improving the tourism infrastructure, developing new joint tourist routes and expanding transport links. Specific measures are also being taken to promote tourism through joint marketing campaigns, forums and cultural events aimed at widely promoting the tourism potential. These processes contribute to the sustainable development of the tourism sector and create greater opportunities in the future.

– How do the introduction of a visa-free regime and the opening of new direct flights affect the tourist flow between the two countries?

– Changes in visa policies and transport links have a significant impact on the development of tourism between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Firstly, the simplification of visa procedures, including the introduction of a visa-free regime, has significantly increased the flow of tourists between the two countries. These changes allow travelers to plan their trips more easily and quickly, while increasing the attractiveness of both countries. Secondly, changes in transport links, such as the launch of new direct flights between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, have made travel more convenient and efficient. Direct flights operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Azal connect Tashkent and Baku, which has also contributed to the increase in tourist flow. For example, in 2018, 10,465 Azerbaijani citizens visited Uzbekistan, in 2019 this figure increased by 18.17% to 12,367 people. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of visits dropped sharply by 82.10% to 2,213 people. In 2021, there was a growth of 30.58%, and the number of visits was 2,890. In 2022, the number of visits increased significantly by 259.97%, reaching 10,403 people. In 2023, there was an increase of 4.98%, and 10,921 Azerbaijani citizens visited Uzbekistan. In the first 7 months of 2024, this figure was 9,574 people. All these data contribute to strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries and provide an opportunity to promote both countries as a single tourist destination for international tourists.

– What events and forums are planned to strengthen cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

– Our countries have successful experience in organizing and participating in tourism and cultural events aimed at tourism and cultural exchange, as well as in promoting the increase of mutual tourism flow.

An example of the successful organization of such events is the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF), which is held annually in Tashkent and will be held in November 2024.

Representatives of the tourism industry of Azerbaijan traditionally actively participate in the work of the Tashkent International Tourism Fair (TITF) with their stand. In addition, the Azerbaijani delegation includes representatives of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, who are holding talks on deepening cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries.

Every year, a calendar of cultural and tourist events is formed in Uzbekistan, which are held in various regions of the country. Information about these events is widely distributed among business entities in the tourism sector and is included in tourist routes for foreign guests. Such events include the festivals "Sharq Taronalari", "Makom", "Bakhshi", "Lazgi", as well as melon and lavender festivals in Khiva and Kokand, "Silk and Spices" in Bukhara and many others.

– What influence do the cultural and historical features of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have on the formation of tourist offers and routes?

– Joint marketing campaigns and actions aimed at promoting tourist routes of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are implemented through various initiatives that help attract tourists from both countries. These events help effectively promote tourism opportunities and expand the tourist flow between the states.

Both countries are developing joint cross-border tourism packages that include visits to major attractions in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. These tourism packages are aimed at attracting travelers interested in the cultural and historical attractions of both countries.

In order to demonstrate the historical and cultural-humanitarian ties between the two countries, cultural events are regularly organized in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. It has become a good tradition to hold festivals "Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Uzbekistan" and "Days of Uzbekistani Culture in Azerbaijan", various exhibitions, concerts, film festivals and other events.

PR campaigns are implemented with the involvement of influential media, bloggers, artists, sculptors and artisans. Well-known travel bloggers and influencers specializing in promoting the tourism potential of Uzbekistan are invited to the country to highlight the tourism opportunities of both countries.

– What cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is developing in the field of tourism education, and what grants are provided to citizens of Azerbaijan?

– Cooperation between the two countries is developing in the field of tourism education. The "Scholarship" grant of the Government of Uzbekistan is allocated to citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan to study at the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage "Silk Road" located in Samarkand. In particular: in the 2022-2023 academic year, 2 students Kenan Salamzade and Gunel Guluzade studied, in the 2023-2024 academic year, two Mustagil Guluzade and Agshin Shukurzade are also studying. For the 2024-2025 academic year, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan have been allocated grant places.

In addition, in May 2024, the Head of the International Cooperation Department of Silk Road International University attended the General Assembly of the Union of Turkic Universities held at the State University of Economics in Baku, Azerbaijan. From 21 to 27 May 2024, representatives of the university, including the Head of the Global Education Department, the lecturer of the Tourism Department, and the Head of the History and Cultural Heritage Department, also visited Baku to attend the International Scientific Conference on Economics and Management of Research Projects (ISSEMR-24).

In August 2024, a cooperation agreement was signed between Khazar University of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage. In September 2024, under the ORHUN exchange program, N. Rahimova, a teacher of the Department of Tourism, went on an internship to the Azerbaijan State University of Economics.

In September 2024, as part of the ORHUN exchange program for the fall and spring semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year, Shehla Gahramanova, a lecturer from the Azerbaijan State University of Economics, will arrive at the Silk Road International University. Lecture classes on the business and management exchange program are planned as part of the exchange.

– What measures are being taken to ensure a high level of service and safety for tourists traveling between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

– There are clear plans to improve the quality and safety of tourism services for tourists from Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Firstly, as part of the expansion and modernization of tourism infrastructure, 183 new hotels (12,287 beds) and 232 hostels (7,960 beds) were opened across the country, increasing the total number of accommodation facilities to 5,526 and the number of beds to 144,094. Secondly, 452 family guest houses (4,188 beds) were created, increasing their total number to 3,458 and the number of beds to 30,738. In order to improve the quality of service and safety of tourists, 810 new tourism organizations and travel agencies were opened, increasing their total number to 2,649. There are 2,551 professional tour guides throughout the country providing services to tourists. To create additional convenience for tourists, 20 new tourist information centers were opened in 2023, increasing their total number to 173. These plans are aimed at improving the service of tourists and ensuring their safe and comfortable travel. In addition, according to the World of Statistics, Uzbekistan is included in the list of the best countries for travel in 2024, which further highlights the country's attractiveness in the tourism sector.

– What factors contribute to the growth of tourist flows between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

– The study and analysis of tourist flows between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan demonstrate positive dynamics and growth in the sphere of cooperation. Both countries are actively developing bilateral tourism due to their common cultural and historical heritage, as well as through initiatives to simplify tourism requirements and develop infrastructure. These measures contribute to strengthening and expanding tourism ties between the two countries.

Every year the number of tourists traveling between the two countries grows. This is due to the introduction of a visa-free regime, the opening of new direct flights and the active promotion of tourist opportunities. These factors contribute to an increase in tourist flow and improvement of relations between the countries.

In particular, in 2023, about 15 thousand tourists from Azerbaijan visited the country, and according to the results of January-August 2024, about 10 thousand citizens of Azerbaijan visited Uzbekistan, which indicates a growing interest in our country.

Uzbekistan, with ancient cultural cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for tourists from Azerbaijan. Cooperation in the field of tourism, especially in the context of improving infrastructure and implementing new tourism projects aimed at promoting the unique opportunities of each country in the international arena, offers great prospects for development.

Thus, the trends and results of the tourist flow between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan indicate the positive development of bilateral relations, which serves to strengthen cultural and economic cooperation.

– What new tourism products and services are being developed within the framework of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan?

– There are several plans to create new joint tourism products and services that may be of interest to tourists from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. These include special joint tourism routes that include historical and cultural heritage, popularization of the national cuisines of the two countries through gastronomic tours, holding cultural festivals and forums, organizing new projects in the field of ecotourism and educational tours. These plans serve to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism, attract tourists and widely promote the cultural heritage of the two countries.