It was noted that over the past years, Uzbekistan has consistently strengthened its position in the international cultural arena. The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference was successfully held in Samarkand, with over 3,000 delegates from 190 countries. As a result, a roadmap for the practical implementation of Uzbekistan’s initiatives in the preservation of cultural heritage, education, and creative industries was adopted.

The results of the country’s participation in the World Expo 2025 in Japan have been summarized. The Uzbekistan pavilion, “Garden of Knowledge”, located on an area of 1,200 square meters, was visited by about 1 million people. The exhibits received extensive international coverage and became one of the most-visited pavilions. At the same time, preparations have begun for participation in EXPO 2030 in Saudi Arabia, where a 3,600-square-meter pavilion is planned.

The results of the First Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art were noted. Over 70 days, 14 restored cultural heritage sites were used across an area of 3.5 hectares. 70 artists and curators attended the biennale from more than 40 countries. The event was attended by about 1.8 million people, including more than 100 high-ranking foreign guests. It is emphasized that Uzbekistan’s permanent participation in the Venice Biennale since 2021 has increased tourist flows from Italy and expanded international professional contacts.

Major international concert programs were held in the country. In particular, Jennifer Lopez performed in Tashkent, Andrea Bocelli in Samarkand, and Black Coffee in Khiva. During the events, hotel occupancy in the respective cities exceeded 90 percent, which positively impacted tourist activity and service-sector revenues.

In 2025, the number of tourists exceeded 11 million, exports of tourism services reached $4.8 billion, and the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free travel increased to 94.

At the same time, it was noted that the tourism sector needs to adopt a project management system, introduce a unified mechanism for developing tourism products, and strengthen coordination of significant events.

Particular attention is paid to the industry’s digitalization. The task is to launch a National Tourism Platform by integrating state and private information systems, introducing proactive digital services for tourists and entrepreneurs, expanding cashless payments, and analyzing tourist flows. It was noted that digitalization is expected to reduce the share of the shadow economy and increase annual tourism revenue.

The need to implement a new marketing strategy to promote the country’s tourism potential in priority markets – the U.S., the Persian Gulf countries, India, China, and Scandinavia – was emphasized. Tasks were set to expand Uzbekistan’s presence on international tourism platforms, develop digital content, and attract major media outlets and opinion leaders.

The projects for major cultural and artistic facilities were reviewed at the presentation.

The Samarkand Heritage Trail project is being launched in Samarkand. A single tourist route, 6.6 kilometers long, will connect the Registan ensemble, the Bibi-Khanum and Shahi-Zinda complexes, and the Mirzo Ulugbek observatory.

 

A project for a new Silk Road museum in Samarkand has been presented, which involves constructing a modern three-story building totaling 19,500 square meters, featuring an inclusive environment, exhibition halls, storage facilities, and educational spaces.

The landscape design for the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory is planned for an update. A new museum building, immersive exhibition halls, a visitor center, and landscaped walkways will be created, integrating archaeological sites into a unified museum environment.

A master plan for the city of Bukhara was also presented, which provides for the creation of a comfortable urban environment, the development of transport and tourist infrastructure, and the creation of a historical and ethnographic park as a multifunctional complex with a congress hall, amphitheater, library, food hall, retail and commercial facilities, and a high-class hotel.

Following the discussion, the President emphasized the need to strictly link cultural projects with tourism development objectives, ensuring their economic sustainability and quality management.