导语：In a single year, the volume of tourism services exceeded $2 billion. Uzbekistan has huge potential in the sphere of tourism. The colossal opportunities of the national tourism sector are recognized at the international level, as evidenced by the top places Uzbekistan occupies in world rankings, the
In a single year, the volume of tourism services exceeded $2 billion. Uzbekistan has huge potential in the sphere of tourism. The colossal opportunities of the national tourism sector are recognized at the international level, as evidenced by the top places Uzbekistan occupies in world rankings, the numerous prestigious world events held in our country, the keen interest of large foreign companies in the tourism sector in our region and the growing number of tourists.
The last six to seven years have seen a breakthrough in the sector in our country. The main impetus for the changes was the initiative to develop the tourism sector launched by the Head of State. From the very first days of his presidency, Shavkat Mirziyoyev focused on the development of tourism, which could indeed become a driver of the economy. The President, with the support of his fellow countrymen, launched cardinal reforms in the sector and in other areas of the country's economic and social life. In order to increase the flow of tourists to the country, it was essential to create decent conditions. This could not be achieved without solving problems in all areas of socio-economic life.
The effectiveness of the large-scale work carried out is reflected in the development of all areas of tourism, in the transformation of towns and districts, makhallas, in the improvement of people's well-being even in the most remote villages and small towns and settlements.
This was particularly evident in the coronavirus pandemic, which had a negative impact on global tourism. While in many countries the sector suffered enormous losses, in our country it continued to develop, albeit slowly. In many respects, this was due to the comprehensive support provided by the state to the representatives of the tourism sector, in the form of a friendly credit policy, customs and tax concessions, and practical assistance in solving urgent problems in the tourism sector.
After the pandemic, the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan has increased steadily. Last year, about 7 million foreign tourists visited the country, which is almost 3.7 times more than in 2021.
The annual commitment on the volume of export of tourist services was exceeded, the indicator amounted to $2 billion.
In 2023, under the programme "Travel across Uzbekistan!", domestic tourists made more than 20 million visits to cities across the country. In addition, with the support of the Tourism Committee, more than a thousand trips for people with disabilities and 570 thousand trips for young citizens were organized in the regions. As a result, the target for the development of domestic tourism was exceeded.
Only in January-November the average expenditure of a tourist during his stay in our country amounted to $326. In terms of countries, a tourist from Asia or Europe spent an average of $1,066, from the CIS - $743, from the neighbouring countries - from $154 to $257, which is many times more than in previous periods. These funds, which replenish the state treasury, are used to implement projects, state programmes aimed at improving the living standards of the population.
At a press conference held in the capital at the end of last year, Ibrohim Barnayev, Head of the Tourism Committee, said that by 2023, Uzbek tourism would have surpassed the pre-pandemic level of development and entered the straight line of growth in all directions.
Reforms in energy, transport, financial system, industry, services, trade, medicine and other sectors of the economy are of great importance for achieving this result. The policy of openness and freedom initiated by the President, the unity of the state and society, the open dialogue with the people established at all levels and in all spheres of the country's life, as well as an effective foreign policy are decisive factors.
The domestic tourism sector has clearly demonstrated the power of New Uzbekistan's reforms. Starting from humble beginnings, it has become a recognized driver of the economy, reaching a qualitatively new level of development in a short period of time. There is still a lot of responsible work to be done in this sector, but given the scale and significance of the changes that have taken place in our country in recent years, it is entirely achievable.