Tourism is an important component of the development of Central Asia

Recently, tourism as a socio-economic phenomenon has direct impact on the development of all related infrastructure. Tourism currently accounts for about 6% of the world’s gross domestic product, 7% of global investment, 11% of global consumer spending and 5% of all tax revenue.

Today, despite the ongoing difficult epidemiological situation in the world caused by COVID-19, tourism remains an important area and can act as a driver for the economic development of countries and regions.

In this regard, it is no coincidence that during his speech at the Fourth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of States of Central Asia in Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan on 21 July 2022, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev singled out tourism as one of the points of economic development of the region.

The proposal to create a joint expert group to prepare specific proposals aimed at increasing mutual tourist flows is relevant in itself, since it will allow specialists to develop new projects and routes for the development of the regional tourism industry.

We believe that the stimulation of intra-regional tourism through the development of special tourist routes and products will give a new impetus to the further development of regional tourism. In addition, cross-border tourism will allow foreign tourists to plunge into the authentic world of Central Asia, to experience the culture, lifestyle, national tastes and traditions of the population.

The architecture of the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Turkestan, the Pamir mountain ranges and other sights of the region are of great interest to travelers. It is noteworthy that Central Asia has a unique historical and natural potential. Of the more than 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 51 are located in our region.

It is obvious that cooperation in the field of tourism between countries that are close in mentality, worldview, history and culture is economically beneficial for each of them and will contribute to balanced economic growth.

In this regard, it is advisable, within the framework of an expert group, to start cooperating on the formation of promising cross-border routes, improving road infrastructure, launching certified tourist bus routes between cities, implementing joint initiatives such as Silkway Visa, etc.

In general, the development of tourism in the interests of all countries of Central Asia, which will positively affect the socio-economic development of all countries in the region, will give a powerful impetus to the further popularization of cultural and historical monuments among tourists.

Ramziddin Gulyamov

Chief Researcher of the International Institute of Central Asia