Proposals to improve tourism infrastructure were considered

On July 16, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with a presentation on measures to improve tourism infrastructure in the regions and increase the flow of foreign tourists, the press service of the head of our state reports.

Relevant tasks were discussed during a video conference call and dialogue with entrepreneurs held on June 3 this year. Based on the instructions given then and the proposals made, additional measures were developed aimed at developing the sphere.

In particular, in order to provide tourism organizations with working capital to attract foreign tourists to our country, a separate credit line is being opened from the Reconstruction and Development Fund in the amount of $50 million. These loans will be issued in national currency at a rate of 17 percent per annum for a period of 10 years with a 2-year grace period.

In regions with high potential, tourist facilities will be built based on master plans. This year, 100 billion soums will be allocated from the republican budget to improve the infrastructure of such regions. Also, investments in the amount of $50 million will be attracted to each of them.

A number of benefits are also provided for entrepreneurs operating in the tourism sector. These include exemption of buses and minibuses from customs duties, compensation to tour operators and artisans for 50 percent of expenses associated with participation in international fairs, and a 50 percent reduction in the income tax of entrepreneurs organizing business events with the participation of foreign guests.

The head of state noted the need to create a national tourism brand of Uzbekistan. In accordance with this, based on the requirements of target markets, content will be created about the types of tourism in our country. It will be promoted in international media and social platforms, world sports and art events. Foreign journalists, bloggers and influencers with a large audience will be involved.

For the convenience of tourists, a single online platform will be launched for all air, rail and bus flights with the possibility of purchasing tickets. Air, train and bus tickets will be put up for sale at least six months before the flight. During national holidays, additional flights will be launched. Information about this will be regularly published in the media and social networks.

The issue of training specialists for the field is also important. Starting from the next academic year, a number of innovations are planned in this direction.

In particular, educational programs in the field of tourism and hotel management will be improved based on the experience of educational institutions included in the top 100 world rankings. Instead of four years, the duration of higher education in the field will be three years. Students will be given the opportunity to work in their specialty simultaneously with their studies, developing professional skills directly in the workplace. Guide training courses will be organized at Andijan, Bukhara, Samarkand and Urgench state universities, universities of Oriental Studies, World Languages ​​and the ‘‘Silk Road’’.

The head of state gave instructions on the development of the relevant document and the effective organization of its implementation.