President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Reviews Outcomes of International Cultural Events and Plans for Tourism and Cultural Development

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev today reviewed a presentation on the results of international cultural events, upcoming tasks for the development of the tourism sector, and the creation of major cultural and tourism facilities, reports the IA “Dunyo” correspondent.

According to the press service of the head of state, it was noted that in recent years Uzbekistan has been steadily strengthening its position in the international cultural space. In Samarkand, the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference was successfully held, attended by over 3,000 delegates from 190 countries. As a result, a “roadmap” was developed and approved for the practical implementation of Uzbekistan’s initiatives in the fields of cultural heritage preservation, education, and creative industries.

The country’s participation in the EXPO–2025 in Japan was summarized. Uzbekistan’s pavilion, “Garden of Knowledge,” occupying 1,200 square meters, was visited by about 1 million people. The exhibitions received wide international coverage and became one of the most visited pavilions. Preparations have also begun for participation in EXPO–2030 in Saudi Arabia, where a pavilion of 3,600 square meters is planned.

The results of the First Bukhara Biennale of Contemporary Art were highlighted. Over 70 days, on an area of 3.5 hectares, 14 restored cultural heritage sites were utilized. The biennale involved 70 artists and curators from more than 40 countries and was attended by around 1.8 million people, including over 100 high-ranking foreign guests. It was emphasized that Uzbekistan’s regular participation in the Venice Biennale since 2021 has led to an increase in tourist flow from Italy and expanded international professional contacts.

Large international concerts were also held in the country. Notably, Jennifer Lopez performed in Tashkent, Andrea Bocelli in Samarkand, and Black Coffee in Khiva. During these events, hotel occupancy in the respective cities exceeded 90 percent, positively affecting tourism activity and service sector revenues.

It was noted that in 2025, the number of tourists exceeded 11 million, export of tourism services reached 4.8 billion USD, and the number of countries whose citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free increased to 94.

At the same time, the need to transition the tourism sector to a project-based management system was emphasized, along with the implementation of a unified mechanism for creating and developing tourism products and strengthening coordination of major events.

Special attention was given to the digitalization of the sector. The goal was set to launch a National Tourism Platform integrating state and private information systems, introduce proactive digital services for tourists and entrepreneurs, expand cashless payments, and analyze tourist flows. Digitalization is expected to reduce the shadow economy and increase annual tourism fee revenues.

The importance of implementing a new marketing strategy to promote the country’s tourism potential in priority markets — the USA, Gulf countries, India, China, and Scandinavia — was highlighted. Tasks were set to expand Uzbekistan’s presence on international tourism platforms, develop digital content, and attract major media outlets and opinion leaders.

The presentation also reviewed projects for major cultural and art facilities.

In Samarkand, the “Samarkand Heritage Trail” project is being launched. A unified 6.6-kilometer tourist route will connect the Registan ensemble, the Bibi-Khanym and Shahi-Zinda complexes, and the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory.

The project for a new “Silk Road” museum in Samarkand was presented, featuring a modern three-story building with a total area of 19,500 square meters, including accessible facilities, exhibition halls, storage collections, and educational spaces.

At the Mirzo Ulugbek Observatory, the landscape design will be updated. A new museum building, immersive exhibition halls, a visitor center, and landscaped pedestrian paths integrating archaeological sites into a single museum environment will be created.

A master plan for the city of Bukhara was also presented, aiming to create a comfortable urban environment, develop transport and tourism infrastructure, and establish a historical-ethnographic park as a multifunctional complex with a congress hall, amphitheater, library, food hall, commercial spaces, and a high-class hotel.

Following the discussion, the President emphasized the need to strictly align cultural projects with tourism development goals, ensuring their economic sustainability and high-quality management.